The National Council on Aging has designated the first day of fall (September 22) as Falls Prevention Awareness Day. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one-third of Americans age 65 and older fall each year. But falls are not normal, says Cleveland Clinic physical therapist Mary Morrison, DScPT. Many falls are preventable. The CDC website has some practical advice for preventing falls, which includes exercising. Morrison says this requires a multipronged approach to improve strength (see box), balance, posture and flexibility.
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