Health Tip: Preventing Stairway Falls

(HealthDay News) -- Stairways and falling down seem to go hand-in-hand, but there are things you can do to help keep you on your toes.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers these stairway safety tips:

• Never let clutter pile up on stairs.
• Repair any uneven, broken or loose steps.
• Make sure a light is installed over the stairway with a switch at both the top and bottom. If the bulb is burned out and you are unable to change it, ask a friend or loved one to do it.
• If your stairs have carpeting, make sure it is firmly in place, with no tears or loose spots.
• Make sure handrails are secured to the wall on both sides of the stairs.