Your walking routine is secure.

Address vision, hearing, physical and logistical issues before heading out the door.

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Now that spring is here, you is perhaps getting back to walking outside. But don't take your walking routine frivolously. Although walking is an easy and effective exercise, it could actually put you in danger for falls and other injuries. As a result, physical and environmental hazards can turn a walk outside right into a trip to the hospital, which may sabotage your good intentions to remain healthy. Consider the next risks and fixes before you begin walking.

Risk: Maneuver and stability issues

Reasons: back, hip, knee, ankle, or foot pain; muscle weakness; Imbalances from neurological conditions comparable to Parkinson's disease; Dizziness from internal ear conditions; vision problems; or a mix thereof.

Danger: All of the above problems could cause falls, especially on uneven floors or ground. Falls can lead to fractures and everlasting disability.

Risk: Hearing impairment.

Reasons: Age-related hearing loss, tumors, abnormal bone growth, earwax build-up, or damage to nerve cells from exposure to loud noises.

Danger: Hearing loss from any cause will prevent you from detecting essential sounds on city and neighborhood streets, comparable to oncoming traffic, bicycles, warning sirens, alarms, or intruders. This increases your risk of injury.

Danger: Distraction from electronics

Reasons: Looking down at a health tracker, texting, wearing headphones.

Danger: Distractions can prevent you from seeing or hearing potential dangers. “No matter where you are, being aware of your surroundings is essential to staying safe. If you're less aware of auditory cues, you'll rely more on visual cues, and vice versa,” says Dr. Rauch.

Correct: When listening to music, just use one earbud or put your headphones on to depart one ear open, so you possibly can still hear the noise in your walking environment. If it's essential to look down, like at a smartphone, stop walking for a moment, then start again if you're done. If you spend greater than a minute looking down, take a moment to note your surroundings.

Risk: Weakness

Reason: Walking alone or with no strategy to call for help.

Danger: If you fall or have a heart attack while walking alone, the consequence might be even worse when you are unable to call for help. Also, living alone could make you a goal for attackers who prey on older adults.

Correct: Walk a well-recognized route with a friend, or at the very least walk where there are other people around. Carry a cellphone or alert button to contact emergency responders. “You never want to find yourself sick and unable to make it home, or worse, have no way to contact emergency services,” says Huber-Andersen.