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More than one in four adults aged 65 and older falls each year, according to federal statistics. Such accidents can cause serious injuries, such as broken bones and head trauma, and sometimes even lead to death.

Fall-related injuries can make it difficult for people to get around, do everyday activities or live on their own. However, by making some changes, older adults can help lower their chances of falling, relieve loved ones concerns and maintain their independence. If youre at risk, the National Center for Injury Prevention and Control recommends four things you can do to prevent falls:

1. Talk openly with your healthcare provider.Tell a healthcare provider right away if you fall, worry about falling or feel unsteady. Have your doctor or pharmacist review all the medicines you take, even over-the-counter ones. As you get older, the way medicines work in your body can change. Some medicines, or combinations of medicines, can make you sleepy or dizzy and can cause you to fall. Also ask your healthcare provider about taking vitamin D supplements to improve bone, muscle and nerve health.

2. Exercise to improve your balance and strength.Exercises that improve balance and make your legs stronger, such as Tai Chi, reduce your chances of falling. Exercise also helps you feel better and more confident. Conversely, inactivity leads to weakness and increases your risk of falling. Ask your healthcare provider about the best type of exercise program for you.

3. Have your eyes and feet checked.Poor vision can increase your chances of falling. Visit your eye doctor annually, and update your eyeglasses, if needed. You may have a condition like glaucoma or cataracts that limits your vision. Also, have your healthcare provider check your feet once a year. Discuss proper footwear, and ask whether seeing a foot specialist is advised.

4. Make your home safer.Many falls happen at home. To reduce the risk in your house, do the following:

Remove things you can trip over, such as papers, books, clothes and shoes, from stairs and places where you walk.Remove small throw rugs, or use double-sided tape to keep the rugs from slipping.Keep items you use often in cabinets you can reach easily without using a step stool.Have grab bars installed next to and inside the tub, as well as next to the toilet.Use non-slip mats in the bathtub and on shower floors.Improve the lighting in your home. As you get older, you need brighter lights to see well. Hang lightweight curtains or shades to reduce glare.Have handrails and lights installed on all staircases.Wear well-fitting shoes with good support inside and outside the house.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

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Smart home technology is improving life for everyone, even your furry little friends. These days, there are tons of products available for pets who live in the lap of luxury, from smart feeders that automatically dispense food to treadmills designed for felines.

For those who like to spoil their dogs and cats, heres the latest and greatest pet technology to bring into your home!

iFetch Too

For some dogs, a quick game of fetch is never enough. If this sounds familiar, then the iFetch might just be for you. This automatic ball launcher will have your pooch running around all day long with up to 300 throws per battery charge. Various distance settings that range from 10 to 40 feet allow you to set it up inside or out, so your dog can chase tennis balls to its hearts content even when youre not home. And for the ones who love digging holes, the iDig is also worth checking out!

Little Cat

Is your feline enjoying the cat nip a bit too much? For cats that could afford to lose a few pounds, the Little Cat from PetDing is the perfect solution. Essentially a large hamster wheel with a built-in LED light that cats love to chase after, its like an exercise program designed to get your little fur ball off the couch. Available in four different colors, itll look great in any house or apartment.

Petcube Bites

There are lots of pet cameras available for those who suffer a little separation anxiety during the day, but the Petcube Bites does more than just let you check in on them. The two-way speaker allows your cat or dog to hear the comfort of your voice when youre away and you can even reward good behavior with the built-in treat dispenser.

Wagz Smart Door

Nobody wants an unwelcomed visitor coming through the doggy door. Now you can keep out any surprises with the Wagz Smart Door that uses a unique ID tag in the collar that only opens the door for your pets. You can even control when theyre allowed to go outside and use the live HD video camera to monitor any motion around the door.

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The following characteristics will help you design a swoon-worthy farmhouse kitchen.

Stone and Wood

Natural materials, especially stone and wood, are always at the center of the farmhouse style.

Open Shelving

Both fashionable and functional, hang pans from a ceiling rack and use a magnetic strip to keep your knives handy.

Copper Accents

Wherever its implemented, copper adds a metallic touch thats in tune with the rustic ambiance.

Reclaimed Materials

A farmhouse kitchen should feel like its been lived in. Reclaimed materials give your kitchen a distinguished character that comes with age.

Appropriate Appliances

Stainless steel is popular in a rustic cooking space, as it works well with the overall aesthetic.

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Sure, just charge it to my credit card. Its a phrase we say at stores and restaurants from time to time, especially when were making unplanned or big purchases. Credit cards are convenient and common among most adults, but unless you use one carefully, you could find yourself in financial trouble. Here are some tips to help ensure you use credit cards wisely:

Charge Responsibly
Credit cards and frivolous spending can be a recipe for financial disaster; too many impulse buys could add up quickly and bury you in debt. Try to use a credit card only for items you need, rather than want, and for emergency situations. Consider a credit card as a loan to yourself for when you dont have cash on-hand, and stick to a budget that allows you to repay the debt fast.

Furthermore, charging too much to your credit cards each month or maxing them out impacts your credit utilization ratio, a measurement that could jeopardize your credit score and a lenders willingness to offer you loans.

Practicing credit card discipline, especially when out shopping, is easier said than done. To help keep yourself in check, see if you can sign up for balance alerts with your credit card provider that let you know when youve reached a self-imposed spending limit. You could also request to lower your credit limit to a more manageable amount.

Pay the Full Balance
One of the best ways to get the most out of your credit card is aiming to pay your full balance every month. Doing so will allow you to avoid paying any interest charges, which build up and cost you more the longer you keep a balance on your card.

Even with proper budgeting, unforeseen circumstances might prevent you from being able to afford paying the entire balance during some months. In those instances, make sure to pay at least the minimum amount, and try to refrain from charging more before paying off the remainder.

Always Pay on Time
Regardless of whether you can afford the full balance or the minimum payment, make sure to pay your credit card bills on time every month. Late or missed payments not only result in late fees and interest charges, but could also negatively affect your credit score for several years. Conversely, paying your bills on time can boost your credit score and signals to lenders that youre a reliable borrower.

To help avoid missing a payment, ask your credit card provider to change your bills due date to a more convenient time. By moving the date to right after your work payday, for example, youre more likely to have money to pay the bill than you would a few days before getting your paycheck. Also, if you have multiple credit card bills, synchronizing their due dates could help ensure you dont forget about one of them.

Take Advantage of Rewards
Many credit card companies offer rewards programs, so if youre going to use a credit card, you might as well consider one that has added benefits. Available bonuses include frequent-flyer miles, cash-back and hotel points, among other perks.

This doesnt mean you should increase your credit card spending just to earn rewards, though, and be mindful that unless you pay your balance in full every month, the interest youd have to pay could essentially cancel out the value of any benefits earned.

With these helpful tips for using credit cards wisely, youll be able to reap the benefits of your cards while avoiding financial missteps and living within your means.

This article is intended for informational purposes only and should not be construed as professional or legal advice.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

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Published with permission from RISMedia.

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