TOP 10 WAYS TO PREVENT FALLING!

      As we get older the odds of us falling increases each year. It seems like we all know a friend or family member who has fallen lately and has broken an arm or worse a hip. The following is a short list of ways to reduce the odds of falling.

      1.  When walking, pick up those feet and stop shuffling. Pretend you are a Drum Major of a marching band and try to step a little higher.

       2. Never, ever walk at night when it's dark on a sidewalk without some type of light shining down before you. That one big crack could do you in.

        3. When getting out of a shower/bathtub always keep a hold of the hand grip until you get a firm hold on something outside the tub. And, most importantly, move very slowly! You don't want someone finding this naked old person laying there do you?

        4.  When in or outside and you are up at any height, do NOT attempt to just jump down. You will regret it. Use that step stool again.

        5. If you are out in your low lying bushes around  your home and doing some Fall cleanup, again move slowly or lean on the rack or whatever tool you are using and treat it like a cane. 

        6. When getting up in the middle of the night use a wall, your bed to steady yourself. Don't be a cheapskate and leave a bath light or hall light on. Again, move slow even if nature says to hurry!

        7. Even if you have to, go down basement stairs backwards. You may feel or look funny doing it, but, if it saves you from doing a SWAN DIVE face first down 10 flights that's OK.

         8. If you have a habit of falling, maybe you should consider going to a Sporting Goods Store and purchasing  a football helmet or some hip pads just like your favorite football hero straps on. This one is of last resort--maybe!

         9. Don't lean over to far while attempting to pick up an object on the floor. Get yourself one of those Grip Gadgets so you don't split your head open on the coffee table with a glass top. 

         10. If you go out in the winter to get the mail, consider buying some ski poles along with your shoes with slip on cleats,  or an old fashion pair of wooden snow shoes w/ the ski poles!

Remember---Be Slow & Be Smart!