Tuesday, January 20, 2015

Arterial Disease And Senior Balance Exercises

Senior Balance Exercises For Those With Poor Circulation

By Suzanne Stoke, Physical Therapist @ Exercise For Balance via www.exerciseforbalance.com
      The circulatory system is vey complex and goes through changes as we age and partaking in basic cardiovascular routines and senior balance exercises  can help maintain overall mobility. Please see   http://www.exerciseforbalance.com/buy-now  One common circulatory problem that plagues older individuals is Peripheral Arterial Disease. Medical professionals like doctors, nurses and physical therapists define Peripheral Arterial Disease as  atherosclerosis of the extremities (virtually always lower) causing ischemia. Mild Peripheral Arterial Disease may be asymptomatic or cause intermittent claudication; severe Peripheral Arterial Disease may cause rest pain with skin atrophy, hair loss, cyanosis, ischemic ulcers, and gangrene. Diagnosis for Peripheral Arterial Disease is by history, physical examination, and measurement of the ankle-brachial index. Treatment of mild Peripheral Arterial Disease includes risk factor modification, exercise, antiplatelet drugs, and cilostazol or possibly pentoxifylline as needed for symptoms. Severe Peripheral Arterial Disease usually requires angioplasty or surgical bypass and may require amputation. Prognosis is generally good with treatment, although mortality rate is relatively high because coronary artery or cerebrovascular disease often coexists. Prevalence of Peripheral Arterial Disease is about 12% in the US; men are affected more commonly. Risk factors are the same as those for atherosclerosis: increasing age, hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia (high low-density lipoprotein [LDL] cholesterol, low high-density lipoprotein [HDL] cholesterol), cigarette smoking (including passive smoking) or other forms of tobacco use, and a family history of atherosclerosis. Obesity, male sex, and a high homocysteine level are also risk factors. Medical professionals have determined that gentle endurance exercises like walking can help reduce cardiovascular disorders including Peripheral Arterial Disease. Healthcare providers recommend that before initiating a walking program you should practice specific senior balance exercises to advance balance skills and minimize any potential of falling.

Senior Balance Exercises For Walking Programs

     Before starting a walking program, it is essential to perform certain senior balance exercises to develop adequate stability. Whether you plan to walk on sidewalks, grassy parks or hiking trails, it is critical to establish strong and fast balance reactions at the feet and ankles to keep from falling while on uneven terrain. An ideal equilibrium routine to start with involves standing in a tandem stance position where your feet are lined up, heel to toe. The goal is to be able to hold this position for twenty seconds without losing your balance. In this tandem stance position you will notice that your ankles wobble quite a bit. The movement at the ankles is your natural balance reactions adjusting to the movements of your body weight. As you improve with his steadiness routine, you will build strong balance reactions, which will prepare you for a walking program. You can practice this and other senior balance exercises by following along with the Exercise For Balance DVD.


Senior Balance Exercises In The Exercise For Balance DVDPractice Balance Exercises At Home

    For folks with Peripheral Arterial Disease, please begin the best balance exercises with the Exercise For Balance DVD. The professionally filmed Exercise For Balance DVD is an exceptional instructional DVD to use at home or in a group setting. The step by step Exercise For Balance DVD comes filled with the best balance and strength exercises needed to enhance senior fitness and to perform basic activities like walking, grocery shopping, standing, stair climbing or to advance to high level activities like skiing, dancing and hiking. In the comprehensive Exercise For Balance DVD, you will learn how to improve balance, steadiness techniques and stability routines from a balance trainer ---licensed Physical Therapist--- who has worked with balance and dizziness disorders for over 20 years. Get your copy of the Exercise For Balance DVD by clicking on the BUY NOW button


 Before beginning a walking program, 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/

