Each year, thousands of older Americans fall at home. According to the CDC, an older adult is treated in an emergency room for a fall every 18 seconds, and every 35 minutes an older adult dies as a result of a fall-related injury. The good news is that falls are preventable. It is time we bring the issue of falls to light and address it as a community.

Injuries Can Be Prevented

Protect your independence and reduce you risk of falling by:

• Exercising regularly; exercise programs like Thai Chi that increase strength and improve balance are especially good.

• Ask you doctor or pharmacist to review your medicines, both prescription and over-the-counter, to reduce side effects and interactions.

• Have your eyes checked by an eye doctor at least at least once a year.

• Improve the lighting in your home.

• Reduce hazards in your home that can lead to falls.

Make Your Home Safer

• Remove things you can trip over (like 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 in cabinets you can reach easily without using a step stool.

• Have grab bars put in next to your toilet and in the tub or shower.

• Install night lights that turn-on when the room is dark for more visibility at night.

• Use non-slip mats in the bathtub and on shower floors.

• Have handrails and lights put in on all staircases.

• Wear shoes both inside and outside the house. Avoid going barefoot or wearing slippers.