Health Tip: What to Do If You Fall

Tripping over a box or slipping on a wet floor could leave you with a broken bone. And a fall could easily send an older person to the hospital, says the National Institute on Aging.

If you fall, stay calm and follow the agency's recommendations:

• Take several deep breaths to try to relax.

• Remain still on the ground for a few moments.

• If you are hurt or cannot get up on your own, ask for help or call 911.

• If you are alone, try to get into a comfortable position and wait for help to arrive.