6 TexasHealthMansfield.org Building balance and confidence Destination healthy digestion Travelers’ tips to avoid tummy troubles Before you hit the road this summer, plan ahead for three common digestive discomforts. “Travel creates a big change to your daily routine,” says Irene Yu, MD, Colorectal Surgeon with North Texas Surgical Specialists. “Those changes can affect the way your gut works.” Constipation. Boost your water and fiber intake beforehand with fruits, veggies and a supplement, if needed. Continue hydrating well on the go, and pack a laxative just in case. Diarrhea. The combination of travel stress and trying new foods can cause diarrhea. Pack an antidiarrheal medicine in case you need it. Traveling to a developing country? Use a safe water source, like bottled water, for drinking and brushing your teeth. Stick to safe, cooked foods. Indigestion and bloating. Travel stress can cause them both. “Also, people tend to eat a lot or eat too fast when they’re traveling,” Dr. Yu says. “When people eat fast, they swallow more air, which can lead to bloating and indigestion.” Try eating smaller, more frequent meals. Relax, slow down and enjoy—you’re on vacation! Discover more digestive health services Visit TexasHealthMansfield.org/DigestiveCare. Balance check Can you stand on one foot unsupported for 10 seconds? If not, it may signal reduced balance. Visit TexasHealthMansfield.org/Therapy to learn more about PT. Good balance is a foundational skill we need each day, says Zach McFarlin, PT, DPT, OCS, Manager of Therapy Services at Texas Health Hospital Mansfield. “It allows us to walk safely, react to changes in our environment and stay independent as we age,” he says. Over time, balance can decline and raise our risk of falling due to factors like decreased strength and reaction time, changes in vision and vestibular function, and shifts in the body’s awareness of its position in space. Luckily, you can maintain and improve your balance at any age with regular balance exercises— like this one: Practice standing on one leg for 10 to 20 seconds. Hold on to a chair or counter for safety. Physical therapy (PT) can help improve your balance and reduce your fall risk. A personalized therapy program can also build your confidence. “We want to improve your confidence, too, so that you can get back to doing those things you enjoy,” Zach says.
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