Fall Prevention: The Crucial Skill You Need to Master
March 12, 2023

I’ve Fallen and I CAN Get Up!


Jeff Glover, a two-time Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu world champion, attributes a significant part of his success to a unique skill that often goes unnoticed – the ability to break his fall without getting hurt. Avoiding impact and knowing how to fall safely is a crucial factor in preventing injuries. Whether you're an athlete or an everyday individual, mastering the skill of falling can be the difference between safety and severe harm.Jeff Glover is a two time world champion in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. In 2012, he held the best record in the event's history, having lost only 4 times over 8 years of active competition. When coaching, Glover explains a unique skill most would not have considered. He is really good at getting to the ground without getting hurt and avoiding a lot of impact. He explains that he would not be a world champion without being an expert in the skill of breaking his fall. The ability to break your fall is a huge factor in preventing injuries. Glover states that is the first and most important skill to learn. 


The Importance of Fall Drills


Mastering the art of falling through fall drills is essential. These drills teach your body how to fall in a safe and effective manner, helping prevent critical injuries during accidents or emergencies. Similar to how military trainees repeatedly practice skills to respond under stress, practicing fall drills conditions us to react in a specific way, even when our physical and mental capacities are compromised. 


The CORE FOUR Fall Drills


Here are four drills to practice in your home and even practicing in different areas/rooms of your dwelling place.

 

  1. Rolling left to right and rolling onto your stomach and back.
  2. Performing push-ups from the floor.
  3. Half-kneeling for both the left leg and right leg.
  4. Crawling or scooting.



If your home has non-carpeted floors, using a mat to practice these drills can be beneficial. Regular practice of fall drills can increase your confidence and preparedness, making you calmer and less fearful in real emergency situations. For optimal results, consider practicing these drills daily and involve a friend, spouse, or family member to participate with you.


Learning how to fall safely is a vital skill that can significantly reduce the risk of injuries in various situations. Whether you're an athlete like Jeff Glover or an individual seeking to enhance personal safety, fall drills provide invaluable training for reacting effectively during accidents or emergencies. By regularly practicing these drills, you can prepare your body and mind to handle unexpected falls with greater composure and confidence. Embrace the core four fall drills and take a proactive step towards fall prevention today!

Navigating Life After Stroke

By Jim Schug • November 30, 2023
Navigating life after a stroke is a unique journey, and understanding the intricacies of each individual's experience is crucial. The specific area of the brain affected by the stroke becomes a guiding factor in tailoring a rehabilitation program that aligns with the needs of the survivor. As we embark on this path to recovery, it's essentiaAl to consider the lifestyle someone led before the stroke—a roadmap of their independence and daily activities. As an expert in helping people recovery after strokes, I ask them to consider a 'bigger picture'. Take a moment to reflect on your loved one's pre-stroke routine. Were they living independently, driving, cooking meals, and participating in social activities? These aspects provide valuable insights into their baseline level of functioning and can help shape a personalized recovery plan. For those who lived alone before the stroke, an additional layer of consideration emerges: Is their current living situation conducive to a safe and supportive recovery? This question becomes particularly pertinent when assessing the feasibility of returning to their previous dwelling. Safety and well-being take precedence in this evaluation. Crafting a comprehensive recovery plan is not only beneficial for the stroke survivor but also for their support network, including family and medical professionals. The initial stages of the plan may involve an alternative living arrangement—a temporary setting focused on physical and cognitive improvements. This interim step can prove instrumental in laying the foundation for a successful return home. Embracing the notion that every stroke recovery journey is unique, we recognize the importance of flexibility in our approach. A recovery plan is not a one-size-fits-all solution; rather, it's a dynamic roadmap that evolves alongside the individual's progress and changing needs. In conclusion, as we embark on the path of stroke recovery, let's consider the nuances of each survivor's life, create recovery plans that prioritize safety and progress, and foster an environment of support and understanding for both the survivor and their loved ones. Together, we can navigate the challenges of stroke recovery and empower individuals to age in place with dignity and resilience.

3 Critical Factors to Know about Stroke

By Jim Schug • November 29, 2023
Three key things to remember when you or your loved one has a stroke