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DANCING ISN'T JUST FOR THE STARS
- Author:
- Reprint
- Date Published:
- July 5, 2007
The popularity of TV's prime-time sensation "Dancing with the Stars" has brought ballroom dancing back into the spotlight. It's now as easy as ever to enjoy the passion, excitement and health benefits that this pastime provides.
LINKS PLEASURE AND HEALTH
Participating in regular dancing can help adults:
(1) lower their risk of heart disease
(2) decrease blood pressure
(3) manage weight
(4) reduce the daily toll of stress and tension on the body
(5) increase stamina for other activities
It also can relieve joint stiffness, increase flexibility and improve balance, says Ken Richards, spokesperson for USA DANCE, the national governing body for ballroom dancing. Maintaining balance helps you avoid nasty falls and serious injury.
Coordinating your steps to music with a partner in hand challenges the brain, too. Mature adults who dance at least twice a week can reduce their risk for dementia by 76 percent, according to a study published in the "New England Journal of Medicine". (I find that an astounding percentage)!!!
JOIN THE SOCIAL WHIRL
Ballroom dancing is a great social outlet, explains Richards. "There's so much happiness and joy you find around dancers," he says. But many people are shy about stepping out in the public -- expecially people who haven't danced in a while. Richards says there's nothing to worry about. To get you toes tapping again, follow these tips:
(1) brush up on the basics of ballroom dancing. Many community centers, YMCA's and community colleges offer affordable ballroom dance classes for older adults.
(2) invest in a good pair of dancing shoes. Shoes that provide arch and ankle support are best for men and women.
(3) talk to your doctor if you smoke, are obese or have a high risk for chronic disease, such as heart disease or diabetes. Fast-paced ballroom dancing is considered vigorous exercise and may require some adults to make moderations.
If you enjoy dancing and music, then you can learn to ballroom dance.
-----------------Ken Richards, spokesperson for USA DANCE
By permission, this article was reprinted from "MYHORIZONS", newsletter published by "United-Healthcare Company.
Happily submitted by,
Faye Henderson........Eugene, OR