Know the facts	Know your risk factors	Prevention
Know Your Bone Status	Talk to Your Doctor	Additional Resources

Osteoporosis: Prevention

• Calcium
• Calcium Supplements
• Vitamin D
• Exercise for Healthy Bones
• Medications to Prevent and Treat Osteoporosis
• Fall Prevention

Fall Prevention

Preventing falls is important at any age, but it is especially important for those who have osteoporosis because their bones are more fragile and easily broken.

Each year, about one-third of individuals 65 years of age or older will fall, and some will be disabled by the broken bones that can follow.

In many cases, a fall can be precipitated by medications such as sedatives, muscle relaxants, and blood pressure drugs that can cause dizziness, lightheadedness, or loss of balance. When two or more medications are used in combination, these side effects may be aggravated. Falls also result from diminished vision, hearing, muscle strength, coordination, and reflexes and from diseases that affect balance.

This safety checklist can help you eliminate or minimize many common household hazards:

Floors
• Remove all loose wires and cords from walk-through areas.
• Remove throw rugs if possible; area rugs that remain should have nonskid backing and the edges should be taped down.
• Minimize clutter.
• Make sure rugs are anchored and smooth with low-pile.
• Keep furniture in its accustomed place.

Bathrooms
• Install grab bars and non-skid tape in the tub or shower and near the toilet.
• Use nonskid mats.
• Install a nonskid shower seat and a handheld showerhead to allow for bathing while seated.
• Tile floors are slippery when wet. Consider installing carpeting.

Lighting
• Make sure halls, stairways, and entrances are well lit.
• Place a night light between the bedroom and the bathroom.
• Install a night light in your bathroom.
• Have a light switch within reach of the bed.
• Turn lights on if you get up in the middle of the night.
• Keep a flashlight near the bed in case of a power failure. Check the batteries once a month.
• Get out of bed slowly and sit on the edge of the bed for a moment before rising.

Kitchen
• Keep frequently used items within easy reach.
• Install non-skid rubber mats near sink and stove.
• Clean up spills immediately.
• Avoid cleaning products that leave the kitchen floor slippery.
• Avoid using area rugs in the kitchen.

Stairs
• Make sure treads, rails, and rugs are secure.
• Use handrails when going up and down stairs. If your stairs don't have handrails, install them.
• Install a light switch at the top and bottom of each staircase.
• Install a strip of bright tape along the edge of the top and bottom steps.

Other precautions
• Wear sturdy, rubber-soled shoes. Use slippers with non-skid soles.
• Keep your intake of alcoholic beverages to a minimum.
• Ask your doctor whether any of your medications might cause you to fall or to feel dizzy.
• While grocery shopping, use the shopping cart for support and balance. Have grocery bags packed lightly, and request bags with handles.
• Avoid wearing long coats, dresses, nightgowns, or robes. You might trip over them.
• Don't walk around the house in socks or stockings on slippery floors.
• Have your hearing and vision checked regularly.