Guest Author - Carolyn Chambers Clark, RN, EdD

In the case of falls, and in so many instances in life, prevention is wise.

Take steps to enhance balance and prevent future falls. Strenghtening your legs is key to keeping your balance. As is watching where you're going and wearing sneakers or shoes that support you and grip the floor. Always breathe in your abdomen (abdominal breathing) while exercising; never hold your breath.

Here's some other ideas...

* Get a good book on weightlifting or join a gym, take a Tai Chi class, or take daily 20 minutes walks to build up your strength.

* Gently rock your head from side to side 10 times.

* Pull your shoulders back as if a piece of elastic is pulling your shoulder blades together; hold for 10 seconds and relax. Repeat three times.

* Circle your shoulders three times forward and three times back.

* Tuck in your chin while standing straight. This protects your cervical vertebrae. Repeat three times.

* Go up on your toes as high as possible and come back down. Work up to 20 times.

* Hold onto a chair while standing and gently swing one leg back and forth 10 times. Repeat with other leg.

* Stand facing a wall with hands on wall and hells flat. Lean into the wall until you feel a stretch in your calf muscles. Hold for 30 secondes.

* Make circles with your hips in both directions X3.

* Pinch your buttocks together and hold for 5 seconds X10

This article is for information only. For treatment, consult your health care practitioner.