Just a handful of regulars were watching the two men making unremarkable moves on the chess board while two more were scouting the edges of the park in hope of catching a glimpse of Mario.  It was usually quiet when he wasn’t around.

Peering through his curtains across the street from the park, a remorseful face grimaced in pain and dropped into his armchair in despair.  His sad eyes had taken in the small gathering of his friends casually surrounding the chess board.  He saw that two of his buddies were marking time by playing a practice game; they were waiting for him to play the final round in their neighborhood tournament.  But he just couldn’t join them, not today.

The pain in his back and legs eased up only when he rested.  The arthritis was getting worse and walking to the park was more than he could bear.  He used his standard walker to get from room to room in his apartment but would not take it outside.  His friends did not know of his reliance on this device, known to all (he thought) as an admittance of pitiful old age.  It was important to him that his friends regard him as robust.  To be seen hobbling through the park like a sick old man with a walker, was unthinkable.

But Mario wasn’t a quitter.  He didn’t give up when things got tough and he didn’t give in to pain.  He turned to his computer and decided to look up information on walkers again.  Maybe he should consider the walkers with wheels.  The ones called rollators.  And then he saw a review by a real tough guy who bought and used a walker.

The self-proclaimed old surf bum retired US Marine, on and off road motorcycle racer, and white-water kayaking nut says in an Amazon review, “if you HAVE to use a walker, the Blue Hugo Elite Rollator Walker with Seat, Backrest and Saddle Bag is great.”

Mike was this man’s name and he couldn’t even imagine himself using a walker a few years ago.  He is 6’3” and 233 lbs and some days his arthritis pain is so bad he has trouble getting out of bed.  But he refuses to let circumstances turn him into a life watcher.  He insists on participating as fully as possible in all that life throws at him.  Mike says he’s not old, but still “stirring up trouble” with his two cats, Lucy and Ethel, riding on the walker’s seat with him.

Mario knew instantly that a rolling walker was for him.  He immediately ordered the same one the ex-marine was using, with padded seat, basket and the saddlebag accessory.  With renewed strength he hobbled out to meet his friends – using his old standard walker, but with a great story to tell them about his new rollator that was on the way.  He gained new respect from his friends for showing them that someone they respected refused to give up his independence even if it meant using a mobility device.  Oh, by the way, he won the tournament.

Top reasons for using mobility devices

The most common reasons people need mobility devices are arthritis and other joint problems, respiratory problems, heart attack, diabetes, high blood pressure, chronic pain, hip and knee replacements, back problems, accidental falls, and auto accidents.

If the reason for needing a mobility device is minor or temporary, such as using a cane for a minor ailment or using crutches for a temporary problem, people are more inclined to use the device they require.  But many people, especially young seniors, do not want to use mobility aids, especially if the device is medical looking.

Why some people refuse mobility devices

An Ipsos Reid poll found that seniors use mobility devices when they see a direct benefit, preventing falls (28 percent), feeling steady or balanced (24 percent), and needing to use them due to a medical condition (26 percent).

However, this research also showed that mobility aids are not being used by many seniors who would likely benefit from them. For example among those who report a health or mobility issue, only 33 percent currently use a mobility aid (22 percent of all seniors).

For seniors who do not use mobility aids, the vast majority (86 percent) believe they don’t need them.  Some seniors believe mobility aids cost too much (22 percent), some find them difficult to handle (16 percent), and some do not like the way they look using a medical device (16 percent).

How Medical Practitioners and Senior Advisors May Help Seniors Choose and Use Appropriate Mobility Devices

When people of any age see a good reason for using a specific mobility device they will use it more willingly than if they can’t see a specific benefit. Not only should seniors (and others with mobility issues) talk to medical professionals about their walking abilities, medical professionals should make a point of asking their clients about what mobility devices they may be using. If a candidate for a mobility device is not using one it may be because they either do not have enough (or any) information on them, or they rely on their medical advisor to recommend a device for them.

