Balancing Act: Dr Woon Jee Tio's Tips for a Healthier, Longer Life
Well!
They both are known for standing on one leg—and they are both clearly defenders of good.
Dr Woon Jee’s goal in life is solely to protect your health and boost your longevity!
As a master of all things Chiropractic she will let you in on a little secret.
How can standing on one leg predict your longevity?
Dr Woon Jee explains:
A study published in the British Medical Journal (BMJ) has found that the ability of standing on one leg can predict risk of early death in 53 year olds.
The research shows; those that can only hold the position standing on one leg with eyes closed for less than 2 seconds, are three times more likely to die before the age of 65 than those who can balance for 10 seconds or more.
53 year olds who are able to balance on one leg with eyes closed for more than 10 seconds—and to stand up and sit down in a chair 37 times in 60 seconds—or 35 times for women—are extremely likely to still be healthy.
As opposed to those who are unable to do the test at all were almost seven times more likely to die within the next 13 years.
Another study found that the ability to balance on one leg is an important test for brain health.
The narrowing and blockages of blood capillaries deep within the brain can cause small strokes and tiny amounts of bleeding.
They are the major contributors to mental decline which is associated with walking and balance difficulty and falling.
Fortunately, there’s way you can train and improve your longevity.
First, healthy eating habits and quit smoking to ensure the health of the capillaries.
Second, light intensity physical activities.
Last but not least, improving your balance to get those neural networks firing.
For a start, try standing on one leg when you are brushing your teeth, 2-3 attempts on each leg at a time.
Ideally, you would want to achieve 30 seconds of balancing on one leg with eyes open. Then you can progress to practising with eyes closed.
The average 70 year old can perform one legged stand with eyes close for only 4 seconds.
I am aiming to be better than average and so is my hope for my patients too
Dr Woon Jee Tio is currently standing on one leg every morning when she brushes her teeth—and working on her new Chiropractic Karate healing techniques too—stay tuned
