LANSING - According to Centers Of Disease Control and Prevention one out of five falls causes serious injury, and people 65 and older have a higher risk for falling.

There are important factors that can affect balance in either a negative or positive way.

“It could be your shoes that you’re wearing. They can also challenge your balance and improve it too. People can have equilibrium problems or inner ear problems that can affect balance and in those cases you really need to see a physician,’ said Director of Rehabilitation AnnaLee Alexander

There are also items in the home that can be prone to cause falls.

Alexander said, "throw rugs. There are people that like to have throw rigs and different types of mats and rug in their hose if you use an assistive device like a walker or cane sometimes those can cause a fall.”

It's recommended to avoid having throw rugs. In the case that it is necessary purchase a rug with a nonskid backing.

There are also items in the home that can be prone to cause falls.

It's recommended to avoid having throw rugs. In the case that it is necessary purchase a rug with a nonskid backing.

Here are some tips that could decrease falls.

1) Being active
2) Walking on different platforms
3) Removing hazardous items from the home
4) Get regular vision and hearing check ups.

If you are concerned about your balance or have frequent falls there are screenings available.

Alexander said, “with therapy intervention we'd be able to provide you with the information to give to your physician and then your physician can write a order for therapy if they felt it was warranted. "

Having a mobile device or alert system around at all times is important just in case a fall where to occur. If a fall does happen and there is extreme pain stay where you are until help comes otherwise make your way to your knees and grab onto a sturdy item to help pull you up.