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What You Can Do to Prevent Falls
A fall is when your body goes to the ground without being pushed. If you have problems with balance or walking, or if you have experienced a fall in the past 12 months, talk to your doctor and follow these helpful tips to keep you safe and stable.
Tips
Talk to Your Doctor
Ask your doctor or healthcare provider to evaluate your risk for falling and talk with them about specific things you can do. Your doctor may:
- Suggest that you use a cane or walker
- Suggest that you do an exercise or physical therapy program
- Suggest a vision or hearing test
Ask your doctor or pharmacist to review your medicine to see if any might make you dizzy or sleepy. This should include prescription and over-the-counter medicines.
Do Strength and Balance Exercises
Do exercises that make your legs stronger and improve your balance. Tai Chai is a good example of this kind of exercise.
Have Your Eyes Checked
Have your eyes checked by an eye doctor at least once a year, and be sure to update your eyeglasses (if needed). If you have bifocal or progressive lenses, you may want to get a pair of glasses with only your distance prescription for outdoor activities, such as walking. Sometimes these types of lenses can make things seem closer or further away than they really are.
Make Your Home a Safe Place
Walk around your home with this fall prevention checklist and talk to a handyman, electrician, contractor, or loved one about making some of these adjustments in your home as part of your new fall reduction program.