Monday, January 19, 2015

Atrial Fibrillation And Senior Balance Exercises

Senior Balance Exercises For Atrial Fibrillation

By Suzanne Stoke, Physical Therapist @ Exercise For Balance via www.exerciseforbalance.comready for balance exercises
    Many older individuals have issues with arrhythmias of the heart including Atrial fibrillation and practicing simple exercises including senior balance exercises  can help promote heart health. Please see   http://www.exerciseforbalance.com/buy-now As we age, Atrial fibrillation can become a common diagnosis. Medical professionals like doctors, nurses and physical therapists define Atrial fibrillation as a rapid, irregularly irregular atrial rhythm. Symptoms of Atrial fibrillation include palpitations and sometimes weakness, effort intolerance, dyspnea, and presyncope. Atrial fibrillation is one of the most common arrhythmias, affecting about 2.3 million adults in the US. Men and whites are more likely to have Atrial fibrillation than women and blacks. Prevalence increases with age; almost 10% of people > 80 year are affected. Atrial fibrillation tends to occur in patients with a heart disorder. With Atrial fibrillation, another concern is that Atrial thrombi often form, causing a significant risk of embolic stroke. Diagnosis of Atrial fibrillation is by ECG. Treatment involves rate control with drugs, prevention of thromboembolism with anticoagulation, and sometimes conversion to sinus rhythm by drugs or cardioversion. Once the Atrial fibrillation  is under control, it is important to begin a physical activity program to promote heart health.

Senior Balance Exercises For Heart Patients

   Medical researchers and health professionals have determined that cardiac rehabilitation, including senior balance exercises, is an essential component of heart function for those folks with cardiac conditions. For those with Atrial fibrillation, once heart rate control is established, it is important for heart muscle function to begin a gentle fitness program, starting with equilibrium routines to establish adequate stability. a basic steadiness exercise to initiate involves standing on one foot for twenty second hold, three repetitions each foot. By performing a single leg stance routine, you will develop strong and fast balance reactions at your feet and ankles. Once your stability develops, you will be ready to begin a walking program that encourages heart muscle strengthening. You can learn a step by step progression of senior balance exercises that will prepare you for outdoor physical activity by following the instruction in the Exercise For Balance DVD.


Senior Balance Exercises In The Exercise For Balance DVDbalance exercises

    For individuals with arrhythmias  including Atrial fibrillation, it is recommended to begin the best balance exercises with the Exercise For Balance DVD. The professionally filmed Exercise For Balance DVD is an exceptional instructional DVD to use at home or in a group setting. The step by step Exercise For Balance DVD comes filled with the best balance and strength exercises needed to enhance senior fitness and to perform basic activities like walking, grocery shopping, standing, stair climbing or to advance to high level activities like golfing, skiing, dancing and hiking. In the comprehensive Exercise For Balance DVD, you will learn how to improve balance, steadiness techniques and stability routines from a balance trainer ---licensed Physical Therapist--- who has worked with balance and dizziness disorders for over 20 years. Get your copy of the Exercise For Balance DVD by clicking on the BUY NOW button


   For Atrial fibrillation, please 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/

