Did you know that falling once doubles your chances of falling again? If you fall and injure yourself, you may lose the ability to live independently. Factors that can increase your risk include weakness in your legs, low levels of vitamin D, certain medications, vision problems, foot pain, poorly fitted shoes, uneven steps, throw rugs and items left on the ground.

Ask yourself:

• Have you fallen or tripped in the past year?
• Do you ever feel unsteady when walking?
• Do you need to push with your hands to stand up from a chair?
• Do you take medicine that makes you tired or dizzy?
• Have you ever lost feeling in your feet?
• Do you have weakness in your legs?

If you answered 'yes' to any of these questions, schedule your annual checkup with your Primary Care Physician and ask for a Falls Risk Assessment.

Sometimes making simple changes to your home or lifestyle can help keep you from falling.

Consider:

• Asking for help to bring in the groceries
• Cleaning up clutter in hallways and on staircases
• Installing handrails in hallways and on staircases, and in bathrooms
• Repairing or removing tripping hazards like as loose carpeting, throw rugs or floorboards

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