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Falls in the Elderly - Why We Fall and How to Avoid Them

Written by Dr Rajesh Bhardwaj

Topic: Elder CarePublished March 5, 2020

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There are multiple intricate mechanisms that help us to maintain our balance.rnThese includern- Inner Ears - The Vestibule in the inner ear contains the Utricle, Saccule and the three Semicircular canals that help to orient our body in a three-dimensional plane as well as maintain balance during movement, acceleration and deceleration, turning on an axis etc. - Eyes - The Eyes coordinate with the Vestibule through the vestibule ocular reflex. - Joints- Our Joints contain receptors called Proprioreceptors which help us to judge our position with respect to the ground beneath us.rnAs we grow older there is a gradual enfeeblement of our senses which makes us prone to falls. Some of these arernFailing eyesightrnPoor muscle and bone strengthrnLoss of proprioceptionrnPresbyastatis - loss of hair cells in the Vestibular sense organrnMedication - especially sedatives and tranquillizersrnConcomitant Neurological disorders like ParkinsonismrnChronic Alcohol usernHow to Avoid Fallsrn1. Lighting - keep rooms and corridors well lit - we also have motion sensor battery operated lights that are readily available and work very well. These are available online as wellrn2. Non-slippery flooring, Carpets securely fastened to the floor. Remove loose wires, pet leashes or anything that obstructs your unhindered access to walking. Avoid wet floors and uneven surfaces.rn3. Support railings - especially in bathrooms (wet surface) and on staircases.rn4. Use assistive devices - a stick can be a lifesaver.rn5. Footwear - should be comfortable, well-fitting, sensible and low healed.rn6. Keep all necessary items at waist level, or no higher than your shoulder level so that you do not have to climb on top of chairs/ boards to reach them.rn7. Do strengthening and balance exercises at home or outside- simple things like regular walking, standing on one leg at a time, closing your eyes and trying to maintain balance etc.rnIn spite of precautions if you continue to fall kindly go for a fall assessment where the actual reason for the fall will be ascertained and remedies specific to that problem will be explained to you. If you are looking for tonsil stone treatment then kindly visit our Centre: Address - D 3/14, Vasant Vihar, Lane opposite, Vasant Vihar Club, Opp Shri Ram School New Delhi, Delhi 110057. For an appointment - Please call at +919871150032.

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About the Author

Dr (Major) R k Bhardwaj joined the armed forces medical college (afmc), Poona in 1978, and graduated as an MBBS in Oct 1982. From 1982 to 1997 he served in various capacities in the army medical corps including tours of duty at Siachen glacier and at Jaffna in Sri Lanka where he was intimately involved in the triage, management, and evacuation of battle casualties.
In 1987 he completed his diploma in ENT(DLO) from IGMC (mayo hospital) at Nagpur. From 1988 to 1990 he completed his ms in ENT from afmc at Poona where he was awarded the silver medal for standing first in ent in afmc. He was awarded the 'chief of army staff commendation card' for meritorious duty. From 1991 to 1993 he worked
as an ent specialist at Chandigarh where he performed a large number of ent surgeries and endoscopic procedures. In 1993 he was posted to army hospital (r&r hospital) the largest and most prestigious military medical establishment. He honed his surgical and diagnostic skills and was made a recognized postgraduate guide of the Delhi University.
In 1997 he left the army and has since then been in active practice. Apart from being attached to various prestigious hospitals of south Delhi including Sitaram Bhartiya institute, max med centre, Indian spinal injuries centre (Vasant Kunj) he has a well-equipped ent centre at Vasant vihar where he practices every evening.
Dr Bhardwaj is actively involved in his association affairs where he has been the editor of the news journal apart from being a member of the executive for many years. He was the secretary of the association in 2001-2002 and was the president of the All India association, Delhi branch from 2004 to 2005.
Dr Bhardwaj was the health consultant with the media group tv today network which includes "Aaj Tak and headlines today'. Presently he was health consultant with star news and was involved in bringing out the weekly health program called - 'Apna khayal rakhiyega'. Dr Bhardwaj was the doctor on a panel with the Shri ram school, Vasant vihar and has carried out the annual medical examinations at the heritage school and bloom public school. He contributes articles for the parenting magazine. the specialist at Chandigarh where he performed a large number of ent surgeries and endoscopic procedures.
In 1993 he was posted to army hospital (r&r hospital) the largest and most prestigious military medical establishment. He honed his surgical and diagnostic skills and was made a recognized postgraduate guide of the Delhi University.

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