Friday, January 16, 2015

Incidence Of Osteoarthritis And Benefits From Senior Balance Exercises

Senior Balance Exercises Help With Osteoarthritis

By Suzanne Stoke, Physical Therapist @ Exercise For Balance via www.exerciseforbalance.comKnee Arthritis
    Osteoarthritis is a very common issue among older adults which can be helped with senior balance exercises. Please see   http://www.exerciseforbalance.com/buy-now Osteoarthritis of the hip is described as a progressive loss of
hyaline cartilage within the hip joint, sclerosis of subchondral bone, and the formation of bone spurs at the joint margins. Hip Osteoarthritis has been identified as a major cause of disability, with a prevalence of 10% to 20% in the aging population. When viewed as a predictor of functional disability, the overall condition of Osteoarthritis ranks fourth among women, and eighth among men. In addition to the personal disability associated with the disorder, Osteoarthritis also has a significant economic impact on the healthcare system. In the United States it is estimated that the number of people with Osteoarthritis in any region of the body will increase from 43 to 60 million by 2020, resulting in an estimated cost of over 100 billion healthcare dollars per year. Additionally, Osteoarthritis greatly impacts the mobility and balance abilities of senior citizens. As an example, pain in the hips or knees due to Osteoarthritis can substantially reduce a person's activity level, which leads to a downward spiral of immobility, weakness and decreased steadiness. Furthermore, the pain from Osteoarthritis can also alter an individual's gait pattern, which again can result in being off-balance and at a greater risk for falling. Considering the personal and economic impact of Osteoarthritis, therefore, it is essential for aging individual's to alleviate symptoms and progression of Osteoarthritis as well as reduce secondary effects such as balance problems.

Imbalance From Osteoarthritis Helped With Senior Balance Exercises

       A daily regime of senior balance exercises can be helpful for individuals who suffer with pain and stiffness due to Osteoarthritis. Folks who have stiffness and pain in their hips and knees from Osteoarthritis usually experience changes in their gait pattern as well as diminished balance abilities. pain from arthritic joints leads to throwing ones body weight in a quick and unsteady fashion in an attempt to decrease the time and pressure on the painful leg during walking. To help minimize that type of limping gait, it is critical to learn stability strategies such as controlling ones weight shifting in a slow and controlled manner. As an example, you can start a basic equilibrium routine by standing with your feet shoulder width a part and slowly shift your body weight front to back and side to side. This stability exercise helps to build strong leg muscles and strong balance reactions at the ankles, which overall improves steadiness. You can follow a daily routine of senior balance exercises provided by an experienced physical therapist in the exercise for balance dvd.


Balance Exercises In The Exercise For Balance DVDbalance exercises

    For anyone who suffers with osteoarthritis, begin the best balance exercises with the Exercise For Balance DVD. The easy to follow Balance DVD is an excellent tool DVD to use at home or in a group setting. The Exercise For Balance DVD is loaded with the best balance and strength exercises needed to enhance senior fitness and to perform basic activities like walking, standing, stair climbing or to advance to high level activities like dancing and hiking. In the Exercise For Balance DVD, you will learn how to improve balance, stability techniques and balance routines from a balance instructor (licensed Physical Therapist) who has worked with balance and dizziness disorders for over 20 years. Get your copy of the Exercise For Balance DVD by clicking on the BUY NOW button


Don't let arthritis pain lead to a fall. Instead, 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/

Thursday, January 15, 2015

Trauma, Whiplash, Vertigo And Balance Exercises

Balance Exercises Help After A Concussion

By Suzanne Stoke, Physical Therapist @ Exercise For Balance via www.exerciseforbalance.com
Balance exercises  have been found to be helpful for those who suffer with vertigo, especially after a trauma. Please see    http://www.exerciseforbalance.com/buy-now  1.7 million Americans suffer concussions or mild TBI (mTBI) each year according to the Centers for Disease Control (2012). Almost one-half million ER visits as a result of head trauma each year are by children 14 years of age or younger. Older adolescents age 15-19 years and those aged 65 years and older are the most likely to suffer from a concussion. The recently released American Academy of Neurology Updated Sports Concussion Guideline (March 13,2013) estimates that more than one million athletes experience a concussion each year.
Complicating the typical concussion symptoms, a common complaint is true vertigo with head or body positioning. Head trauma is recognized as a leading non-otologic cause of Benign Paroxysmal Positioning Vertigo (BPPV) in both children and adults. Although BPPV is common to otologic and unrelated medical co-morbidities (Roberts and Gans et al, 2005 visit dizzy.com Research for reprint) it is often seen post head impact. Hoffer et al (2004) reported 28% of military personnel with post-traumatic vertigo were diagnosed with BPPV.  Dispenza et al, (2010) have reported the presence of BPPV even in non-head impact conditions consistent with whiplash injury.
Our clinical experience at AIB treating over 10,000 BPPV patients since 1994, has shown the following for BPPV post head trauma:
  1. Youngest post head trauma BPPV patient, 8 years old  ranging to the oldest at 106 years old. Secondary to sports concussions, job related head impact, motor vehicle accidents, and falls.
  2. BPPV secondary to head trauma has a higher incidence of bilateral involvement.
  3. Treatment may be somewhat more resistant requiring more than the statistical 1.25 treatments reported (Roberts and Gans, 2006).
Case Study:
  • Eight year-old male. Fell off a skateboard, was taken to ER with a diagnosis of a concussion.
  • Within several days of the fall he began with an acute and severe onset of vertigo which occurred only “at night”.
  • Multiple returns to ER with subsequent CT, MRI, and EEG for possible seizure disorder.
  • Child referred to AIB for consultation due to the “dizziness” complaint.
  • Modified Hallpike testing revealed bilateral PC-BPPV, with no other vestibular involvement.
  • Child was treated with GRM treatments for both ears within the same visit. He was deemed to be clear and was then medically released by pediatrician and pediatric neurology for soccer camp the next week.


