Side Effects Of Statins And Senior Balance Exercises

Senior Balance Exercises For Those On Statins

By Suzanne Stoke, Physical Therapist @ Exercise For Balance via www.exerciseforbalance.com

  Healthcare professionals are discovering some of the side effects of statins and the subsequent need for older adults to practice senior balance exercises. Please see more at    http://www.exerciseforbalance.com/buy-now According to medical researchers, there’s no question that statins (a class of medications used to lower cholesterol levels) are beneficial in preventing heart attacks and strokes. However, recent studies are revealing that statins can also cause unwelcome side effects that can increase the risk of falling. A recent study stated that elders have a 50% greater risk of falling when taking a statin. Some of the most common statin side effects that elders experience includes:

•    Muscle weakness (myopathy)/muscle pain (myalgia). Pain is typically felt as a soreness or tiredness of the muscles. Pain can be a mild discomfort, or it can be severe enough to make daily activities difficult. For example, individuals might find climbing stairs or walking to be uncomfortable or tiring. Muscle pain and weakness are the most common side effects of taking statins.

•    Walking problems and unsteady balance. This is mainly caused by weakness and loss of strength in the legs.

•    Cognitive impairment. These include episodes of confusion, forgetfulness, and memory. Complaints generally start either at the onset of use or after years of using a statin.

•    Cataracts. There is an increase likelihood of developing cataract in persons who use statins. Cataracts not only effect one’s vision, but also the ability to maintain safe mobility.

•    Diabetes. Statins can result in high blood sugar levels and increase the risk of developing diabetes.

•    Sleep problems. These consist of daytime sleepiness and fatigue. Sleep complains are also associated with irritability and cognitive problems.

•    Drug interactions. Up to 80% of people who take a statin are also taking at least one other medication (either prescription or over-the-counter) that has the potential to affect the effectiveness of the statin. As well, this can increase the likelihood of drug interactions and drug toxicity.

About 20% of elders taking a statin experienced a side effect. As a result, medical providers such as doctors, physicians assistants and physical therapists suggest that older individuals who take statins should also participated in senior balance exercises and leg strengthening exercises.

Senior Balance Exercises For Side Effects Of Statins

    Since taking statins can cause muscle pain and weakness as well as imbalance, older individuals are encouraged to practice senior balance exercises every day. As an example, you can rehearse single leg standing routines where you stand on one leg for about twenty seconds. This equilibrium routine will help establish strong and fast balance reactions at your feet and ankles. You can learn how to perform single leg standing routines and other senior balance exercises by following along with the instructions from a qualified physical therapist in the Exercise For Balance DVD.

Senior Balance Exercises In The Exercise For Balance DVD

    For those on statins,s get started on a course of the best balance exercises with the Exercise For Balance DVD. The healthcare provider recommended Exercise For Balance DVD is a high quality instructional DVD to use at home or in a group setting. The easy to understand and simple to follow Exercise For Balance DVD includes  a step by step series of the latest balance and strength exercises necessary to optimize senior fitness and to carry out basic daily activities like shopping, doing laundry,  walking, standing, cleaning house, stair climbing or to advance to more difficult pursuits like skiing, dancing, playing golf and hiking. In the  comprehensive Exercise For Balance DVD, you will learn how to improve stability, how to apply steadiness techniques and how to safely execute balance routines from a  qualified balance specialist --- licensed Physical Therapist---who has worked with balance and dizziness disorders for over 25 years. Get your copy of the Exercise For Balance DVD by clicking on the BUY NOW button

If on statins, start balance exercises today with the Exercise For Balance DVD to improve balance and prevent falls.
For more information see http://www.mayoclinic.com/health-information/