The big thing we should pay attention to in the Fall.

Happy pumpkin season!

The fall means pumpkins, cozy knit sweaters, warm apple cider and beautiful colored leaves. Fall means we leave behind the lazy days of summer. We begin to feel an energy in us. A time to start to energetically feel the newness of life. The crisp fresh air, the new notebooks and the scent of vanilla or pumpkin warms our hearts.

Ok you get the point. Enough woo woo stuff. Although that is me and I love that part of me.

Let’s get down to the other meaning of fall.

It is estimated that 1 out 3 people of 65 will fall. Out of those falls, 60% will be fatal. That is a staggering statistic and it concerns me greatly. What can we do to prevent a fall.

First, we must actively work on not having this happen. The word actively doesn’t mean just pray or try to be careful. It means taking a proactive action to try to prevent falls.  Of course I am well aware of accidents. I fell on the ice a few years ago and my knee and hip were injured. Things will happen but maybe if we start to strengthen and stretch the foot and ankle we can actively prevent falls.

Here are my 5 active tips to prevent falls:

1. Roll the foot everyday. A golf ball is sufficient, even a tennis ball. Do it while brushing your teeth so it becomes a habit. Rolling the foot stimulates the small nerve receptors which have a direct correlation to the rest of the body all the way to the brain.
2. Practice stretching and strengthening exercises for the feet and ankles. Please see my videos on instagram and Face Book.
3. Strengthen the core. The core is the foundation of the body. The rectus, the obliques and the back extensors make up the core. They need to be strengthened daily.
4. Balance exercises need to be actively practiced. After rolling the feet while your brushing your teeth, close your eyes and balance on one leg. To add a challenge, brush your teeth with your non dominant hand.
5. Work on mobility for the joints in the hip, knee and ankle.

Let’s embrace the fall but prevent the falls!

Here’s to pumpkins and spice

In health and happiness

Maria Lorenzo