RED FLAGS WHICH PUT YOU AT RISK FOR BALANCE AND FALLS:

• Have you had any falls in the last six months?
• Do you take four or more prescription or over-the-counter medications daily?
• Do you have any difficulty walking or standing?
• Do you use a cane, walker, or crutches, or have to hold onto things when you walk?
• Do you have to use your arms to be able to stand up from a chair?
• Do you ever feel unsteady on your feet, weak, or dizzy?
• Has it been more than two years since you had an eye exam?
• Has your hearing gotten worse with age, or do your family or friends say you have a hearing problem?
• Do you usually exercise less than two days a week? (for 30 minutes total each of the days you exercise) Do you drink any alcohol daily?
• Do you have more than three chronic health conditions? (such as heart or lung problems, diabetes, high blood pressure, arthritis, etc. Ask your doctor(s) if you are unsure)
• If you answered “yes” to 2 or more of these questions, you may be at risk

Reference: National Center for Injury Prevention and Control. Preventing Falls: How to Develop Community-based Fall Prevention Programs for Older Adults. Atlanta, GA: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2008.