How often have you heard about a senior slipping and falling, and then not long after, multiple health complications occur? Or how often do you hear about osteoporosis or osteopenia being at the root of broken hips and legs?

Well, this post is a message for all the women out there who believe that being a “dainty” (i.e., weak, fragile) woman in the presence of “big, strong” men, is desirable. That it’s a thing. That idea needs to be tossed out like rotten apples (but compost those apples though).

Falling Down | I fell off a ladder yesterday. Yep. It was just a step ladder so the total distance of my fall was about 24-30 inches. However, even a relatively short fall like that could have had life-ending consequences. How did it happen? My shoes were wet, I leaned out a little and I ended up falling face down, horizontally through the air, and landing in a push-up position. It happened so fast I barely had time to react.

Thank Olodumare, my preservation instincts kicked in. In the split second fall, I put my hands out before hitting the ground, and so didn’t hit my head.

Thank Olodumare, I have been focusing my nutrition on fruits, and vegetables grown in our greenhouse and garden. I also have been occasionally taking supplements for the vitamins and minerals for which medical tests have previously revealed deficiencies.*** The vitamins, minerals and anti-inflammatory foods have facilitated a faster recovery from the pain in one hand—and any swelling.

And thank Olodumare, I have been lifting weights weights and have gotten very good upper body strength, or that fall could have been much, much worse. I could have easily broken my arm, wrist or hand. However, I did not break nor fracture any bones. The slightly sprained right (dominant) hand was uncomfortable for about one day. Thankfully, I am not a “fragile” woman.

Strength training, or weight lifting, is a good way to prepare for old age. As we grow older, the risk of fall increases, and the risk of health complications or death after a fall also increases. Did you know that strength training builds strong muscles and slows bone loss?

Protect yourself. Communicate with your medical professional about your goals and concerns, and contact a fitness trainer who can help you get started.

I have reflected on this incident for much of the day. It was a reminder that our lives can change in an instant. Had I gotten seriously hurt, it would have had ripple effects through my personal, professional and community life.

I hope that this life-changing, and potentially life-ending, experience will encourage my readers to follow in my footsteps—except for the slipping part, of course. 😁

***Note: I realize that some people do not believe that supplements have any benefits. I won’t argue with anyone about that; I am only reporting what has worked for me.