If a medical advisor recommends a medical device and explains the specific benefits of using such a device to their client, the client may be more likely to use it. If a medical advisor is able to demonstrate the correct use of a mobility device and what to look for when selecting a mobility device, the client may find it easier and more comfortable to use the most appropriate device for him or her. To ease the burden of cost of a mobility device, the medical advisor could provide the client with information on local, regional and federal government agencies and services to help with the purchase.

Rollator versus Standard Walker

Mario is not alone in turning to a rolling walker for getting out and about.  Rollators roll smoothly over the floor or ground and are different from standard walkers (no wheels) that must be lifted with each step.

Rollators offer more mobility to people with reasonable upper body strength and hand agility (ability to use the brakes properly). Someone who wants to get out more will find a rolling walker much easier than a no-wheeled walker.  A rollator allows the user to hang on to something for balance and support while maintaining a good walking gait and improved posture.

Using a rollator enables the user to take a break at any time by locking the brakes and sitting on the padded seat.  Most Rollators can be customized and accessorized based on the needs of the user and fold so they can be easily stored or transported in a car.

Rolling Walkers Seen as Positive Mobility Aids

Wheeled walkers or rollators were seen as positive devices according to the Ipsos Reid telephone poll.  Because properly using a rollator improves walking gait and posture, rollators help the people using them look more active and energetic. Rollators are seen as making people look like they are taking control of their life, not allowing them to be victimized by circumstances or illness.

Attractive devices such as sporty looking rollators – and there are many to choose from – may be more readily accepted by those who need a little help getting outside and resuming the activities they love.

Although more than twice as many older adults use canes rather than walkers, a 2009 study found that seven times as many injuries were associated with walkers. According to this study, approximately 87% of fall injuries suffered by older adults (age 85+) happened when using walkers, whereas only 13% happened when using canes. One of the main conclusions of this study is:

“It might be beneficial to increase the amount of time devoted to
fitting aids and educating people how to use canes and walkers safely.”

We should not assume that using a walker is straightforward – you just hold the handles and walk. This is not so. To avoid slipping, sliding or falling, you must learn how to use your walker and walk with your walker safely.

Here are the main tips for using your walker safely:

• What you wear when using a walker is an important safety issue: Clothing should be comfortably loose but not able to become entwined with your walker. Wear nonskid footwear – shoes or slippers with rubber, not leather, soles. Bare feet or wearing just socks is not advised when using a walker. Get into the habit of wearing proper footwear.

• Tripping is more common than slipping with a walker so make sure your living and bedroom areas are clear of clutter. You should remove loose rugs and ensure all carpeting is nailed down. Wipe up floor spills quickly to prevent a fall.

• Make sure the tips of your walker are in good repair. It is easy and inexpensive to replace worn tips or glide skis – so have an extra set on hand.

• Ensure the grips (handles) of your walker are comfortable to use and that the grip itself won’t slip around the walker handle.

• If you have a basket, tray or other accessory attached to your walker, make sure these items are attached properly.

• If your walker folds up for storing convenience, make sure it is locked open before using your walker.

Getting up from a chair:

• Put the walker in front of your chair and slide forward in the chair.

• With your hands on the arms of the chair, slowly stand up. Do not use the walker to hold onto while attempting to stand up from a chair. Use your arms to lift you from the chair, gain your balance, then reach with one hand for the centre of the walker.

• Bring your walker towards you so that you are standing just inside the walker. Transfer both hands to the handles of the walker.

• Stand with your walker until you feel balanced and ready to walk.

Walking with your walker:

• When you are ready to walk, move the walker forward about one footstep ahead of you. Ensure that all four legs are firmly on the ground.

• When walking, place your strong foot forward first, then move your other foot forward. Pick up and move the walker, then, when the walker is firmly back on the ground, take your next steps.

o Pick up and move your walker ahead of you
o Take a step with one foot then the other
o Have both feet on the ground before you again move your walker
o Pick up and move your walker ahead of you
o Take a step with one foot then the other
o Have both feet on the ground before you again move your walker
o Practice these steps until you are comfortable with them

• Do not hold your walker too close to you or too far away. Take small, confident steps to establish a comfortable and safe rhythm with your walk.

