Testing Health Messages in STEADI Oder Adult Fall Pevention Materials Among Caregivers

Many falls can be prevented. By
making some changes, you can
lower your chances of falling.

What YOU
Can Do

Four things YOU can
do to prevent falls:
➊ Exercise to improve
your balance
& strength

“I feel more confident and my
balance is much better since I
started taking Tai Chi.”

➋ Have your healthcare
provider review
all your medicines

To Prevent Falls

➌ Have your vision

checked & update
your eyeglasses

➍ Make your home safer

For more information, contact:
Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention
1(800)CDC-INFO (232-4636)
www.cdc.gov/injury
CS241481A

➍ Make your home safer

Four things YOU can
do to prevent falls:

Remove things you can trip
over (like papers, books, &
shoes) from stairs & places
where you walk.

➊ Exercise to improve your
balance & strength
Exercises that improve
balance & make your legs
stronger lower your chances of
falling. An example is Tai Chi.
Lack of exercise leads to
weakness & increases your
chances of falling.
Ask your doctor or healthcare
provider about the best type
of exercise program for you.

➋ Have your medicines reviewed
Have your doctor or pharmacist
review the medicines you
take, even over-the-counter
medicines.
As you get older, the way
medicines work in your body
can change.
Medicines or combinations of
medicines can make you sleepy
or dizzy and can cause you to fall.

Remove small throw rugs or
use double-sided tape to keep
the rugs from slipping.
Keep items you use often
where you can reach them
without using a step stool.
Have grab bars put in next
to & inside the tub or shower
and next to the toilet.
Use non-slip mats in the
bathtub & on shower floors.

Poor vision can increase your
chances of falling.

Improve the lighting in your
home especially on stairs.
As you get older, you need
brighter lights to see well.

See an eye doctor at least
once a year & update your
eyeglasses.

Have handrails put in on both
sides of all staircases.

You may be wearing the wrong
glasses or have a condition like
glaucoma.

Always wear shoes. Avoid
going barefoot or wearing
slippers.

➌ Have your vision checked