IMPROVE YOUR BODY BALANCE WITH EXERCISE

• If you don't have a regular exercise program, start one. Lack of exercise leads to weakness, and that increases your chances of falling.
  
• Exercise can improve your body balance and flexibility at any age -- but increasing body balance and flexibility is especially important for people over 50.
  
• Exercise makes you stronger and helps you feel better.
  
• Try exercises that improve balance and coordination, like Yoga and Tai Chi. Because you work at your own level, these exercises are often suitable for people of any age.
  
• If you are over 50 and haven't exercised regularly, check with your health care provider about the best type of exercise program for you.

         INCREASE YOUR HOME'S ACCESSIBILITY & SAFETY

• Remove items you might trip over -- such as papers, books, clothes, and shoes -- from stairs and places where you walk.
• Remove small throw rugs or use double-sided tape to keep the rugs from slipping.
• Keep items you use often within easy reach, so you can avoid using a ladder or step stool.
• Have grab bars installed next to your toilet and in your tub or shower.
• Use non-slip mats in the bathtub and on shower floors.
• Improve the lighting in your home. As you get older, you'll need brighter lights to see well. Use lamp shades or frosted bulbs to reduce glare.
• Make sure all stairways have handrails and sufficient lighting.
• If you are a senior or have a disability, it's best to wear shoes that give good support and have thin non-slip soles.
• You might also consider avoiding lightweight slippers (especially backless styles) or athletic shoes with deep treads, which can reduce your feeling of control.

         WATCH OUT FOR MEDICATION SIDE EFFECTS

• Age can affect the way some medications work in your body, so if you have been taking any over-the-counter medications for awhile, it's important to tell your health care provider.
  
• Look out for drugs -- or combinations of drugs -- that have side effects including drowsiness or disorientation. These side effects can increase your risk of falling. This is especially important with over-the-counter cold and flu medications, which can often increase drowsiness.
• Some herbal remedies also increase sleepiness and many react with other types of medication, which could increase your risk of falling down.
  
• Be sure to check with your health care provider before trying new medication, especially if you are already taking prescription drugs.

           HAVE YOUR VISION CHECKED REGULARLY

• Vision problems can increase your chances of falling. You may be wearing the w rong glasses, or have a condition such as glaucoma or cataracts that causes vision problems or limits your vision.
  
• Have your vision checked by an eye doctor every year for early detection and correction of vision problems. If you can't see something, it's harder to avoid it, and this increases your risk of falling.