1. One in four people over the age of 65 who live at home will fall during the next year. Falls are one of the leading causes of injury among this age group.
2. Tranquilizers, heart medications, blood pressure medicine, mood-altering drugs and over-the-counter-medications can increase the risk of falling because of drowsiness, dizziness, and slowed reflexes.
3. Falling is just a part of old age and can not be prevented. There is no way to improve your balance skills through exercises that can help you maintain flexibility, strength and endurance.
4. Clutter, loose rugs, slippery surfaces, unsecured cords, poor lighting, and narrow walkways are a common cause of falls.

Balance and Falls Exercises

TOE, HEEL, AND LEG RAISES			HALF-CIRCLE SWAY
1. Stand straight and tall, with your knees slightly bent and your toes pointed straight ahead. Line your knees up over the point of your shoes.			If you have experienced falls or problems with balance, get your physical therapist's permission before doing this exercise.
2. Look straight ahead. Keep your chin tucked and your shoulder blades pinched straight back. Tighten your stomach muscles.			1. Stand with your feet shoulder width apart. Hold onto the kitchen sink counter for safety. Breathe deeply and relax.
3. (A) rise up on your toes. Lower yourself back down and repeat.			2. Lean forward slowly from the ankles, without bending at the hips. Feel how about 70% of your body weight is now on the balls of your feet.
4. (B) Keep your posture the same. This time, however, raise the front part of your foot, lower, and repeat. Remember to keep your stomach muscles tight.			3. Return to the neutral starting position. Now, lean slowly to the left. Feel how about 70% of your body weight is on the left sides of your feet.
5. (C) Keep standing straight and tall, as before. Shift your weight forward to the front half of your feet. Lift one leg, keeping your standing leg in proper alignment. Hold 10-30 seconds. Lower and repeat with the other side.			4. Return to the upright position. This time lean slowly to the right, feeling the shift in your weight. 5. Now put it all together: Practice making graceful half-circle sways from left to center to right and back again. Begin with small half circles, and gradually increase to see how far you can move your body without taking a step.
6. Slowly and carefully repeat each exercise 3-5 times.

*For more information about balance exercises contact a physical therapist in your area or the American Physical Therapy Association at http://www.apta.org or write APTA at PO Box 37257, Washington, DC 20013.

(Answers 1. True, 2. True, 3. False, 4. True.)