Bone fractures can threaten independence and result in pain, disability, or even death. These 10 simple steps can help safeguard your bones.

ISSUE #2 OF 7 IN AN E-MAIL SERIES 10 ways to safeguard against falls How strong are your bones? You may have no idea — until a bone breaks when you push on a stuck window or bend down to pick up something you’ve dropped. Or worse, take an unexpected tumble off a curb or trip over an extension cord. Get your copy of Better Balance Discover how you can prevent falls by improving your balance and mobility. Better Balance: Easy exercises to improve stability and prevent falls gives you step-by-step instructions for easy, effective workouts that will improve posture, increase muscle strength and speed, sharpen reflexes, expand flexibility, and firm your core. You'll also get tips for fall-proofing your home. One of the critical goals of managing bone-thinning osteoporosis is to prevent the fractures that can threaten independence, steal mobility, trigger depression, and result in pain, disability, or even death. These 10 simple steps can help safeguard your bones. Clear your floors of clutter and any items that you could easily trip over, including loose wires, cords, and throw rugs. Keep stairways, entrances, and walkways well lit, and install night lights in your bedroom and bathroom. Clean up spills immediately. Wear rubber-soled shoes for better traction. Avoid walking around in socks. Avoid having to climb or reach for items. Keep the things you use often in easy-to-reach cabinets. You might also purchase reaching and grasping tools to get at difficult-to-reach items. Add grab bars to your tub, and use nonskid mats on bathroom floors. Be careful when pets are nearby. Tripping over a pet, most often a dog or cat, is a common cause of falls. Talk to your doctor about whether any medications you are taking can cause dizziness, affect balance, or have other side effects that might make you more prone to a fall. Find physical activities, such as tai chi or yoga, that can improve your balance, coordination, and muscle strength. Have your vision checked regularly and keep your glasses and/or contact lens prescription up to date. For more on diagnosing and treating osteoporosis and developing an effective plan for your bones buy, Osteoporosis: A guide to prevention and treatment. Share this story: Featured in this issue Osteoporosis Featured content: • The basics of bone • What causes osteoporosis? • Who gets osteoporosis? • The consequences of osteoporosis • Detecting osteoporosis •  ... and more! Click here to read more » Harvard Medical School offers special reports on over 50 health topics. Visit our website at http://www.health.harvard.edu to find reports of interest to you and your family. PHONE ORDERS - please call our toll-free number: 1-877-649-9457. You are currently subscribed to Focus On as BrendaModica252@gmail.com. EDIT YOUR SUBSCRIPTION PROFILE UNSUBSCRIBE FROM THIS FOCUS ON SERIES SUBSCRIBE TO OTHER FOCUS ON SERIES VIEW ARTICLE ARCHIVES Visit our website at: www.health.harvard.edu Email us at: healthbeat@health.harvard.edu FOLLOW US ON:  Facebook Twitter Copyright © 2014 by Harvard University. Harvard Health Publications, 10 Shattuck Street, 2nd Floor, Boston, MA 02115, USA * Please note, we do not provide responses to personal medical concerns, nor can we supply related medical information other than what is available in our print products or website. For specific, personalized medical advice we encourage you to contact your physician.