You do not want to Fail this Test

https://www.functionalmedicineuniversity.com/public/1917print.cfm

Failing this 10-second test could SKYROCKET risk of an early death

Ronald Grisanti D.C., D.A.B.C.O., DACBN, MS, CFMP

In a brand-new study published in the

British Journal of Sports Medicine

, researchers looked closely at the connection between balance anddeath risk in nearly 2,000 men and women between the ages 51 and 75.

Now, if you can't pass this 10-second test—it may mean you have almost

DOUBLE the risk of suffering an early death.

The study asked the participants to stand on one leg for 10 seconds WITHOUT holding onto anything to support themselves. (They also had to keep their arms at theirsides and keep their gaze fixed straight ahead.)

Researchers recorded the results and continued tracking the men and women for an average of seven years.

Overall, about 20 percent of the participants FAILED the initial balance test. And as you might expect, performance declined with age.

Not only that, but the folks who failed the test had nearly DOUBLE the risk of DYING during the seven-year follow-up period.

Even if you fail the test on your first try, your results aren't set in stone. You can dramatically improve your performance—and your longevity—with just a few minutes ofpractice each day.

Here are a few, easy exercises to try:

Stand on one leg while brushing your teeth. You should do it barefoot and practice standing on both the left and the right leg. Practice keeping your balance back andforth until you're done brushing.

Walk the tightrope. Once a day, practice walking on an imaginary tightrope on the floor in your home. Just walk heel to toe very slowly, with your arms extended out fromyour sides, for about 10 feet.

Try Tai Chi. Research shows it's highly effective in preventing falls and improving balance, muscle strength, proprioception (your perception of your body in space), andendurance.

References:

https://bjsm.bmj.com/content/56/17/975

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