Practicing Good Habits Can Help Us Prepare
By Tom Herrin
Most people have a desire to avoid accidents but may not always do the best job of following through with plans to do so. There is always a need to identify the possible problems. The other thing that may help is for them to know what they have on hand that may be used for assistance if they have a sudden need for it. It is pretty common for people to turn an ankle, hurt a knee, or do something else that can cause them to look for some way to keep weight off of a body part that is injured. Many have had the experience before and still have some kind of walking aid around.
Walking Aids Come in a Good Variety
Most people have either walked on crutches or attempted to do so. Hardly any child can resist the opportunity to see just how they work. They are mostly used to help keep the weight off of someone's injured part for a relatively short period of time. If they are able to use them properly, they can still have considerable mobility.
A cane is something that has been around for a long time, in some form or another. It is usually lightweight and can be easily carried. People who have limited issues with balance often use them as well as those who are trying to regain use of a part that has been injured.
A walker can serve as a good support for those who need a stable form of assistance. Since it has four points in contact with the ground, it can hold weight without having to worry as much about balance. It is great for those who need to keep more of their weight off of some part for a while.
Movement With Crutches Can Be Easy
When people use crutches, it is important that they be the right fit. The top of the crutch should be about one to two inches below the armpits. The hand grip should be at about the same level as the top of the hip. When people use them, they should be able to lift themselves a little with their hands as they move. This can help prevent bruising and soreness from the tops of the crutch. Using them properly can allow people to move around freely.
Form Those Habits Now
If we have a walking aid around, it is a good idea to learn how to use it correctly. Allowing everyone in the family to learn can be part of good planning should the need ever actually arise. Another thing we may want to consider is going through our home and doing a safety check. Getting other family members involved may help. Finding and eliminating anything that may be a potential trip or slip hazard may help us to avoid future accidents. If we want good habits, we need to develop them now.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Sugar Land, Tex.