Surprising tips to stay healthy

Experts have uncovered unexpected (and easy!) ways to tune up your body and mind.

- GABRIELLE LICHTERMAN

Prevent falls by opening the shades

Stable shoes and balance-training exercises are proven ways to stay steady on your feet as you walk. Now, New Zealand scientists have discovered a smart hack to avoid tripping while at home: Open your window shades to let in the sunlight or use full-spectrum LED light bulbs that mimic daylight (available at Amazon). Blue wavelength light from these sources increases alertness and improves reaction time. That enables you to make faster micro-movements in your knees, ankles and feet to stay steady.

OR WEAR HEARING AIDS For many of us, it’s difficult to hear in crowded areas, or we find ourselves turning the TV way up. Nonprescription hearing aids, which are available at drugstores starting at $99, not only help you hear better but also make you 65% less likely to fall, shows a University of Colorado study. Better hearing appears to help balance, keeping you upright.

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