FOR YOUR HEALTH

**FOUR HEALTH TESTS YOU CAN DO AT HOME***

How's your health? Most people assume they're doing fine when they FEEL fine, and get regular check-ups. But even if you see your doctor on a regular basis, some things can slip through the cracks. So here are four general health tests that you can do YOURSELF . . .

#1.) TEST YOUR BALANCE. People with bad balance are much more likely to have their ankles or knees give out. To test yours, stand with your feet heel to toe and your arms at your side. Close your eyes and count to ten. If you wobble, you're off balance.

- Practice standing on one leg. Your balance will improve as the stabilizing muscles in your legs get stronger.

#2.) TEST YOUR EARS. Have a friend stand three feet from you . . . facing the other way . . . then have a conversation. If you miss the ends of words or sentences, get your ears checked. People who listen to music through headphones are much more at risk.

#3.) TEST YOUR LUNGS. Hold a lit candle at arm's length, then open your mouth and try to blow it out without pursing your lips. If you can't do it, you might have a respiratory problem like chronic bronchitis or early-stage asthma.

#4.) TEST YOUR POSTURE. Stand like you normally do, then have someone take a photo of you from the side. Your head should be in line with your shoulders . . . not leaning forward or back . . . and your shoulders should be in line with your ears.

--Bad posture can cause hip and back problems. To improve yours, stand in a doorway, and hold the sides of the door frame at the 9 and 3 o'clock. Lean forward and stretch for several seconds, then put your hands higher on the door frame and repeat the stretch. (Yahoo.com)