We all want to avoid falls, but they can happen even to the best of us. If you ever experience a fall, remember—

 1. Stay Calm

Sudden falls are very upsetting. Take a moment to breathe deeply and calm yourself before doing anything. This will help you recover from the shock so you can better handle the situation.

 2. Assess Your Condition

Can you get up safely or are you hurt? Getting up in the wrong way can make injuries worse, so be careful when deciding what to do next.

If you decide you can get up

 3. Roll Onto Your Side

If you need to, take another moment to rest while your body readjusts.

 4. Crawl to a Sturdy Piece of Furniture

Don’t grab onto anything that could topple over. If one’s available, a chair can be especially useful for getting back up.

 5. Pull Yourself Back Up

If you’re at a chair, place your hands on the seat, then slide one foot forward so it’s flat on the floor. You’ll now be in a kneeling position. From that position slowly get up and turn your body to sit in the chair.

 If you decide you can’t get up

You’ll need to call for help. If you live alone and don’t have a cellphone on you, try to make your way over to a telephone, emergency alert system, door to the outside or simply something you could make a loud noise with, such as pots and pans. Once help is on its way, lie quietly and keep yourself as warm and comfortable as possible.

 Aftermath

Getting back up isn’t the end of the story. See a doctor if you’re injured. Even if you’re not, discuss the fall with you doctor. He/She will address any medical issues you may be facing and help you prevent future falls so you can continue to enjoy an active lifestyle.