Planning for as Many Issues as Possible Could Help
By Tom Herrin
A lot of people are planners of one kind or another. It is a good idea to be prepared for many different kinds of potential problems. With the number of natural disasters that have affected people in recent years, it seems that there has been much more attention paid to these things. While it is good to have some food, water, and medical supplies, there are certainly other things that can make a difference in times of various needs. For those who have had some kind of injury or condition in which they were unable to fully get around on their own, some kind of walking aid can be useful.
There Are Many to Choose From
The various types of walking aids are pretty commonly known. Crutches are often the first that come to mind. They are normally used when a person needs to keep most of their weight off of a given injured part while allowing it to recover.
A cane is a familiar sight when many people see an older individual. They may be used for limited balance issues, but they may also be used by those who want to assist an injured part so that weight is gradually restored onto the part.
Something that seems to have become more widely seen in recent times is the walker. You can see ads all over the TV these days.
Learning to Use Crutches Can Be a Challenge
Most people have attempted to use crutches, even if they did not need them. Most kids can hardly resist the urge to try them when they see them. It is important that the top be around one to two inches below the armpits to avoid bruising and soreness. The hand grip should be at about the same level as the top of the hips. This allows a person the opportunity to lift themselves a little as they walk with them. Taking one step with the good foot, then the other with the crutches landing together, is the correct way.
Have a Good Plan and Some Training on Use
While most of us likely have one or more of these walking aids around our homes, it is a good idea to be sure people know how to use them properly. This can expedite the process in a time of need. Another thing that can be helpful is to do a good safety check of our homes. Looking for trip or slip hazards may be the best way to reduce the chance that we may need to use a walking aid. As with most things, planning ahead is often the best course.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Corpus Christi, Tex.