NOVEMBER 21 • 2024 | 31

Practice your balance this way:
• Stand by your kitchen counter
or in a corner, so you’ll have some-
thing to reach out to if you lose
your balance.
• Move your feet apart, shoulder
width. Hold that pose steady, with-
out swaying, for 10 seconds with
your eyes open. Work your way up
to 30 seconds.
• When you can hold that pose
for 30 seconds without swaying, do
the same with your feet together.
• When you feel confident with
your feet together, do the same on
one foot, then the other.
• When you’re confident with
those poses, do them all with your
eyes closed.

HEEL RAISE
Heel raises can strengthen your calf
and thigh muscles, improving bal-
ance and flexibility.
• Stand in front of your kitchen
counter or by a sturdy kitchen chair
with your feet flat on the floor,

shoulder-width apart.
• Lift both heels off the floor, so
you’re standing on the balls of your
feet.
• Lower your heels so your feet
are flat.
• Repeat 10-15 times.
The key to these exercises, said
Sexton, is to do them consistently.
A few minutes a day will make a big
difference in your balance, flexibili-
ty and strength.
With the right Medicare
Advantage plan, joining a senior
fitness program is easy. And, with
over 30 years of experience serv-
ing the senior population and
offering classes for every fitness
level, it’s an excellent way to get fit,
stay engaged, reduce falls and be
healthy.
If you aren’t currently on an
MA plan, the annual Medicare
Enrollment Period ends Dec. 7.
This is a perfect time to review
plans and find one that includes
SilverSneakers. ●

Discover StoryPoint
Farmington Hills!

Anthology of Farmington Hills is now StoryPoint

Farmington Hills. With our new name, we bring over

40 years of experience in senior living — providing

exceptional care and a vibrant community right

here in your neighborhood.

Let’s get to know each other. Call us at

248-971-7415 to discover life at our community!

248-971-7415 | StoryPoint.com

StoryPoint Farmington Hills 30637 W. 14 Mile Road, Farmington Hills, MI 48334