Here are ways to prevent falls—and therefore bone fractures—in your daily life.

• Improve your balance and coordination through physical activity.
  Install bright lighting in your home.
   
• Use non-slip mats in the bathtub and shower.
   
• Have grab bars installed wherever balance is an issue—particularly
  in the bathroom.
   
• Don’t use step stools or small rugs.
   
• Wear shoes that have non-slip soles and good support for your feet.
   
• Remove from any walking area objects that you might trip over.
   
• Talk with a health professional about all of the medications you take—both prescription and over-the-counter. Some medicines or combinations of medicines can make you lightheaded or dizzy—and therefore more likely to fall.
   
• Have your vision checked. An out-of-date prescription for glasses or an eye condition could limit your vision and make you more likely to fall.

How Much Calcium and Vitamin D Do I Need?

To protect and strengthen your bones, here are consumption levels recommended by the Office of the Surgeon General for calcium and vitamin D. To help you understand the numbers: You will get about 300 mg of calcium and 50 IU of vitamin D in either a cup of milk or a cup of fortified orange juice.

Age Calcium (mg) Vitamin D (intl. units)

18-50 1,000 200 51-70 1,200 400 70-plus 1,200 600

SCHEDULE A SCREENING