Small steps towards a frog leap

Future medicine will be banking on prevention. The best prevention is vaccination. Though some simple prevention at home vis-a-vis outdoor for elderly proved better than vaccination. Elderly, especially above 65 years with impaired motion, memory, sight, balance, hearing and touch sensation should remain on their guard for every step they put inside or outside the door.

About 30% falls irrespective of age and result in injury and 10% end in fracture. Also 33% of elderly people at least fall inside their home once a year. A person who has had a fall is likely to fall again. A stitch in time saves nine. Not only falls but the following measures cover a facade of do's and don'ts in everyday life.

1. While brushing teeth or washing face over the basin, do not bend your back. Lean keeping your back straight.

2. While lifting weight or heavy material, do not bend your back. Keeping the back straight, bend your knees lifting the materials from the sides.

3. Keep some dates or biscuits handy while keeping outdoor if you are a diabetic.

4. Keep the door of the bath room shut but not locked.

5. Use corrugated mat or rough sheet on the floor of the bathroom. Install strong metal handles on the wall under the shower.

6. For unstable people when moving about, use suitable accessories like wheel chair, walking frame, quad stick, hearing aid, glasses and non-slipping foot wear.

7. Stay in bed when feeling drowsy or giddy, change to sitting or standing position slowly.

8. In case of confusion, disorientation, sweating, anxiety or chest pain, call for help immediately.

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