The 20 - second exercise that can help you live longer

Would you like a simple way to assess your overall health and well-being now? You don't want any fancy equipment or a doctor's office trip.

All you have to do is practice standing on one leg! According to Dawn Skeleton, a professor in Glasgow Caledonian University, there is much more to be able to stabilize yourself on foot than simply to do a simple balance check.

Unable to balance your body for at least 20 seconds can be an early sign of a neurological problem like Parkinson's, Alzheimer's and stroke.

No matter how easy it may seem, standing on a foot for 20 seconds is actually very difficult for many people! Fortunately, there are simple steps you can take every day to improve in it. To test how long you can balance first, stand next to a chair or another stable surface, and lift your foot just inches to make your foot hard on the ground.

Get your hands off anything that can balance you, and pay attention to yourself. Just make sure you don't force yourself to stand if you're falling; you don't want to hurt yourself in the process of doing this test.

Once you realize how long you are able to endure that way, it is time for small exercise that will eventually lead to results. In addition, it is okay to walk at a slower pace and build up your endurance over time; in fact, doing so can help prevent injuries.

Focusing on your balance for just a few months throughout the week will not only make you feel stronger and more focused but you may be better able to discern if something is wrong with your body in the future!