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When I was younger, I used to run a lot. I chose running because I wanted to stay in shape but had no physical skill or eye-hand coordination. I chose a sport that involved no balls, no bats and few rules. Running was made for graceless people like me.

Even with the absence of bats and rules, I still managed to have frequent injuries. My husband got tired of my skinned knees and bruised arms and bought me a treadmill. However, I again had an injury.

I was jogging on my treadmill in my living room, watching the morning news, when I slipped and broke my finger. The embarrassment one feels while lying face down on the floor as a perky weather woman reminds you to wear sun screen is unforgettable.

I would like to say that was the first and last time I was a klutz, however I want us to have an honest writer-to-reader relationship. I once broke the capillaries in one of my shins falling up two stairs. When I was in middle school, I ran outside to catch our escape-artist dog, fell and cracked my tail bone. I’ve lost count of the invisible bumps in carpets that have caused me public humiliation.

These events leapt to the forefront of my mind as I learned the staggering statistics about falling injuries in the Northland. If I was so accident prone in my twenties and thirties, I may spend most of my seventies and eighties face down on my carpet or flat on my back at the base of my stairs. What was I to do?

Among the 30,824 seniors living in Clay and Platte counties, falls account for 95 percent of all hip fractures. Half of these individuals will be unable to live independently after the fracture. Forty-four percent of all falls occur in or around the home. I was doomed. It was just that simple. I’ve been “balance challenged” (I prefer that over “clumsy”) since childhood. I certainly didn’t need my age working against me.

It was this realization that caused me to diligently study fall-prevention measures. Falling isn’t completely avoidable, but there are easy steps everyone can take to minimize the likelihood of a life-altering fall.

• Exercise — Lack of exercise leads to weakness and lack of balance. Many exercise programs, like Matter of Balance, help coordination and muscle strength. The more balance I have and the stronger my muscles are, the less likely I am to fall.

• Medication review — I get my migraine medicine from one doctor and my allergy medication from another. Does the combination of these pills cause dizziness? It could. Having my doctors review my medication can help avoid dizziness and confusion resulting from drug interactions.

• Vision check — I should get my eyes checked every year, even when I think I’m seeing fine. Subtle changes in vision may cause balance difficulties without me noticing blurred vision.

• Home safety — I can remove rugs or other objects on the floor on which I could slip. I can make sure most of the daily-use items are in cabinets I can easily reach. When the time comes, I can install grab bars and hand rails in the shower and along the hallway. I love going barefoot, but studies show it is safer to wear shoes in and outside the home.

There is much more information on strength-building exercises in a booklet coming out this month. Contact Clay County Senior Services or Platte County Senior Services or Clay County Public Health Department for your free copy.

Diane Popenhagen is the president of Caring Transitions, which specializes in senior move management, downsizing and estate sales.

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