Senior alert: How to avoid a fall

Physicians and health care workers know that one of the most dangerous and most preventable health events a senior can face is a fall.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, one-third of adults 65 and over will experience a fall each year. And the Consumer Product Safety Commission reports falls as the number one cause of emergency room visits among seniors.

The good news is that most falls can be prevented. Here are some tips to help prevent a devastating fall:

o Keep fit. Maintaining a strong body improves strength and helps you to keep your balance.

o Check your home for trip hazards, such as cords and rugs and tape them down or otherwise secure them.

o Make sure your home has adequate lighting inside and out so you can see where you are stepping.