www.DesertHealthNews.com September/October 2025 Through the Generations The Valley's Leading Resource for Health and Wellness 18 www.tranquilitysandshospice.com We are here to provide comprehensive support through your loved one’s transitional journey. Our array of hospice services provides comfort and care physically, emotionally and spiritually. Locally owned in the Coachella Valley ICU nurse owned On call 24/7 We are here to answer your questions Office (760) 565-1774 • Cell (951) 591-1982 patrickc@tranquilitysandshospice.com 74333 Highway 111, Suite 204 • Palm Desert tranquilitysandshospice.com “From setting everything up to providing consistent, compassionate care, the entire Tranquility Sands team was a source of comfort and strength. Every step of the way, they treated my father and our family with such genuine kindness and respect, making us feel like we were in the best possible hands. You gave us the gift of comfort and care when we needed it most, and we will always be grateful.” — Courtney T. Setting the Standard for Quality Care and Comfort Call to schedule a free evaluation Serving Desert Cities and surrounding areas including Idyllwild, Anza, Mountain Center, Twentynine Palms, Redlands and Salton Sea Accredited with the Accreditation Commission for Health Care Licensed by the State of California Certified by Medicare/Medi-Cal www.cvalzheimers.org (760) 776-3100 l cvalzheimers.org 75105 Merle Dr., Suite 800, Palm Desert, CA 92211 Prepare for your future with free, comprehensive and conndential assessments and counseling. The ACV Screening center is here for those with a family history of or questions about cognitive impairment. Schedule your screening, today. www.canaanhomecare.com Personalized in-home care solutions for all of life’s cognitive and mobility challenges ADLs: dressing • ambulation bathing • transferring toileting • grooming IADLs: meal prep • housekeeping errands • medication reminders transportation Dedicated concierge care manager and professional caregivers available 24/7 10% OFF first service 41-750 Rancho Las Palmas, Ste. N-1 Rancho Mirage, CA 92270 CanaanHomeCare.com HCO# 334700239 760.423.8339 Maintaining balance as we age is crucial for overall health, independence and quality of life. Some of the many benefits of working to maintain balance include fall prevention, aging at home and maintaining cognitive and neurological health. Falls are the leading cause of injury in older adults, often resulting in fractures, head trauma and even long-term disability. Balance is key for performing daily tasks such as walking, climbing stairs, bending and getting into and out of chairs or beds; maintaining balance reduces the risk of tripping during these everyday activities. Research shows that older adults with better balance are more confident in their movements, reducing the fear of falling, which can be a common barrier to staying active. This allows individuals to continue participating in social activities, preventing isolation and supporting emotional health. Three body systems are involved in helping to maintain balance: vision, which most people primarily rely on, vestibular (inner ear) and proprioception (body awareness). All three of these systems can decline with age and a reduction in activity. Inactivity causes muscles, especially those in the legs, hips and core, to weaken, reducing your ability to control movement and react to instability. As we become less active, the brain also becomes less efficient at sending and receiving signals to and from the balance systems. This can result in difficulty making quick or flexible adjustments to maintain balance. Here are some simple tips to maintain or improve balance: • Practice balance exercises such as standing on one foot, Tai Chi or yoga. • Stay physically active by walking, swimming or dancing. • Strengthen core and leg muscles through simple movements and exercises. • Ensure proper vision and hearing. • Remove home hazards such as loose rugs or poor lighting. Melissa Flores is a doctor of physical therapy with Dynamic Physical Therapy in Palm Desert and can be reached at (760) 501.6655. Visit www.dynamicptpalmdesert.com for more. Sources: 1) Laughton, Carrie A., et al. "Aging, Muscle Activity, and Balance Control: Physiologic Changes Associated with Balance Impairment." Gait & Posture, vol. 18, no. 2, Oct. 2003, pp. 101–108; 2) Piirainen, J. M., J. Avela, N. Sippola, and V. Linnamo. "Age Dependency of Neuromuscular Function and Dynamic Balance Control." European Journal of Sport Science, vol. 10, no. 1, 2009, pp. 69–79; 3) Boyé, N. D., E. M. Van Lieshout, E. F. Van Beeck, K. A. Hartholt, T. J. Van der Cammen, and P. Patka. "The Impact of Falls in the Elderly." Trauma, vol. 15, no. 1, 2012, pp. 29–35. Maintaining Balance as We Age By Melissa Flores, DPT Inactivity Poor balance Fear of falling Even less activity Balance Deterioration Cycle Greater decline Weaker muscles & impaired sensory systems
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