• Look ahead while you are walking, don’t look down at your feet. You should be confident that you have removed all items that could cause you to trip. Looking ahead helps you gain and maintain good balance.

Sitting down:

• Stand with your back to the chair and the back of your legs touching the chair.

• Set the walker firmly on the floor in front of you, slightly away from you so you can bend your body towards your walker. Your backside should be over the centre of the chair.

• Place your weight on your legs, as much as possible.

• Keep one hand lightly on your walker while you reach for the armrest with your other hand. Firmly grasp the armrest and transfer your weight to that arm and your legs. Next, move your other hand from your walker to the other armrest and transfer the rest of your weight to that arm.

• Slowly sit down and slide backward into your chair. If you find you can’t hold your weight with your arms while you slowly sit down, try bending your knees more.

Please remember that the above points are part of a sensible guideline. These points are for information purposes only. You should always seek the advice of your medical professional or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have with regard to fitting and using a walker.

ⁱStevens, J. A., Thomas, K., Teh, L. and Greenspan, A. I. (2009), Unintentional Fall Injuries Associated with Walkers and Canes in Older Adults Treated in U.S. Emergency Departments. Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, 57: 1464–1469. doi: 10.1111/j.1532-5415.2009.02365.x

The joys of using a properly fitted walker are wonderful

The feelings of freedom in being able to walk to the kitchen, make yourself a cup of coffee and bringing it back to your table in the window, are priceless. When you have a walker that is fitted properly and you use it correctly you will find that walking is a safe, enjoyable and fun activity again.

Your health care practitioner will advise you on the best type of walker to get for your use. You may have decided on a standard walker (with or without front wheels) to get around your home and to help you following surgery. You may be using a standard walker while going through rehabilitation and then move to a rollator walker for outside extended use. Whatever the type and style of walker you have chosen, you will want to make sure it fits you properly and is set-up correctly so you may continue to use it enjoyably.

How to Properly Fit Your Walker

When you first get the walker that your health care practitioner has recommended, you may still want some help adjusting it to suit your specific needs. It is always a good idea to read and understand the owner’s manual that comes with your walker. If you have trouble understanding the manual, do not hesitate to talk to your medical practitioner or a technical person from the store where you bought your walker.

Here are the main tips for fitting your walker:

• After assembling the walker, make sure the walker legs are securely locked and the folding mechanism is in the locked position.

• Ensure that the hand grips are tight and do not move around. Ensure that the rubber tips and/or plastic glide tips are not ripped, worn or missing. Replace any tips that look worn before using the walker and regularly thereafter.

• If you are using a basket accessory, ensure that you attach it according to the manufacturer’s instructions. You do not want to hang anything else on your walker, either on the front or sides. This could harm locking mechanisms or unbalance your walker. Before using your walker ensure that all attachments are locked in place.

• You have selected a walker that will support your “leaning” weight. A walker is not meant to support your full weight (like a wheelchair does), just enough of your weight to help you walk safely and securely. Before purchasing your walker, ensure it will hold your “leaning” weight. Bariatric walkers (for those who require extra weight support) are available.

• Although walkers are adjustable for your height, you can purchase walkers for a smaller adult frame or a taller adult frame. Your medical practitioner will have recommended the correct type of walker; make sure you purchased the correct one before using it.

Measuring your wrist height to determine the best fit for your walker

• Stand comfortably, with assistance from a friend, if required, with your arms hanging loosely at your sides. Measure the distance from the floor to your wrist. This is how high from the ground your walker’s grips (handles) should be. To use your walker properly and to avoid pain in your back or arms, you do not want to bend over to hold your walker nor do you want to reach up to hold your walker. You need to stand as erect as possible and grip your walker easily and comfortably.

• Adjust the height of the walker by adjusting all four legs equally so the walker is level. If you are using two wheels on the front of your walker, ensure that the back of the walker is level with the front.

• Glide skis should not be used on all four leg extensions at once. When using a walker, the rear legs with rubber tips or glide skis remain on the ground – you lift the front of the walker when walking. Glide skis are used on rear legs so that the walker does not snag on a carpet.

