Stay steady on your feet

Fallen leaves, rain and, soon, ice and snow. Now that "slippery season" is officially here, maintaining good balance is more important than ever.

- Melissa Gotthardt

But research reveals staying steady on your feet does more than just protect against falls and fractures: It also ensures you get regular physical activity that helps keep your brain sharp. A study in the journal Aging and Health Research suggests that maintaining a sound sense of balance can reduce dementia risk by 51%. And while your balance can falter after age 50, you can improve it with a few simple tips.

✓ Chomp on some chewing gum

Climbing ladders or stairs to decorate for the holidays? A simple stick of gum could help you do so more safely. In a Japanese study, participants performed better on tests of balance and coordination while chewing gum than they did in a “non-chewing” condition. Turns out the muscular motions involved in chewing activate the vestibular system in your inner ear, which is crucial for maintaining equilibrium.

✓ Sip a second cup of joe