More than 20 million medical

visits are made each year

due to in-home injuries -

here's how to play it safer

After the Fall

By DARCI SMITH

CTW FEATURES

Iknew I was in trouble as soon as my right foot began to slip off the smooth,

painted step. The stairway to the basement of my historic condominium

building is twisty and tricky to maneuver even when not carrying a week's

worth of dark laundry. Adding slippers to the mix was simply not a good idea.

In an instant, I was in the air - and then bouncing down the remaining eight

steps on my back. I landed at the bottom covered in jeans and sweatshirts, and with

the wind completely knocked out of me. I paced the basement, trying to catch my

breath while gripping my left ribs, which had taken the brunt of the fall. My back

was tightening quickly and already tender. I knew I was in trouble.