Health Care in Canada

Are you looking for how to health care information for Canadian boomers and seniors? Let Changing Gears be your guide.

New Year. New You. New How To Solution Possibilities. Make 2010 your best year yet by ensuring you have your best foot forward. The good news is there are many simple things you can do to reduce your risk of an injury from falling. 

How To Keep Your Best Foot Forward

Did you know that one in every three Canadians over age 65 will fall at least once in a year? Learn how to reduce your risk of falling.

Best Foot Forward is a new public education program developed by the CCA to address the issue of debilitating falls among older Canadians. It's a grass roots public education program that has the best qualified health professionals in Canada behind it - Canadian chiropractors!  

How to Stay Active

Being active is one of the best how to ways to reduce your risk of falls. Active people get more physical exercise and are more mentally alert.  

Social activities, sports and clubs all keep you on the move – and that’s good for your physical strength, balance and perception. Try to get at least 20 minutes of exercise at least three times a week – preferably every day. Canada’s Physical Activity Guide to Healthy Active Living for Older Adults is a good source of information.

You can find it on the Health Canada website.

How to Improve your Strength and Balance

Taking a tumble can cause serious injury that affects your everyday life and independence. One of the best ways you can reduce your risk of slipping, tripping and falling is to improve your strength and balance. Almost any kind of physical activity is helpful – but some activities deliver greater benefits than others.

While any activity that uses your legs is good, it’s important to find something you enjoy. The best exercise plan in the world won’t help if you don’t want to do it.

How to Boost Your Balance

Your sense of balance is what keeps you on your feet – without it you would not be able to stand upright. Poor eyesight, some medications and some health conditions can cause dizziness or other balance problems. Keep these tips in mind:

• Have an annual eye examination.

• Review your medications, vitamins and herbal supplements with your pharmacist or MD.

• If you feel dizzy or faint, see a health professional for an evaluation.

• Eat regularly and ensure you drink enough non-alcoholic, non-caffeinated beverages.  

Strength and balance work together to keep you steady. There are many activities that contribute to maintaining and improving balance – and help build strength.

Swimming is a good choice if you enjoy the water.

Cycling is appropriate for people who feel comfortable on a bike. Wear protective gear such as a helmet.

Tai Chi benefits balance, strength and flexibility. It also encourages mental focus, concentration and calmness.

Yoga can be adapted for any age. It offers benefits similar to Tai Chi.

Golf gets you walking, and using a club requires balance and co-ordination.

Dancing is a great work-out for your legs. Put on your favourite music and practice your steps in the living room.

These are just a few ideas to consider. Remember, anything that gets you on your feet and moving will help maintain strength and balance.

What’s a Good Goal?

Aim for 20 minutes of exercise at least three days a week. Even better – build some activity into every day. Your independence is worth it.

Canada’s Chiropractors. Here to Help.

A Doctor of Chiropractic can assess your strength and balance, and prescribe exercises specifically for you. To locate a chiropractor in your community visit the Canadian Chiropractic Association website. For more information or to arrange for a chiropractor to give a presentation to a group, please contact the Canadian Chiropractic Association toll-free at 1-877-222-9303.