How to Avoid Falling: A Guide for Active Aging and Independence

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About How To Avoid Falling: A Guide For Active Aging And

Review Information-packed guide... a program of nonstrenuous exercises to improve balance, strength, and flexibility, these are illustrated with easy-to-follow line drawings... A highly recommended addition to senior health and fitness collections. -- Karen McNally ― Library Journal Published On: 2004-10-01 A great deal of commonsense suggestions... with a few simple precautions and an informed outlook you can avoid the pain of falling and continue happily with your active lifestyle. -- Terry Peters ― North Shore News Published On: 2004-10-10 Library Journal selected this book as one of the "Best Consumer Health Books of 2004." -- Barbara Bibel ― Library Journal Published On: 2005-05-01 Comprehensive chapter one fall proofing every room in the house, plus how to avoid falling hazards outdoors... describes what to do after a fall. ― Choices After 50 Published On: 2005-10-01 Product Description Staying active without fear of falling. The danger of falling increases substantially with age. This is especially true in developed countries where aging populations tend toward comfortable, inactive lifestyles. How to Avoid Falling is a practical, non-technical guide to minimizing the occurrence of falls as well as their devastating effects. The book recommends taking stock of one's current level of health, physical abilities, ongoing medical concerns and current medication. It covers the risk factors of falling, how to alleviate them, as well as some general practices for living a healthy life. Exercise is key, especially walking every day. There are fitness and balance exercises that will improve health and a sense of well-being. Fall-proofing a home is also covered, as is being aware of the best way to respond to hazardous situations such as icy or slippery conditions. A final section describes what to do after a fall starting with how to safely get up again, regaining confidence, as well as how to choose canes and walkers. From the Author My book shows how Regular Appropriate Physical Activity (R.A.P.A) will restore balance, strength and flexibility thus reducing the likelihood of a fall. It shows people how to fall proof the home, move about safely inside and out in all weathers, and learn fall prevention and protective fall techniques. And finally, most important of all, it presents the way to overcome the fear of falling and regain confidence to live a happy and productive life. About the Author Eric Fredrikson gives accident avoidance courses for hospital and corporate clients. Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved. Preface I personally learned about unintentional falling the hard way. One day, when I was in a rush, I slipped on some ice at the top of the cement stairs that led down to my condo's parking garage. I landed on my left side and broke a rib. I was 68 years old when this happened. I am sure my injuries would have been far more severe had I not been in good physical condition. I have been regularly walking and exercising since I was in my mid-40s. When I slipped that day, I was able to break the force of the fall by hanging on to the handrail, and I kept my head up so it didn't hit a step. Nevertheless, my beautiful 180-degree maneuver taught me two things: First, the old saying that it only hurts when you laugh is true; and second, don't rush when you are going up or down stairs, especially if they are made of cement. During the last five years I have given accident-avoidance courses and presentations on achieving good health through regular, appropriate exercise and I have been involved in various programs and organizations concerned with successful aging strategies. I participated in the Sunnybrook Medical Centre's Balance Program (associated with the Osteoporosis Society of Canada and the Asthma Society of Canada), and have given an accident-avoidance course for the Home Safe Home program. I have presented my "Stay Fit, Fun and Flexible Let's Not Fall" program at many malls, seniors'