Health benefits of tai chi

Tai chi – printable information sheet Quick links What is tai chi? Are there different types of tai chi? What […]

Looking to shake up your exercise routine? Find out how Pilates, tai chi and yoga provide a good workout while being kind to your joints.

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Download: Decreasing the risk of falls and fractures | Fact Sheet MAIN POINTSFalls and fractures can happen at any age, but the risk increases as women age.Falls in older people are more likely to cause more severe injuries.Low bone density, low muscle strength and poor balance are more likely as women age and increase the risk of falls.Improving your bone health can also help decrease the risk of falls and decrease the severity of any injuries or other consequences if you do fall.Appropriate physical activity can help decrease several fall risk factors.Speak with your doctor, assess your overall health and make changes to decrease your risk of a fall.You can reduce your risk of having a fall. The years before, during and after menopause are great times to speak with your doctor, assess your overall health and make changes to decrease your risk of a fall.By the numbers – falls and fractures in women after the age of 40Between the ages of 40 and 60 years, women begin to experience a decrease in the ability to balance and a decrease in bone density. Both of these changes contribute to the likelihood of both a fall and more severe outcomes after a fall. Here are some statistics showing the increase in the risk of falls as women age:After the age of 50, one in two women will break a bone at some stage during the rest of her life because of a fall.One in five women will fall each year before she reaches the age of 60.One in three women will fall each year after the age of 65.One in two women will fall each year after the age of 80.In older people, 30 per cent of falls result in more severe injuries such as head trauma, hip fracture, other fractures and dislocations. Of the hip fractures in older people, more than 90 per cent are caused by a fall – 25 per cent of people with hip fractures die within 12 months and 25 per cent never regain full mobility. After a fall, older people can also lose confidence and become less physically and socially active.Factors increasing the risk of falls and fracturesA proper review of your risk of falls and bone fractures can be performed by healthcare professionals. Self-assessment tools are also available to help you to uncover any risk factors. Your risk of having a fall increases if you have:low bone density / osteoporosis – women 60 years or older with osteoporosis have twice the risk of fallingdecreased strength in your lower bodydecreased balance, reaction time and postural stabilitya history of previous fallsother medical conditions including (but not limited to) – hearing and vision problems, heart disease, incontinence or dementia.Decreasing your risk of falls and fracturesYour doctor can suggest steps you can take to decrease your risk of falls. These include:increasing muscle strength through physical activitymaintaining or improving your bone density (see section below)improving your mobility through physical activityimproving balance through physical activityhaving your vision and hearing checkedmaking sure your footwear is appropriatereviewing your environment for tripping hazardsspeaking with your doctor if you have a fear of falling or feel physically or socially restricted.Maintaining or improving your bone health decreases the risk of falls and fractures and may decrease the severity of injuries or other consequences if you do fall.You can improve your bone health with:physical activity to improve bone density, muscle strength, mobility and balance – weight-bearing activities or strength training can improve your muscle strength, bone density and mobility, while activities such as Tai Chi, yoga or Pilates can improve balanceadequate calcium intake – a minimum of 1200g per day, preferably from dietary sourcesVitamin D – helps calcium absorption and maintains bones. Low vitamin D blood levels are common in Australia and you may need supplements if your blood levels are lowanti-osteoporosis medications, including menopausal hormone therapy (MHT), can reduce the risk of a first fracture and especially further fractures by up to 70%.Where can I find more information?Lifestyle and behaviour changes for menopausal symptoms (See AMS fact sheet Lifestyle and behaviour changes for menopausal symptoms)Osteoporosis (healthybonesaustralia.org.au)Calcium Supplements (See AMS information sheet Calcium supplements)Self-assessment tool: Are you at risk of osteoporotic fracture?Self-assessment tool: Know your bonesIf you have any concerns or questions about options to manage your menopausal symptoms, visit your doctor or go to the Find an AMS Doctor service on the AMS website.

Tay-Sachs disease is a serious genetic disorder common in Ashkenazi Jews and French-Canadians.

Description Tay-Sachs disease (TSD) is a fatal inherited (genetic) disorder of the central nervous system. Infants with the disorder appear to develop normally for the first few months of life, then at about the age of six months of age, a deterioration of mental and...