How To Prevent Falls: Better Balance, Independence and Energy in 6 Simple Steps - Softcover

Perkins-Carpenter, Betty

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0962103160 ISBN 13: 9780962103162

Publisher: Senior Fitness Inc, 2006

Synopsis

The new edition of How To Prevent Falls lays out a common sense, fun approach to improving both fitness and balance in senior citizens through a series of simple exercises. It offers seniors and the people who care for them a hands on and practical guidelines for fall-proofing themselves. Through it's simple descriptions and engaging illustrations by nationally known cartoonist Jim Whiting, the book first introduces a series of morning stretches and then balance exercises. Next, ball-handling exercises and multi-tasking all to increase confidence and capability. Finally, The Slump, a way to practice falling by "slumping" into a chair or bed, and Dancing with a Pillow, which puts together balance and movement, exercise and fun. Plus, an appendix full of tips, checklists, and resources. This book is different as it won't overwhelm you. The exercises are explained in a few clear sentences and have delightful drawings to follow step by step. Each chapter assumes you are a beginner and then is followed by an advanced version for you to try whenever you feel capabable. It is not always possible to prevent the illnesses that change our lives, but it is possible to prevent or minimize most of the falls that plague our senior citizens. This book can do that, one person at a time all over the nation.

About this title

About the Author

Dr. Betty Perkins-Carpenter is the President of Senior Fitness Productions, Inc. A former Olympic diving coach, she has been hailed as "America's Ambassador to Senior Fitness." Dr. Perkins-Carpenter has addressed the White House Conference on Aging, and was inducted into the prestigious Healthy American Fitness Leaders. She also was appointed as a Consultant to the President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports. The author of two best-selling books, How To Prevent Falls and The Fun of Fitness, as well as the guide Stretching in Bed, she has devoted more than 50 years to the development of her unique Six-Step Balance System(tm) to improve and maintain the quality of life for seniors. Additional Bio upon request)

From the Inside Flap

(Not sure what you mean by "Flap Copy" but the following is on the back cover)6 Simple Steps to Improve Balance and Avoid falls and Injuries. Every hour an older adult dies from a fall-related injury. And the fear of falling keeps many seniors from enjoying their independence. Now, seniors can reduce the risk of falling with this fun and easy-to-use book. The Six-Step Balance System(tm) was developed to empower seniors to improve their balance and energy. This book is a life-saver for seniors and an invaluable tool for anyone that works with them. You too can gain the benefits that thousands of others have through the wisdom found in this book

Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.

Introduction: How the Six-Step Balance System(tm) was created

The Six-Step Balance System(tm) was developed through many years of research and life-giving experiences. Many talented individuals influenced the overall creation, including physicians, care-providers and seniors themselves. It is also based on my many observations of active young children and athletes who were my students at the Perkins Swim Club (founded in 1964), and my uniquely designed pre-school program for children, ages 2 through 5, where academics were taught through sports and movement, a program known as Fit by Five (founded in 1969).

While serving on the President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports and as an Olympic diving coach, I recognized the growing need for an effective national fitness program for older adults. As a result, in 1986 I started Senior Fitness to provide guided health and fitness opportunities for seniors. In total, I have worked with older adults in the field of fitness for more than fifty years!

During those years, there were many changes in our society regarding fitness. I learned a great deal about the benefits of good health and why fitness is important. Also, I have witnessed the many problems that can occur with aging. However, it has been my mission to discover fun and effective ways to improve people's lives through innovative fitness activities.

An important observation that led to the creation of my Six-Step Balance System(tm) began at my swim club, where we taught children and adults of all ages how to swim and dive.

One of my swimming programs was designed to teach infants how to survive a water accident by rolling over from a face float to a back float in order to breathe. This program was one of the first of its kind in the country, and gained national and international praise when it was made into the best selling video Born-To-Swim: Together At Home In The Tub.

It was back in 1964, after studying the video, that I first made the connection between the position of toes and balance. When infants rolled over onto their backs, they were out of balance and their toes were spread wide. When they regained their balance, their toes came back together.

A few years later, the Fit by Five children revealed a similar reaction. When bouncing on a trampoline or walking across a balance beam, some children would lose their balance, and their toes spread wide. When they regained their balance, their toes would return to normal. At that point,

I began to understand the relationship between the position of the toes and the ability to balance the body. During the 1984 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, I studied the toes and balance movements of the Olympic divers. When premier diver Greg Louganis hit his head on the diving board, he had been out of balance and his toes spread.

I was convinced of the connection since I saw it first hand: first in the infant, then in the pre-schooler, and then the skilled Olympic athlete. All had their toes spread while trying to regain their balance, which I later learned was a primitive reflex.

Making this vital connection prompted me to investigate further the physical phenomenon of balance and its role in human fitness activities. Having been an athlete and now, as a fitness instructor, I had a great opportunity to begin to collect and analyze all of the physical data needed to develop and support my new ideas.

I began compiling all the information I had acquired regarding fitness and balance. With this important information, I started using creative body movements and fun activities to teach my students how to regain, improve and maintain their balance.

Edition details

• Publisher: Senior Fitness Inc
• Publication date: 2006
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0962103160
• ISBN 13: 9780962103162
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 5
• Number of pages: 138