Ask The Expert: Maintaining Balance & Preventing Falls

(KUTV) As we age, incidents of falls go up. If you're over the age of 65, there's a one in three chance you're going to fall this year.

However, there are some steps you can take to reduce the risk. First, start with your doctor. Make sure there isn't something going on medically.

Your physician might refer you to an audiologist to get certain tests done. An audiologist will evaluate a patient's equilibrium which is made up of three things: the inner ear, the vestibular system, and vision. If one element is off, it could alter someone's balance and increase the risk of a fall.

"My job as an audiologist is to perform those tests to start figuring out what part of that system is a problem," says Jess Moulton, an audiologist at Utah Valley Hospital.

However, falling isn't usually related to a just one trigger. It's about your entire body and environment working together properly. Some things you can do to reduce your risk of taking a tumble:

• Make sure your vision is up to par
• Take medications in the way prescribed
• Ensure your house has good lighting, especially at the top and bottom of stairs
• Keep exercising
• One of the most important steps -- keep moving

"If people don't get exercise, they quit moving, they lose the ability to maintain their balance," says Alan Nybo, a physical therapist at Utah Valley Hospital.

If you're unstable or unsafe when walking around, visit a physical therapist. They can go over your history, run some balance tests, and give you safe exercises to perform at home.

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