The Balancing Act

Helping You Stay Active and Independent for a Lifetime!

February 15^th 2017

• Stairs... Maybe the Best Exercise Ever!
• Future Health and Fitness Events

Climbing Stairs... Maybe the Best Exercise Ever!
By Woody McMahon

In your younger days, being concerned about falling would probably never have even crossed your mind. But getting older can lead to a decline in confidence and an increase in the fear of falling. It is so common that the fear of falling has been studied scientifically and what they have found may surprise you. Falling research has confirmed that the fear of falling, or FOF as it is called, is a very real phenomenon that concerns many adults over the age of 65. Reducing your FOF is an important goal in the quest to remain independent, stay active and have fun!

Falling creates all types of life-changing events. According to the Mayo clinic, one of the most common causes for a hip fracture is a fall. "A hip fracture is more than just a broken bone; it can be a life changing event. With surgery, hospital stays and physical therapy it can take as long as a year to recover." Fearing a fall can significantly increase your risk of a hip fracture. One of the keys to avoiding a hip fracture is to reduce your fear of falling. But how can you reduce FOF?

The Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADDA) says this about the fear of falling. "Most people who fear falling avoid some physical activities. This fear is a better predictor of decreased physical activity than age, perceived health, number of prescription medications, gender, or history of falls." What this means is the more you fear a fall, the less likely you are to exercise and stay physically active. Less physical activity translates into weaker legs and a reduced ability to balance. A loss of strength and balance can lead to an increased risk of falling. The fear/inactivity cycle creates a potentially harmful or even deadly spiral.

So what does this all mean? First, discuss your fear of falling with someone who can help you resolve it. This could be a family member, your doctor or a knowledgeable fitness professional. The sooner you talk about FOF the faster you can resolve it. Second, have your balance and strength professionally tested and evaluated. Consider working with a professional to create a well designed balance, strength and mobility program that is right for you. Working on rather than ignoring the problem is the best way to remain independent, stay active and have fun! 

I suggest trying the the Centers for Disease Control's Balance Tests. You can find them on my web site by clicking here on Three Simple Balance Tests. I invite you to watch the videos and try the tests. You can also use the tests as a good starting point for your new balance program. I offer free balance testing by appointment at my office. Also come to the FREE Loudoun County sponsored Balance Testing Workshop on January 18th at 10:30 am at the Loudoun County Area on Aging in Ashburn. Also watch for the Tai Chi... Moving for Better Balance classes starting March 1st.  

After completing the tests and if you need more information please contact me, Woody McMahon, at 703.628.2880 or email to woody@sequoiahealth.com
 

Future Health and Fitness Events

Fall Prevention and Balance Classes

Monday's 12:30 to 1:30 pm St. Luke Catholic Church, McLean,VA
St. Luke Catholic Church in McLean,VA has invited me to teach an 8 week, one hour a week fall prevention and balance class. I am teaching simple exercises that can be practiced at home to enhance balance, increase strength and improve posture. This is an ongoing class and open to the general public. Maintaining good balance may be the most important component to help you stay active, independent and have fun!

Cost: $10 per class

For more information or to register please contact Woody McMahon at 703.628.2880. Space is limited!

                               ************************************

Loudoun County Area Agency on Aging Fall Prevention Workshop
Wednesday January 18th 2017 10:30 to 11:30 am LCAAA in Ashburn

The Loudoun County AAA is sponsoring my fall prevention and balance workshop called
Balance, Balance and More Balance! I will discuss how better balance can help keep you active and indepndent for a lifestime. We will also offer a three part balance test to see how well the class can balance. Maintaining good balance may be the most important component to help you stay active, independent and have fun! For more information or to register please contact Woody McMahon at 703.628.2880. Space is limited! Cost: FREE

                                ************************************ 

Shepherd Center Fall Prevention Workshop
Thursday January 19th 2017 10:00 to 11:00am The Shepherd Center in Oakton

The Shepherd Center in Oakton is sponsoring my fall prevention and balance workshop called
Balance, Balance and More Balance! I will discuss how better balance can help keep you active and indepndent for a lifestime. I will also offer a group balance test to see how well the class can balance. Maintaining good balance may be the most important component to help you stay active, independent and have fun! For more information or to register please contact Woody McMahon at 703.628.2880. Space is limited!  Cost: FREE     

                              ************************************

Tai Chi... Moving for Better Balance Classes Starts March 1^st 2017 in Ashburn at Loudoun County Area Agency on Aging!

Scientific studies have shown that practicing Tai Chi can be an effective tool for improving your balance and reducing falls. I teach the Tai Ji Quan: Moving for Better Balance classes; a Tai Chi based fall prevention and balance program that has been scientifically shown to improve balance and reduce falls by up to 55%. This is a 2 times a week for 12 weeks program. 

Cost: $120 for 12 weeks 

Click Here to Watch Dr. Li the Developer and Researcher of This Program Teach a Class>>>

For more information please contact Woody McMahon at 703.628.2880 or email to woody@sequoiahealth.com.

                             ************************************

Woody

Woody McMahon
The Sequoia Advisor

Sequoia Health and Fitness, Inc.
483A Carlisle Drive
Herndon, VA
20170

Required Disclaimer: The material provided herein should not be construed as a health-care diagnosis, treatment regimen or any other prescribed health-care advice or instruction. The material is provided with the understanding that the publisher is not engaged in the practice of medicine or any other health-care profession and does not enter into a health-care practitioner/patient relationship with its readers. The publisher does not advise or recommend to its readers treatment or action with regard to matters relating to their health or well-being other than suggesting that readers consult appropriate health-care professionals in such matters. No action should be taken based solely on the content of this publication. The material and opinions provided herein are believed to be accurate and sound at the time of publication, based on the best judgment available to the authors. However, readers who rely on material in this publication to replace the advice of health-care professionals, or who fail to consult with health-care professionals, assume all risks of such conduct. The publisher is not responsible for errors or omissions.

Copyright (c) 2006-2016 by Sequoia Health and Fitness, Inc.

------------------------------------------

About this Newsletter

To unsubscribe or change subscriber options visit:
http://clients.autopilotsolutions.com

To learn more about Posture Perfect!, please contact Woody McMahon:
woody@sequoiahealth.com

You are receiving our free newsletter from this email
woody@sequoiahealth.com