What Is on Your List of Preparedness Items?
By Tom Herrin
In recent years, there seems to have been more attention paid to things that may be done to help increase preparedness. It is a pretty big concern as there have been some large storms and other natural events that appear to have had devastating effects. When people can be more prepared, they will be in better shape to take care of their needs. Many people keep first aid kits around. Quite a few keep some kind of walking aid in their homes as they may inevitably need them. These aids are something else that people really need to use as well.
Walking Aids Serve Different Purposes
Choosing the right aid for walking is pretty significant. Using the wrong kind will prove useless if not risky. Crutches are the old standby for many. Most of those who have been treated for some kind of accidental injury such that affects their legs or feet have likely had a pair of crutches. They are most useful when people need to keep weight entirely off of such an injury for a short period of time. A cane is recognizable as something for older individuals to help them with limited balance issues. They may also be good for those trying to recover from an injury when they are wanting to place a small amount of weight on an injured part so that gradual use may be recovered. Walkers can help to give a steadier base for those with real balance problems. They are also useful when people want to take a lot of weight off of the lower body.
Using Crutches Correctly Requires Some Practice
Just about every child who has been able to get a pair of crutches in hand has tried to use them. It is important that they be used correctly in order to do the most good and avoid the risk of further injury. The top of the crutches should be one to two inches below the armpits. The hand grips should be at a level near the top of the hips. When people use them, they should have their arms slightly bent so that they can still straighten as they walk. In order to use them correctly, a person must reach ahead with the two then lift themselves slightly as they shift weight to the good foot or leg.
Make a List and Check It At Home
Two things may help when we are getting our homes checked for safe walking. We try to keep some kind of walking aid around our home. At the present time, we have all three kinds. Another thing to do is to do a safety check. Cords and clutter can cause us to trip. Doing as much as possible to eliminate the chances of slips is another thing that can help. We all need to be as prepared as possible starting today.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Bluffton, S.C.