Advice on better balance, doctor visits
DEAR READERS: Here are some follow-up tips to previous columns offered by readers.
› BALANCE EXERCISES: A physical therapist based in Fresno, Calif., who specializes in geriatrics wrote to recommend a balance enhancement and fall prevention initiative known as the Otago Exercise Program. Originally developed in New Zealand and adapted for use in the United States by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, this program is a series of exercises that focus on preventing falls and injuries among older adults. Check with your local senior center to see whether Otago is being offered. A self-paced online version is also available.
A reader from Texas suggests a variation to the balance exercises previously recommended:
“One of my favorite balance exercises is standing on one foot with my eyes closed. Do it for each foot,” he wrote. “I was surprised that you did not mention this in your article. In fact, one could add this step to most of your balance exercises.”
This adds a level of difficulty, so we recommend that you work near a stable object you can grab if you lose your balance, or work with a spotter.
› TICK BITE ALLERGY: In response to the column about the possibility of developing an allergy to meat after being bitten by a Lone Star tick, we heard from a reader in Little Rock, Ark., who developed that very allergy following a tick bite 28 years ago.
After decades of uncertainty, “it’s nice to have the explanation,” she wrote. “I was most interested to read your article in support of this theory, since I have lived with this for so long.”
› DOCTOR VISITS: We received a lot of mail about the challenge of getting the most out of your appointment with a busy physician. Many of you recommend writing down all the questions you want to ask the doctor and giving her or him a copy. Other suggestions include bringing a list of all your medications, as well as dates of vaccinations and copies of any relevant tests, scans or lab results.