For anyone who is even a little unsteady on their feet, it is a dangerous obstacle course: You have to avoid frozen puddles and dodge the hoarfrost on the road. And because it's dark early, it's easy to overlook many an obstacle outside and inside the home. How do I get through the winter without falling and breaking a bone?

Here are the most important tips ...

1. get a clear view of things. If you can no longer see clearly, you should have new glasses fitted by an optician or ophthalmologist. If a cataract is clouding your eyesight, have an operation as soon as possible.
as soon as possible. The procedure is harmless and can be done quickly.

2. new studies show that trained muscles are best able to prevent a fall. If you have reasonably strong legs, you can compensate for a slip on a slippery surface faster and better. It is best to sign up for a gymnastics course or go swimming immediately. If you want to practise at home, you should focus on training your legs. A little strength training with a dumbbell won't do any harm either. Although this doesn't strengthen the leg muscles as much, it strengthens the bones in the whole body.

3. frequent infections weaken the body. This is dangerous when you are out and about. It is therefore essential to get healthy. A recent study confirms this: Patients who are treated for a fall almost always suffer from an inflammation in the body - such as bronchitis or a bladder infection.

4. painful joints also increase the risk of falling. People who are unable to move freely because of their pain are more likely to fall. It is essential to have joint wear and tear and the associated pain treated.

5 Do not take too much medication at the same time. This can make you drowsy. It is best to seek advice from a pharmacist as to which medications should not be combined.