I was up in Queensland during the week and watching the kids on the beach being trained in surf life-saving. It is a truly unique aspect of the Australian beach culture that is healthy in so many ways. It induces a very strong sense of physicality with strength, speed and balance all being developed. Cultivation of discipline and looking out for one’s mates are also valuable attributes that are learned.

Once the skills of little nippers have been developed, then they stay with the individual for life and they have very positive cross discipline applications. One who can balance on a paddleboard or a surfboard can easily take to skiing and snowboarding. But apart from being a great deal of fun and health promoting, the effects are important especially as our bodies age.

When I was a kid, my main sport was Australian rules football. My skinny little Indian body was hardly ideal for the pursuit, but I learned some valuable skills. I had to be fast and nimble. And I developed a keen awareness of where the other players were, especially the opposition, or else I would get clobbered! But one of the great things it taught me was how to fall when I was knocked or tackled.

The commonest problem we see as Doctors in the ageing body is loss of balance and falls. In case we were never exposed to sports as a child, it’s never too late. Balance can be developed through dancing, tai chi, yoga, qi gong, personal training and many other sports. Loss of balance, a fall and a fracture can be a real set back in life. The key is that many falls are preventable if only we train ourselves in stability during our younger days.

If you have young kids, make sure you get them involved in a sport, dance or gymnastics as it will set them up well for life.

In Health and Wellness

Ranjit