Falls are a leading cause of injury and death among older persons. Falls are especially dangerous for women. Because of a common loss of bone strength (osteoporosis), older women can easily break their hips in a fall. Look below to see if you have some combination of these risk factors for falling:

Age over 65	Female
Thin	White or Asian race
Early onset of menopause	Family history of falls
Diet low in calcium	Smoking
Drinking alcohol to excess	Swaying when you walk
Diagnosis of osteoporosis	Presence of a foot disorder
Low blood pressure	Lack of exercise
Prior stroke	Parkinson's or Alzheimer's

TO REDUCE YOUR RISK OF FALLING AT HOME,

CHECK THE FOLLOWING AREAS:

EXERCISE GENERAL CAUTION

Take your time on steps and curbs. Stop and look directly at steps, so you can judge how steep they are.

Avoid icy patches during cold weather. If a weather report warns of icy streets, consider staying inside or asking a friend to walk with you.

Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about the medicines you take.

If you take more than one prescription, make sure that the combination of these drugs does not make you dizzy.

Make sure stairways and hallways have bright lights.

Use sturdy hand-rails when walking down steps. Consider installing hand-rails for your hallways.

Tack down lose carpeting, especially on stairways. Throw rugs and carpeting should have non-skid backing.

Arrange household furniture in ways that provide plenty of walking room.

Use chairs with straight, strong backs and sturdy arm rests.

Use tables with four sturdy legs.

Use chairs and sofas that are not to low to the ground.

In the bathroom, consider installing handrails to guide you from the toilet, to the sink, to the bathtub. Also, consider installing a raised toilet seat.

In the bathtub, install slip resistant strips, or a rubber mat. Consider using a shower seat.

Never lock yourself in your bathroom. If you fall, help may be delayed because of a locked door.

In the kitchen, store items on shelves and in cabinets that are at waist level. Avoid reaching for things that are too high.

Place a rubber mat in front of your sink, so you will not slip on water.

Use bright markers for your oven's on and off position. If you leave the gas on you can pass-out and fall.