Importance of Posture amp Balance Posture is the correct alignment of body parts supported by the right amount of muscle tension against gravity Poor posture Can lead to injury and pain ID: 602428
Download Presentation The PPT/PDF document "Fall Prevention" is the property of its rightful owner. Permission is granted to download and print the materials on this web site for personal, non-commercial use only, and to display it on your personal computer provided you do not modify the materials and that you retain all copyright notices contained in the materials. By downloading content from our website, you accept the terms of this agreement.
Slide1
Fall Prevention
Importance of Posture & BalanceSlide2
Posture is the correct alignment of
body
parts supported by the right
amount of muscle tension against gravity.
Poor posture:Can lead to injury and painMisalignment of the Spinal CordDepressionImpression others have on youBowel problems (when you slouch your intestines are folded up)Makes you look heavierCuts off circulation
2
Without posture, we would fall to the ground. Slide3
Better posture requires:
Strong abdominal muscles
Muscle
strength of hips and legsFlexibility of legs, especially hamstrings
Normal joint motionBalanced postural muscles on each side of the spineProper alignment of skeletal muscles3Slide4
Is it too late to correct my posture?
Conscious
awareness of your own posture habits can help you correct yourself
Simple exercises can help increase muscular strengthTherapy can help zone in on specific muscles and joints to focus on
4It’s never too late!Slide5
Correct way to walk with assistance:
5Slide6
Muscles to Exercise for better posture:
6
Abdominal
Erector Spinae
Latissimus DorsiRhomboidsTrapeziusHamstringsQuadricepsGlutesSlide7
Better posture = Better balance
Better balance = Less falls
7Slide8
Better Balance
Less fallsSlide9
Ask yourself these questions…
Do I feel unsteady?Do I feel the room is spinning around me?Do I feel as if I’m moving when I’m sitting or standing still?
Do I lose by balance and fall often?
Do I feel disoriented, such as losing my sense of time or where I am? If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, you are more at risk for falling.9Slide10
Vestibular system
Balance and equilibrium help us stay upright. It is controlled through signals to the brain from your eyes, the inner ear, and sensory stems of the body such as; skin, muscles, and joints. This system is known as the vestibular system.
Disorders or complications to any part of the vestibular system may put you more at risk for balance issues resulting in falls.10Slide11
How balance works…
Somewhere around your stomach is your center of gravity.
As
long as your center of gravity is more or less above your feet, your body will always be balanced.Start leaning to the side, and everything changes.
Your head is one of the heaviest parts of your body. If you lean to your right, your center of gravity is no longer directly above the midpoint of your feet. The more you lean, the more likely you are to fall over.Keeping good posture and strength will decrease your chances of losing that center of gravity and prevent falls. 11Slide12
Coordination
Can you pat your head and rub your stomach at the same time?As you age, you become less aware of your movement and positioning. This can lead falls.
Practicing daily can increase your coordination; decreasing risk of falling.
12
Muscular strength
Having strong muscles helps you to regain your footing quickly if you start to lose your balance.
Regular exercise can help you build and tone muscles.
Increasing your flexibility can also be a vital component for balance.Slide13
Vision & Hearing
VisionRegular eye check-ups can keep your eye sight at its best. Not being able to see clearly can increase your chances of losing your footing.
Hearing
Slight changes in hearing can affect your balance. Well-fitted hearing aids and check-ups can decrease your chances of falling. 13Slide14
Tips for fall prevention:
1. Keep floors free of clutter2. Avoid
icy and rainy conditions outside
3. Keep items at waist level. Less bending over4. Take your time and do not get in a hurry5. Consider a medical alert device6. Avoid slippingWet floorsSocks (wear wide, flat shoes with a rubber sole)7. Use a cane or walker for more stability
14Slide15
Falls
are the leading cause of death from injury among people 65 years and older.
1/3 of people over age 65 fall annually
¼ of seniors who fracture a hip will die within 6 months of injury
2/3 of those who fall will do so again in 6 months
Take steps to improve your life.
Balance is one of the few things we can control… take charge!