Tips & Doubts

• Exercise regularly. Exercise makes you stronger and improves your balance and coordination. Have your doctor or pharmacist look at all the medicines you take, even over-the-counter medicines. Some medicines can make you sleepy or dizzy. Have your vision checked at least once a year by an eye doctor. Poor vision can increase your risk of falling. Get up slowly after you sit or lie down.

• Wear sturdy shoes with thin, non-slip soles. Avoid slippers and running shoes with thick soles.

• Improve the lighting in your home. Use brighter light bulbs (at least 60 watts). Use lamp shades or frosted bulbs to reduce glare. Use reflecting tape at the top and bottom of the stairs so you can see them better. Paint doorsills a different color to prevent tripping.

• Keep emergency numbers in large print near each phone.

• Put a phone near the floor in case you fall and can’t get up. Think about wearing an alarm device that will bring help in case you fall and can’t get up.