Once you’ve adjusted your walker for the proper fit, you’ll then need to take the time to learn how to use it safely.

Next article: How to Safely Use Your Walker

Why let a little thing like when you were born bother you? After all, it happened a long time ago. But age can sneak up on us and surprise us with weaker legs so we can’t walk as quickly or as long as we used to, or weaker arms so we can’t lift and carry as much as we used to, or weaker hands so we can’t grasp and twist as easily as we used to.

As a “Boomer” (those born 1946-1964) it seemed we could do anything: Dash out the door, run to the store, grab something for dinner, rush home to make it, and serve it to a beaming family. Now, as a senior, we can’t move as fast or as steadily. It surprises and irks us to realize we need a little assistance.

As Bette Davis once said, “Old age ain’t no place for sissies”!

Well, I was starting to feel like a real sissy – and I didn’t like it. I knew why I was feeling this way: I couldn’t do many of the things I loved to do or I had to rely on others to help me. I really didn’t like being dependent on other people.

To feel independent again I needed some independent assistance. I realized I could use a walker to help me get around my home (especially at night) and to help me get back out walking again. If I was going to look seriously at walkers it was important for me to do this in style! So, just like a Boomer turned Zoomer (I do not call myself a senior – that is for older people), I did a lot of online research to see if I could find the best walker for me.

Why Use a Walker
The main reasons a person may want to use a walker is they have leg or ankle injuries or have recently had hip or leg surgery; they have imbalance issues due to stroke, multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy; or they are generally frail due to natural aging, arthritis or lack of exercise.

It is amazing to see what a good selection of walkers there are today.
To help me focus my search, I looked for walkers that were not only safe to use but had the look and qualities that suited my lifestyle. I wanted to use a walker in my home, especially at night, so I looked at standard walkers first. We will look at 4-wheeled walkers (or Rollators) in the next article.

Standard Walker
A standard walker is made of lightweight but sturdy metal. It has rubber tips on the ends of all legs. It must be picked up and moved as you walk. If you need good support while you are recovering from an injury, a standard walker may be your best and least expensive choice.

Standard Folding Walker
You can also get a standard walker that folds up to only 4”. This lightweight walker is easy to transport in a car or fold away in a closet. The Hugo® Folding Walker weighs only 6 lbs and adjusts to fit most people between 5’1” – 6’4” in height. Maximum weight capacity: 300 lbs.

2-Wheeled Walker
Two-wheeled walkers have 5 “wheels on the front legs and rubber tips or walker glides on the rear legs. This makes the walker easier to move while maintaining the stability of a standard walker.




What Kind of Walker is Right for You

1. Before you choose a walker, ask your doctor or physical therapist for recommendations based on your needs. It was my doctor who had recommended a walker rather than a cane. She said that a walker would help me stay balanced by giving me a wide base of support and would allow me to walk more and thereby, increase my endurance level.

2. Whether you will use your walker primarily indoors, outdoors, or both may influence your purchase decisions. My doctor suggested I look at a fairly standard walker for use in my home and a rolling walker (or rollator) for outdoor use. I use my walker inside my home to get from room to room when I want to carry something. I always use it at night when going from bedroom to bathroom – it is much safer than navigating alone.

3. Choose a walker appropriate for your height and weight. Almost all walkers come with the ability to adjust their height and most walkers can bear a weight of up to 300 pounds. If you are taller or heavier you should look for a walker that accommodates these two important variables. Proper fit is vital to ensure you are walking correctly. This promotes faster healing and improved endurance.

4. Choose grips that are comfortable; larger grips may be a good choice if you have arthritis. I do not suffer from arthritis but still like using a softer hand grip – I find it much more comfortable.

5. Attachments such as a tote bag or tray may make using your walker more enjoyable. I like to place my morning coffee on the tray of my in-home walker along with my newspaper. I keep a flashlight, tissues and my cell phone in my tote bag just in case I need either.