Balance Exercises

Balance exercises can be effective for individuals after they have experienced a trauma and as a subsequent effect of vertigo. The most important equilibrium routine to start with is to stand with the feet shoulder width a part and center ones body weight in the middle of the arches. In this position, you can concentrate on controlling your weight shifting with all body movements. You can learn these stability techniques and balance exercises by following along with the Exercise For Balance DVD.


Balance Exercises In The Exercise For Balance DVD

    To learn the best balance exercises, get the Exercise For Balance DVD. The Exercise For Balance DVD is the perfect Balance DVD to use at home or in a group setting. The Exercise For Balance DVD is loaded with the best balance and strength exercises needed to enhance senior fitness and to perform basic activities like walking, standing, stair climbing or to advance to high level activities like dancing and hiking. In the Exercise For Balance DVD, you will learn how to improve balance, steadiness techniques and balance routines from a balance trainer (licensed Physical Therapist) who has worked with balance and dizziness disorders for over 20 years. Get your copy of the Exercise For Balance DVD by clicking on the BUY NOW button


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/

Wednesday, January 14, 2015

Surgical Options And Senior Balance Exercises

Both Senior Balance Exercises And Surgery Can Help Walking

By Suzanne Stoke, Physical Therapist @ Exercise For Balance via www.exerciseforbalance.com
     Older adults have several options to help enhance stability with walking including surgery, medication changes, senior balance exercises and others. Please see   http://www.exerciseforbalance.com/buy-now When indicated  surgery may improve gait for patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy, lumbar spinal stenosis, normal-pressure hydrocephalus, or arthritis of the knee or hip. Insertion of pacemakers in patients with carotid sinus hypersensitivity and first eye cataract surgery have been shown to reduce the rate of falls. Improving sensory input, with visual correction or hearing aids, may augment gait and function. Reduction in the number of medications or removing medications causing adverse effects can improve gait disorders and reduce the risk of falling. For instance, the gradual withdrawal of psychotropic medications reduces the rate of falls (relative risk = 0.34; 95% confidence interval, 0.16 to 0.73).The use of mobility aids, such as canes or walkers (properly fitted to the person), can reduce load on a painful joint and increase stability. Additionally, evidence strongly supports home environment assessment and intervention, such as balance exercise programs, as part of a multifactorial fall prevention program. In particular, home safety programs provided by a trained health care professionals like Physical Therapists,  appear to be effective for persons at high risk of falls, such as those with a history of falls or other fall risk factors.

