Balance training may help the elderly avoid falls
Although the ancient art of Tai Chi has been shown to lower older adults’ risk of falls, exercises that specifically focus on improving balance and speed may be even better, a study suggests.
Researchers found that among more than 200 elderly adults with balance problems, those who went through an exercise program called “combined balance and step training” (CBST) made greater gains in balance and mobility than those who took Tai Chi classes.
The findings, reported in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, suggest that the CBST approach might be particularly effective at improving older adults’ ability to avoid falls.
More Nigerian states hit by bird flu infection
The deadly H5N1 bird flu virus has spread in the last few weeks to two new states in Nigeria and reappeared in two others where it was believed to have been contained, officials said on Friday.
Nigeria is one of three countries regarded by experts as the weakest areas in the global attempt to stem infections among birds and head off a potentially devastating human flu pandemic.
The disease was first discovered in the northwest state of Kaduna in February and it spread rapidly in the early weeks to 12 other states and the Federal Capital Territory, despite culling and quarantine measures.
