1. Have your physician perform a fall-risk assessment to find any potential medical causes for falls, such as foot pain, dizziness from medications, high blood pressure or poor balance.
2. Talk to your family doctor or pharmacist to ensure that drug side effects aren’t putting you at risk for falls.
3. Visit your optometrist or ophthalmologist to check and correct your vision.
4. Use fitted assistive devices like canes and walkers.
5. Make your home fall-free by removing throw rugs from walkways and by clearing obstacles like electrical cords, furniture and shoes. Install support bars in bathtubs and beside toilets. Repair cracks in sidewalks and driveways that could be trip hazards, and install adequate indoor and outdoor lighting along walkways.
6. Take a tai chi, yoga or exercise class to improve balance and strength, and build stronger muscles and bones.
7. Learn how to prevent falls by exploring these online resources:
*The CDC website offers info for health care providers and patients at: www.cdc.gov/steadi/
*Fall Prevention Center of Excellence: www.stopfalls.org
*For a comprehensive list of fall prevention programs: https://www.ncoa.org/healthy-aging/falls-prevention/falls-prevention-programs-for-older-adults/
— Compiled by Mark Taylor
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