Health Tip: Maintain Your Balance

Suggestions to help prevent falls

By Diana Kohnle

Monday, September 9, 2013

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Falls

(HealthDay News) -- Maintaining your balance means less risk of falling -- an important goal for seniors.
The Cleveland Clinic offers these suggestions to help prevent falls:

Make sure one hand is always free. Carry items in a backpack.
Never try to do something else, such as reading, as you walk.
While walking, swing both arms from front to back. This will help improve posture and balance.
Don't shuffle or drag your feet as you walk. Make sure you consciously pick up your feet off the floor.
Don't pivot sharply to make a turn. Instead, face forward and make a wider turn. Go slowly while changing positions, and use an assistive device if needed.
While standing, make sure feet are shoulder-width apart.
Avoid shoes with grippy rubber soles, which may get caught and cause you to fall.

HealthDay