Healthy

yHealthy Exercise

Just adding a little movement to your life can:

* Reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke and diabetes

* Improve joint stability

* Increase and improve range of movement

* Help maintain flexibility as you age

* Maintain bone mass

* Prevent osteoporosis and fractures

* Improve mood and reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression

* Enhance self esteem

* Improve memory in elderly people

* Reduce stress

Anytime, Anywhere Balance Exercises

You can do exercises to improve your balance almost anytime, anywhere, and as often as you like, as long as you have something sturdy nearby to hold on to if you become unsteady. In the beginning, using a chair or the wall for support will help you work on your balance safely.

Stand on One Foot | You can do this exercise while waiting for the bus or standing in line at the grocery. For an added challenge, you can modify the exercise to improve your balance. (See Progressing to Improve Balance below.) |

| 1. Stand on one foot behind a sturdy chair, holding on for balance. 2. Hold position for up to 10 seconds. 3. Repeat 10-15 times. 4. Repeat 10-15 times with other leg. 5. Repeat 10-15 more times with each leg. |

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Heel-to-Toe Walk | Having good balance is important for many everyday activities, such as going up and down stairs. |

| 1. Position the heel of one foot just in front of the toes of the other foot. Your heel and toes should touch or almost touch. 2. Choose a spot ahead of you and focus on it to keep you steady as you walk. 3. Take a step. Put your heel just in front of the toe of your other foot. 4. Repeat for 20 steps. |

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Balance Walk | Good balance helps you walk safely and avoid tripping and falling over objects in your way. |

| 1. Raise arms to sides, shoulder height. 2. Choose a spot ahead of you and focus on it to keep you steady as you walk. 3. Walk in a straight line with one foot...