Add Senior Balance Exercises To Options For Stability Enhancement

       For older adults who have medical or orthopedic conditions that lead to instability, practicing senior balance exercises after surgical corrections can maximize steadiness and limit the possibility of a fall and injury. Since imbalance can often be multifactorial, addressing balance problems should also be comprehensive and targeted.  As an example, an appropriate equilibrium program should include both static and dynamic activities. Older individuals can rehearse static balance exercises like tandem stance, where they stand near a counter or table with one foot directly in front of the other. additionally, senior citizens can rehearse dynamic equilibrium routines including tandem walking, where they walk along a line, heel to toe. You can learn these static and dynamic senior balance exercises by following the instruction of a knowledgeable Physical Therapist in the Exercise For Balance DVD.


Senior Balance Exercises In The Exercise For Balance DVDPractice Balance Exercises At Home

    For those individuals who struggle with imbalance, please begin the best balance exercises with the Exercise For Balance DVD. The Exercise For Balance DVD is an easy to follow educational tool to use at home or in a group setting. The Exercise For Balance DVD comes complete with the best balance and strength exercises needed to enhance senior fitness and to perform basic activities like walking, standing, stair climbing or to advance to high level activities like dancing and hiking. In the Exercise For Balance DVD, you will learn how to improve balance, steadiness techniques and balance routines from a balance instructor--- licensed Physical Therapist--- who has worked with balance and dizziness disorders for over 20 years. Get your copy of the Exercise For Balance DVD by clicking on the BUY NOW button


  Get started with 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/
 

Tuesday, January 13, 2015

Standing Posture And Senior Balance Exercises

Senior Balance Exercises For Postural Alignment

By Suzanne Stoke, Physical Therapist @ Exercise For Balance via www.exerciseforbalance.comTargeted Balance Exercises
     Having good upright posture is an essential component of performing senior balance exercises   Please see   http://www.exerciseforbalance.com/buy-now Good posture, however, does not always come easy as we age. For many individuals over the age of sixty years old, maintaining a  straight, upright posture of the trunk is a simple thing that gets harder and harder to do with every passing year. The first thing you should know is that what parents, teachers, old school physical therapists and drill sergeants have always said would fix it – pull your shoulders back! – doesn’t work. It sometimes even makes matters worse by moving the weight of your arms so far back that you have to poke your head forward to compensate, ending up even more stooped.  The position of pulling your shoulders back always increases the level of tension in your body, making you feel stiffer and move more slowly. In contrast, a more effective way to solve the postural problem is to trace the problem to its origin – literally look to see where the bending forward begins in the body . As you look at the body as a whole, you will nearly always see that the hips are the most flexed, tilting the trunk forward from the tailbone up. As a result, we tend to assume a forward bent posture. This this forward positioning occurs because most of us spend a majority of the day sitting, and our muscles and nervous system adjust to hip joints bent roughly 90 degrees as the “normal” state. Consequently, straightening them out to stand gets more and more difficult, and we end up more and more bent forward when we’re on our feet. A secondary consequence of the forward bent posture is that it throws our body weight forward and puts us at a greater risk for falling.

Senior Balance Exercises

     Rehearsing senior balance exercises can  be an important part of learning to maintain a proper posture. Before tackling equilibrium exercises, however, there is a handy technique that can help improve trunk alignment and posture. The first step towards better posture, allowing you to stand up straighter,  is to fully straighten up at the hips. with your hips in proper alignment Your shoulders will generally take care of themselves once this becomes natural. The first senior balance exercises to practice to compliment postural training is to stand with your feet shoulder width a part and center your body weight in the middle of your arches. Hold this position, first with your eyes open and then with your eyes closed, to concentrate on your posture and body alignment. You can learn this stability technique and other senior balance exercises by following along with the Exercise For Balance DVD.


