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Science & Me presentation for the public:Everyone occasionally trips and falls down. Come join us as we explore our sense of balance and ways to improve balance to reduce the risk of fall-related injuries.
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Life is a Balancing Act:What does science tell us about falling
down?
Lindsay Reustle
University of Missouri
What to Expect
What is balance?How does balance work?Why is it difficult to maintain balance as we age?
How can we improve our balance?
Thank You
Dr. Linda Lutz
Elm Street Yoga
Dr. Hannah Alexander
University of Missouri
Fellow Presenters
Disclaimer
All information presented in the Science and Me series is for educational and resource purposes only. It is there to help you make informed decisions about health-related fitness issues. It is NOT a substitute for any advice given to you by your physician. Always consult your physician before beginning any exercise program.
What is balance?
The ability to maintain the center of gravity of a body within the base of support with minimal postural sway.
Requires Cooperation of Multiple Systems
National Institutes of Health
NIH: Balance Problems
How does balance work?
How does balance work?
Cerebellum: Motor Control
Vision and Balance
-Detecting hazards in the environment
-Depth Perception
-Contrast Sensitivity
Proprioception
The body's sense of where it is in space
Sense of joint position
Balance and Illness
Nearly 8 million American adults report having a chronic problem with balance
Common Causes of Balance Problems
-BPPV
-Labyrinthitis
-Medications
-Circulatory System Diseases
How can we reduce the risk of falls?
-Medical Management
-Environmental Modifications
-Balance Training
Environmental Modifications
-Repair cracked sidewalks
-Replace light bulbs and improve lighting
-Add no-slip mats to bathtub
-Add rails to bath area and also for any steps
What is Balance Training?
-Aids your muscles and how they react to each other
-Helps to prevent instability and falls.
-Strength and balance go hand in hand.
-You are never too old to exercise!
Exercise is for EVERYONE!
Famous Fallers:You are not alone!
Consuelo Velazquez, singer “Besame Mucho”
Kelsey Grammar, actor, “Frasier”
Ed McMahon, actor
Hillary Clinton, Secretary of State
Nancy Reagan, former First Lady
Billy Graham, religious leader
Closing Thoughts
“You can't help getting older, but you don't have to get old.”
~George Burns
(1896-1996)
