Balance Exercise

David Mendosa Living With It Medical Journalist Living with Diabetes and Author of Fitness and Photography for Fun, www.mendosa.com/fitnessblog After earning a B.A. with honors from the University of California,... Send Message Subscribe: David Mendosa

Sunday, October 21, 2007
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Three people, none of whom know the others, happened to mention balance exercise to me on three consecutive days. I’ve learned to listen to coincidences like this, because the last time it happened like that, I listened and changed my life for the better.That was another story that happened mor...

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Balance Exercise
Chrissie inBelgium
Monday, October 22, 2007 at 05:15 AM
Thanks David, now I know what to dill my time with while waiting..... I will definitely start doing this several times a day!

Balance
Gretchen Becker
Monday, October 22, 2007 at 10:03 AM

I have no problem whatsoever standing on one leg. But I can't do it with my eyes closed. I read somewhere that this is a skill that all children have and that one loses with age.

If you have any information on this, I'd be interested.

re: Balance
David Mendosa
Tuesday, October 23, 2007 at 01:05 AM

Dear Gretchen,

I have the same problem so far. But it is doable. I just saw a 52-year-old woman do it. with her eyes closed. This has to be another example of the type of myth that we progressively get worse as we get older.

re: re: Balance
Gretchen Becker
Tuesday, October 23, 2007 at 09:55 AM

I don't think it's a myth. See this.

However, I'm sure one can improve both open-eyes and closed-eyes balance with practice.

Rupert Murdoch
Ellen
Wednesday, October 24, 2007 at 04:18 PM

David,

I'd be interested in your opinion of Chris Crowley and Henry Lodge's book "Younger Next Year" as it applies to those with diabetes. One reason older people fall is the neurotransmitters that coordinate balance deteriorate with age. Weight training 'repairs' the deterioration. I will add standing on a pillow to my balance exercise.

I like Rupert Murdoch.

re: Rupert Murdoch
David Mendosa
Wednesday, October 24, 2007 at 08:58 PM

Dear Ellen,

Even if you like Murdock, I will read the book you recommend and let you know what I think of it. Thanks for bringing it to my attention.

Balancing Exercise
CRwoodlands
Friday, October 26, 2007 at 01:08 AM

WOW...Thanks, I am now 68 and have been insulin dependent for more than 40 years and during the last 5 years I have had the feeling of losing my balance .. and yes, I have stumbled...once feel on my face, blamed that on steppinig off of a curb..but now believe that balance is the reason. I had always had excellent balance but now even walking on the roof of my house gives me the feeling that a fall is possible, so I don't do that now. I will try to improve using the method you have laid out. The very best to you and stay well.
Bill in Castle Rock