so people with big feet should fall less often - hmmm ?
 > Date: Sat, 20 Oct 2012 16:19:08 -0400
> From: [log in to unmask]
> Subject: Re: Falling....help please
> To: [log in to unmask]
> 
> Actually, the center-of-gravity thing might be worth thinking about.  A 
> basic of physics is this: given a "body" (any object) that is supported by a 
> base (legs, a stand...) in contact with (but not attached to) the ground, if 
> the center of gravity of the system (object + base) moves outside the 
> vertical projection of the base, the base will no longer be able to support 
> the system and it will topple.  This could no doubt be stated more 
> precisely...  An example: If you're on a step ladder and you lean out such 
> that the center of gravity of you+ladder is outside the rectangle formed by 
> the feet of the ladder, you+ladder will tip over.  Applying this to the 
> human body: when you stand, your "base" is (roughly) the rectangle that your 
> shoes will just fit into, front to back and side to side.  If you lean in a 
> given direction, your center of gravity shifts in that direction (provided 
> you're not doing anything to counterbalance).  As soon as your CoG goes over 
> the edge of that rectangle around your shoes, you will start to fall.
> 
> Two things I might try: 1- Get a sense of where my CoG is.  This can be done 
> by standing and carefully rocking front to back and feeling the pressure on 
> the heels and balls of the feet as I rock.  Then, find the point where the 
> pressure is even between fronts and backs of the feet.  This would be the 
> position where the CoG is best centered over the base (feet).  Next, I'd 
> try to think about where I feel the pressure on my feet when I'm doing 
> routine stuff, and see if there are postures that tend to put more pressure 
> on the balls of my feet or heels. These would be situations where a fall 
> might be more likely.  2- Consider the shoes.  I like to wear more comfy 
> shoes, except when I go to the therapist. If I don't want to get lectured, 
> I put on the "right" shoes: the ones with the good support, strong heels and 
> stiff soles.  Think about it, though: the proper fit and stiffness of the 
> soles of a good pair of shoes provide a better base and, in theory at least, 
> should make falling less likely.
> 
> For what it's worth...
> 
> Roger
> 
> -----Original Message----- 
> From: A Phillips
> Sent: Thursday, October 18, 2012 11:26 AM
> To: [log in to unmask]
> Subject: Re: Falling....help please
> 
> Think my center of gravity may be outside my body.....
> > Date: Thu, 18 Oct 2012 02:29:22 -0500
> > From: [log in to unmask]
> > Subject: Re: Falling....help please
> > To: [log in to unmask]
> >
> > Invaluable! Lots of strong research about tai chi and yoga, much centers 
> > around finding and knowing your center of gravity. Center will change with 
> > age and especially with pd.  learning to fall is also a wonderful 
> > suggestion. Great!
> >
> > Sent from my iPhone
> >
> > On Oct 17, 2012, at 4:44 PM, Rick McGirr <[log in to unmask]> 
> > wrote:
> >
> > > This is going to sound ridiculous to some of you...
> > >
> > > I have a background of past activity at a martial arts school, or 
> > > "dojo",
> > > specifically Nihon Goshin Aikido. At the beginning of every class, we 
> > > would
> > > actually practice falling. We had very specific procedures for 
> > > front-fall,
> > > side-fall, back-fall. And we would do it a lot. It was essential to do 
> > > this,
> > > because Aikido includes a lot of throwing moves, like Judo, so we could
> > > count on hitting the deck several dozen times per class.
> > >
> > > I am very fortunate to have had this training, albeit before my 
> > > diagnosis in
> > > 2001. It was a very good way to develop awareness of my body and its
> > > balance, vulnerability, strength, and it gave me a tough inner core,
> > > tempered in lessons under a quite demanding sensei, or teacher.
> > >
> > > Now, I would never suggest that PWP all sign on with a martial arts 
> > > academy.
> > > And I would also suggest maximum caution and collaboration with physical
> > > therapist, doctor, sensei, personal assistant, mom, dad, cousin Ralph 
> > > and
> > > everybody else you can think of. And further, I only suggest this to 
> > > those
> > > who are ready, physically and emotionally, to enter into this kind of 
> > > study.
> > > And all the disclaimers apply doubly. I don't know what I am talking 
> > > about
> > > in any case. I would not ever represent myself as an authority on 
> > > anything
> > > except playing rock n roll on the piano. And even that can be dangerous!
> > > But...
> > >
> > > But yes, you are hearing me correctly. I am indeed suggesting that, 
> > > since
> > > you do it so often, make a study of falling. I certainly would never 
> > > have
> > > survived the aikido school without the knowledge I gained there. And 
> > > there
> > > have been times when the habits gained at aikido school saved my ass
> > > literally. (head, back, knees, elbows, etc.)
> > >
> > > With respect,
> > > Rick
> > >
> > > -----Original Message-----
> > > From: Parkinson's Information Exchange Network
> > > [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Meg Duggan
> > > Sent: Tuesday, October 16, 2012 8:28 AM
> > > To: [log in to unmask]
> > > Subject: Re: Falling....help please
> > >
> > > Do u tend to fall upon rising? Adding a bit of salt to your diet can 
> > > help
> > > with sudden drops in blood pressure that can occur. If u are falling 
> > > because
> > > of a dropped foot, there are appliances that help keep the foot in a 
> > > better
> > > position.
> > >
> > > Sent from my iPhone
> > >
> > > On Oct 15, 2012, at 1:13 PM, Nigel Harland <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
> > >
> > >> Hi all,
> > >>        Does anyone have any helpfull advice on preventing falling,? I
> > > fall on average 3 times a day, sometimes more.
> > >> It is only a matter of time before I will do myself some serious 
> > >> damage. I
> > > use a walker but even this does not always stop me from from falling.
> > >> Regards,
> > >> Nigel Harland.
> > >>
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