By Alice Kim, MD
Contributing writer
Contributing writer
If you are an older adult a simple thing can change your life,
like tripping on uneven pavement or slipping on a slick surface. If you fall,
you could break a bone, like thousands of older men and women do every year. Although
a broken bone might not sound bad, it could prompt more serious health issues.
Many things can cause a fall. Your eyesight, hearing and
reflexes might not be as sharp as they were when you were younger. Diabetes,
heart disease or problems with your thyroid, nerves, feet or blood vessels can
affect your balance. In addition, some medications can cause you to feel dizzy
or sleepy and make you more likely to fall.
