Health Tip: Reduce Your Risk of Falling

Seniors should keep at least one hand free

(HealthDay News) -- Elderly people may be at greater risk of falling, but there are things seniors can do to help reduce their risk of taking a spill.

The Cleveland Clinic offers these suggestions:

Keep at least one hand free while walking. Use a backpack or fanny pack to carry things when possible.
While you walk, swing your arms from front to back and carefully lift your feet completely off the ground with each stride.
Make a wide arc when turning, rather than trying to turn sharply.
Avoid doing other things while you walk.
When standing, keep your feet shoulder-width apart; when changing positions, move slowly and pay attention to your movements.

-- Diana Kohnle

Last Updated: Oct. 05, 2012