Forest bathing or shinrin-yoku is the Japanese term for taking in the forest atmosphere while walking among trees. In Japan, forest bathing has been promoted in recent years as preventative medicine for spiritual connectedness and overall health. Here in the states, it is recommended to walk 10,000 steps per day, which correlates with how much […]
What is Balance and How Does it Contribute to Falls?
Have you ever lost your footing on stairs, wet/icy pavement, or the floor of your own bedroom as you get up at night—causing you to fling your arms out to try and catch yourself before landing and raising your heart beat to cope with the suddenly stressful situation? Nearly everyone, regardless of age, has experienced […]
How to Improve Your Posture
I often hear my patients say, “I have terrible posture”. Or their loved ones say to them: “Stand up straight.” “Pull your shoulders back.” “Stick your chest out.” “Don’t slouch.” You’ve probably heard these commands to improve your posture. More often than not, most people — whether young or old, high level athlete or not […]
Caring for Your Dog, Mindfully
While walking his german shepherd, my uncle got tangled up in his dog’s leash and fell down, as the dog decided to go a different direction. Gail bent down to fill her dog’s food bowl and hurt her back. Lori’s dog took off after another dog pulling Lori’s arm causing rotator cuff tendonitis. I know; […]
Fall Prevention Day at the Northbrook YMCA
This past April I spent a morning at the Northbrook YMCA providing fall risk/balance screenings. I love offering this service, as I think improving balance and avoiding falls is extremely important. My lovely assistant, my mom Anita, and I arrived at the Northbrook YMCA at 8:30 a.m. We set up the room and waited for […]
