Picture a supermodel in her heels walking heel to toe. Now try it. Do you feel unsteady? When your feet are that close together, or even nearly crossing, it is easy to fall. Your center of gravity is very high. The bulk of the weight is up high with a narrow base. Now think of a Weeble – remember those toys with the rounded bottom wider than the top? They have a very low center of gravity (most of the weight in the bottom). They can tip over on their side and still return to standing.

If you’re ever feeling unsteady when walking, think about your center of gravity. Stand and walk with your feet farther apart. Take shorter steps. Lift your feet to avoid catching on grass, rocks, and other low obstacles.

When someone has fallen or is afraid of falling, you can notice these changes. As we become fearful we widen our stance, bend a little, and shuffle.

• Arthritis in hips, knees, ankles, and feet can increase falls risk.
• Dizziness, inner ear problems, or medications that make us dizzy can increase risk of falls.
• Lack of sleep, getting up at night without light, and medications that make us sleepy can increase risk of falls.
• Not drinking enough, especially during these hot summer months, can lead to dehydration making us dizzy.
• Medicines that lower blood pressure can make us feel dizzy when we first stand up or turn.
• Pets under our feet can be a source of tripping. So can throw rugs.

See the home falls prevention checklist under Resources at www.medsmash.com.

Biblical Application

The location of our faith has similar implications. When all of our knowledge of God is in our head, our center of gravity is high. When our center of gravity is high, it is easy to fall. Small things can whip and blow us about. Do you ever feel battered and blown from all directions?

• work
• relationships
• finances
• too busy
• not feeling good

But with prayer, reading the Word, study, focus, faith enters our heart. And then it’s in our gut and our whole being.

As our faith gets deeper and deeper, our center of gravity deepens and we can handle heavy blows from any direction. The bad things still happen, but we can maintain our upright faith and dependence on God.

Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong. Ephesians 3:17 New Living Translation

Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness. Colossians 2:7 New Living Translation

May you grow deep roots!

Blessings,

Michelle