<h1>Just a little advice</H1>

Let me correct one mistake from the last blog. The assist pole cost me $259.00CDN not $159.00CDN

Now onto the sad news. My balance has been bad (5 on a scale of 10). Yesterday, while on my haunches, cleaning a spill on the kitchen floor, I had a feeling that I was going to fall backward. It was a self fulfilling prophecy . As I fell back, in an attempt to stop the fall, I grabbed the handle of drawer full of cutlery. Alas and alack, I was unsuccessful in my attempt to remain stable and the entire drawer came out and I was covered in cutlery. I cleaned up the cutlery, but out of spite, I left the original spill where it was.

That will show them!

Now that I seem to have balance problems, I took to researching "balance & parkinson's" and found this on WebMD:

Tips for Maintaining Balance With Parkinson's Disease

Keep at least one hand free at all times; try using a backpack or fanny pack to hold things rather than carrying them in your hands. ,

Never carry objects in both hands when walking as this interferes with balance.

Attempt to swing both arms from front to back while walking. This may require a conscious effort if Parkinson's disease has diminished your movement; however, it will help you to maintain balance, posture, and reduce fatigue.

Consciously lift your feet off of the ground when walking. Shuffling and dragging your feet may cause you to lose your balance.

Try to stand with your feet shoulder width apart. When your feet are close together for any length of time, you increase your risk of losing your balance and falling.

Do one thing at a time! Don't try to walk and accomplish another task, such as reading or looking around. The decrease in your automatic reflexes complicates motor function, so the less distraction, the better!

Do not wear rubber or gripping soled shoes, they may "catch" on the floor and cause tripping.

Move slowly when changing positions. Use deliberate, concentrated movements and if needed, use a grab bar or walking aid. Count 15 seconds between each movement. For example, when rising from a seated position, wait 15 seconds after standing to begin walking.

If you become "frozen," visualize stepping over an imaginary object, or have someone place their foot in front of yours to step over. Try not to have a caregiver or companion "pull" you, this may throw you off balance and even prolong the episode.

If balance is a continuous problem, you may want to consider a walking aid such as a cane, walking stick, or walker. Once you've mastered walking with help, you may be ready to try it on your own again!

Really good advice; although, even though I know it to be excellent advice, I doubt I will stick to it. Do you know how hard it is to concentrate on consciously lifting your feet and/or swinging your arms! I am good for about 10 paces, when I fall back into my usual routine.

As Oscar Wilde one remarked, " The only thing to do with good advice is to pass it on. It is never of any use to oneself."

So true. I offer this WebMD advice in good spirits knowing I will not be able to follow most of it on a regular basis.

And I damn my restless mind and my inability to concentrate for more than a few minutes; ergo, I shall keep on falling.