Senior Balance Exercises In The Exercise For Balance DVDPractice Balance Exercises At Home

    To get started on appropriate posture and the best balance exercises, get the Exercise For Balance DVD. The professionally filmed Exercise For Balance DVD is an exceptional instructional DVD to use at home or in a group setting. The step by step Exercise For Balance DVD comes filled with the best balance and strength exercises needed to enhance senior fitness and to perform basic activities like walking, grocery shopping, standing, stair climbing or to advance to high level activities like skiing, dancing and hiking. In the comprehensive Exercise For Balance DVD, you will learn how to improve balance, steadiness techniques and stability routines from a balance trainer ---licensed Physical Therapist--- who has worked with balance and dizziness disorders for over 20 years. Get your copy of the Exercise For Balance DVD by clicking on the BUY NOW button


   Start balance exercises and posture training  today with the Exercise For Balance DVD to improve balance and prevent falls.
For more information see http://www.mayoclinic.com/health-information/

Monday, January 12, 2015

Brugada Syndrome And Senior Balance Exercises

Senior Balance Exercises For Heart Patients

By Suzanne Stoke, Physical Therapist @ Exercise For Balance via www.exerciseforbalance.com
    One malady that can effect the activity level of older adults is Brugada Syndrome, with which practicing  senior balance exercises as part of a gentle fitness program can be helpful. Please see    http://www.exerciseforbalance.com/buy-now Brugada Syndrome  is a disorder that causes an irregular heartbeat. A mutation in the SCN5A gene causes the genetic form of this condition. When this mutation occurs, it may cause an abnormality called a ventricular arrhythmia. This is a type of irregular heartbeat. When this happens, the lower chambers of your heart, or ventricles, beat irregularly and prevent blood from circulating properly in your body. The consequences can be dangerous and may result in death during sleep or rest. The disease has been known as sudden, unexplained nocturnal death syndrome because people with it often die in their sleep. People who seem to be at greatest risk for the disorder are those of Asian descent, particularly Japanese and Southeast Asian ancestry. It occurs eight to 10 times more frequently in men than in women. Researchers speculate that the male hormone testosterone may contribute to the difference in incidence between genders. Sometimes,  Brugada Syndrome can be acquired. When the cause isn’t genetic, Brugada Syndrome may be related to medications for arrhythmia, high blood pressure, or mental illness (such as depression). High and low blood potassium levels, and high blood calcium levels, are also linked to acquired Brugada Syndrome. Furthermore, with an irregular heart beat, some people seem to adopt a more sedentary lifestyle, which can lead to generalized weakness, decreased mobility and balance problems. As a result, medical professionals like doctors, nurses and physical therapists recommend a course of basic senior balance exercises to develop and maintain adequate balance for all movement activities.

Senior Balance Exercises For Those With Brugada Syndrome

    People with Brugada Syndrome can stay safe and active by performing senior balance exercises on a daily basis. One of the first steps to build appropriate stability involves a simple equilibrium routine like standing on one foot for twenty seconds, three repetitions on each foot. This single stance steadiness exercises challenges the balance reactions at your feet and ankles, causing them to get stronger and faster. With strong balance reactions, you will be able to move safely throughout your home, outside your home and during a gentle fitness program like walking. You can learn this single leg standing exercise and a series of senior balance exercises by following along with the Exercise For Balance DVD.


Senior Balance Exercises In The Exercise For Balance DVDbalance exercises

    For those with  Brugada Syndrome, please begin the best balance exercises with the Exercise For Balance DVD. The easy to follow Exercise For Balance DVD is an exceptional educational DVD to use at home or in a group setting. The professionally filmed Exercise For Balance DVD comes complete  with the best balance and strength exercises needed to enhance senior fitness and to perform basic activities like walking, cleaning house, standing, stair climbing or to advance to high level activities like playing bocce ball, dancing and hiking. In the comprehensive Exercise For Balance DVD, you will learn how to improve balance, balance techniques and balance routines from a balance trainer (licensed Physical Therapist) who has worked with balance and dizziness disorders for over 20 years. Get your copy of the Exercise For Balance DVD by clicking on the BUY NOW button


   Be safe at home by starting 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/