Ten Ways To Avoid A Fall

By Robin Westen

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) one in every three adults age 65 and older falls. As anyone who has experienced a tumble knows, it can be a frightening experience with real consequences. Falls can cause rib and hip fractures and head traumas, and can increase the risk of early death. But falls are preventable. Here's how:

Get Your Eyes And Ears Checked

Your doctors can treat any hearing or balance difficulties that make falling more likely. Speak with your eye doctor about getting a pair of glasses with single vision distance lenses for activities like walking outside.

Add Exercise To Your Daily Routine . Specifically concentrate on boosting the strength in your legs and improving balance. Tai Chi and senior yoga classes are excellent choices. Speak to your doctor about gentle weight-bearing exercises.

Check Your Medications This includes both prescription and over-the-counter drugs. Certain medications or combinations of drugs can make you dizzy or off-balance.

Give Your Home A Safety Makeover Put up grab bars inside and outside the tub or shower as well as within reaching distance of the toilet. Check for loose and exposed cords on the floor and make sure your home is well lit.

Get Screened For Osteoporosis If your bones aren't strong enough, they'll be apt to break in a fall. So get a screening for osteoporosis, and make sure you're getting enough bone-building calcium or Vitamin D from supplements.

Wear The Right Shoes Make sure you've got adequate protection with every kind of shoe you wear, even bedroom slippers, which should fit snugly and have rubber traction on the bottom. Don’t choose shoes that have slippery soles or high heels.

Make It Sticky Place nonskid adhesive strips on dangerous areas of the home such as bathroom, kitchen and stairs.

Get Rid Of Rugs Area rugs are an invitation for tripping. Consider wall-to-wall carpeting (not shag) or bare, non-slip floors.

Watch Out For Pets Dogs and other pets are often the cause of falls either by over-zealous jumping, running into knees or just getting in your path.

Consider A Hip Protector If you’re at high risk for a hip fracture, speak to your doctor about wearing a hip protector. And if you use a cane when you’re outside, use it indoors as well.