August 2013 – Irene Pastore Fitness

Disappearing On The Hiking Trail

August 30, 2013

CARDINAL RULE: DON’T GO IT ALONE

When you set out on a hike, one of the most important rules, is not to go alone. If you bring a child, at least one other adult should also go along.

Here are two recent stories about disappearing hikers. One has a happy ending, while the other doesn’t look too good.

FATHER AND SON DISAPPEAR WHILE HIKING

Hiking without cell phones, or flashlights, a 51 year-old man, and his 11 year-old son went missing in Maui, Hawaii.

Starting out on the afternoon of Friday, August 9, they were reported missing 5 hours later by a family member.

A helicopter and fire personnel searched the area hit by heavy rains. The man and his son were airlifted to safety on August 10. They were very lucky to be found.

66 YEAR-OLD HIKER MISSING IN MAINE

As of August 5, the search for 66 year-old hiker, Geraldine Largay was called off. Starting out in April, alone on the Appalachian Trail in West Virginia, she covered 950 miles, and disappeared near Mount Katahdin in Maine.

Largay was reported missing on July 24, by her husband. Among the 115 search and rescue volunteers, were dog teams, wardens, and searchers on foot and horseback.

Biomarkers: The 10 Keys to Prolonging Vitality

August 20, 2013

DON’T SETTLE FOR GETTING OLD

Published in 1992 by Fireside Books, Biomarkers was written by William J. Evans, PH.D, and Irwin H. Rosenberg, M.D.

If you’re interested in staying active, fit and independent into super old age, then buy a copy of this groundbreaking book.

Biomarkers is based on a study by the Tufts University Medical School, and is one of the most important books ever published about the positive effects of exercise on the human body.

Based on medically proven research, the authors reveal that frailty and chronic disease are not caused by aging, but by inactivity and poor nutrition. With that in mind, both young and old are given hope that remaining vital and healthy is a reality, no matter your chronological age.

Healthy Pets Lead To Healthy People

August 18, 2013

An initiative is underway in Los Angeles to promote human and animal health. The ecological concept that the two are linked, is supported by the American Medical Association, the American Veterinary Medical Association, and the Centers for Disease Control.

Healthy Pets, Healthy Families coalition will focus on creating educational campaigns, and other strategies to meet its goals of disease prevention in humans and animals.

Some of the health issues prompting the formation of the campaign is the rise in animal obesity, the development of cancer in animals from exposure to second hand smoke, the effects of disasters on companion animals and their people, due to lack of preparation, and the prevention of contagious parasitic diseases.

LINKS

Fur Fitness

Healthy Pets, Healthy Families

Association for Pet Obesity Prevention

Los Angeles County Department of Public Health

Yoga Improves Senior Balance

August 15, 2013

THE TREE POSE

There are many types of Yoga poses: standing, seated, twists, balancing, lying on your back, abdomen or side.

Balancing poses may be done while standing, seated, or on your hands.

Yoga can strengthen overall, and deep core muscles that are important for maintaining good balance.

If you’re over 55 and would like to learn a beginner level standing balancing pose, consider the Tree Pose a good choice. The pose can be modified to suit individual ability.

HOW TO DO TREE POSE

Set up the pose as shown in the photograph above.

Stand on your right foot for 10 to 30 seconds. Repeat on your left foot.

If you’ve never balanced on one foot, it might be difficult at first. Just keep practicing, and don’t overdo it.

It’s traditional to do Yoga barefoot. However, if you feel more comfortable wearing shoes, that’s fine, as long as the soles are non-skid.

Practice the Tree Pose on a non-slippery floor. If you want to invest in equipment, purchase a sticky mat. Go barefoot while using a mat. Socks can bunch up on a sticky mat, and cause you to trip.

HOW TO MODIFY TREE POSE

Use A Wall For Support

Stand facing a wall. Place both hands on the wall for support, instead of having your hands in front of you. Hands are shoulder width apart.

Use A Lower Foot Position

Place your foot on the lower part of your leg, instead of higher up.

Why Older Adults Need Core Strength

August 13, 2013

INJURIES FROM FALLS ARE INCREASING

Falls in older adults are becoming more common. Seniors who fall, may suffer serious injury, or death.

Falling down isn’t a natural part of aging. It doesn’t have to happen. Prevention can go a long way to protect you.

Once injured from a fall, many older adults develop a fear of falling again. They may limit their activities, hoping to prevent another fall.

THE STORY OF JULIAN SACKS

After taking a fall in the New York City subway in 2008, Julian Sacks fell again. He lost interest in life, stopped eating, and died. The story was reported on ABC News.

STATISTICS FROM THE CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL

Every year 1 out of 3 adults 65 and over falls.
20 to 30 percent of people who fall, suffer moderate to severe injuries, such as cuts and bruises, fractured hips, and head injuries.
The most common areas subject to breaks, are the pelvis, spine, forearm, leg, hip, upper arm, and hand.
Most fatal falls occur at home.

HOW CORE TRAINING HELPS SENIORS

A stronger core means you’re more stable, while going about your daily activities.
Strengthening core muscles helps to maintain your independence.
Core strength improves your balance. You’re going to stop falling.
Life becomes more pleasant, when you lose your fear of taking a fall.

Irene Pastore Fitness