Reducing Risks For Falls

How can you reduce your risk of taking a serious spill? Get two hours of exercise a week to lessen your chances of falling.

Even though we associate bad falls with elderly people, taking a serious-enough tumble can put anyone in the emergency room, regardless of age. Eight million Americans end up in the ER each year because of bad falls. They also account for 19,000 deaths annually.

So, how can you keep your feet planted firmly on the ground? Here’s a hint: It’s not by standing still. A regular walking program helps young and old people reduce their risk of falling, according to research published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine. Clip on a pedometer and log 10,000 steps a day. Or try to walk for 30 minutes most days of the week.