In addition to strengthening muscles, there are several other things that an individual can do to decrease the chance of falling. One very important item to remember is to have your vision checked regularly. Many falls are the result of poor vision where an individual did not see a crack or a step. If an individual has a history of falls, or feels unsteady while walking around the home, it is important to remove loose rugs or soft carpeting that may cause one to trip. Make sure that there is adequate lighting in the house so one can see all potential hazards. Also make sure to wear low-heel supportive shoes, even at home. Avoid walking around in socks or backless slippers. It is also very important to keep electrical cords and telephone lines out of the walkway. In the bathroom, using a rubber bathmat both inside and outside the bathtub may decrease the risk of slipping while transferring in and out of a bath or shower.