6. Do you have limited space for storing your walker? If you have a small home you should look at walkers that fold up so they can easily be stored in a closet or hallway. You also need to know if the basket needs to be removed and stored separately or if it folds with the walker. If you want to take your walker with you on a trip, you need to know it will fit easily in a car.

7. Walkers may be covered by health insurance if they are prescribed by a health-care provider. This benefit may be available to you depending on where you live, country and state/province, so always ask.

8. Do you need financial assistance to pay for a walker or rollator?
In the US and Canada many states, provinces, and territories have programs to help seniors or people with disabilities buy the assistive devices they need. Other possible sources of financial help include:

• community and non-profit organizations (e.g. Kiwanis, Rotary, Lions Club, or the Royal Canadian Legion); and
• Veterans Affairs Canada, which helps eligible clients with the purchase of prosthetic and orthotic devices, as well as walkers, canes, and wheelchairs.

Special Tip: – Toss the Tennis Balls
You see them everywhere but they are not safe when on the rear legs of a standard walker or two-wheeled walker. Tennis balls are for playing tennis and for playing with dogs. To more easily glide over floor surfaces, try the “walker skis” or “walker glides”.

Next article: How to Properly Fit Your Walker

Being active needn’t be complex. Studies show there are whopping health benefits associated with simple activities like sitting outside on the porch, taking a walk, being neighborly and helping out a friend.

Soak up sunlight

Sunlight is a natural mood booster. Your body needs to soak in natural sunlight in order to produce enough Vitamin D to sustain a healthy immune system and strong bones. Vitamin D plays an important role in the functioning of the adrenal gland. The adrenal gland dispenses hormones like dopamine and adrenaline to help the body cope with stress. Letting your skin come into contact with direct sunlight helps stave off chronic fatigue and depression.

Vitamin D is understood to regulate nearly every tissue in your body, and it even plays a role in calcium metabolism and neuromuscular and immune system function. Vitamin D helps prevent bone density loss, lowering the risks of fractures and developing osteoporosis. Since most Vitamin D deficiency is caused by lack of exposure to natural sunlight, spending time in the sun is a worthwhile activity.

Help a neighbor

Give somebody a hand any way you can. It doesn’t have to be physically arduous to benefit the recipient or yourself. Whether you’re keeping someone company or helping them with errands, shopping or household chores, studies reveal you’re raising your life expectancy.

Research shows that generosity lowers the risk of dying for people who went through traumatic life events. The mental and physical health benefits of helping others canceled out the higher risk of death associated with the experience of the stressful event.

Go for a walk

Walking is a gentle low-impact one-size-fits-all form of fitness with many health benefits. It elevates the mood, lowers bad cholesterol and raises the good cholesterol. It’s just as good for the heart as heavier-impact jogging or running, safer than other types of exercise and because it’s adaptable to almost any ability level, almost anyone can do it.

People that have trouble with balance and endurance can gain a lot of mileage using the correct walking aid properly, such a cane, pick-up walker or rolling walker. Take a walk outside in the sunshine and invite a friend that can use the company and you’ve tripled the benefits instantaneously!

Could our sinewy caveman cousins have gotten it right, or is the Paleo diet just a really enduring fad? Also known as Hunter-Gatherer or Caveman Diet, the Paleo Diet is modeled after early human foraging of wild plants and animals. To emulate a caveman diet, eat whatever was available to the caveman; unprocessed food. Organic vegetables and meats, eggs and fish lay at the foundation of the food pyramid, and fruits, berries, nuts and seeds at the top. Grains (even whole grains), beans, legumes and refined sugars are forbidden. Cavemen didn’t eat dairy (although a post-modern version includes some dairy and some carbohydrate from root vegetables.)

Dr. Terry Wahls was diagnosed with MS at age 44. She follows the Paleo diet to ensure the efficient functioning of her mitochondria, the power plants of cells. According to Wahls during her TED presentation, if you feed your mitrochondria, you can probably reduce the symptoms of most chronic diseases, whether it’s diabetes, heart disease or mental health problems. Within five months of feeding her body the specific nutrients it needed from foods rather than synthetic supplements, she reversed her symptoms of fatigue and immobility and even rode a bike.

At first glance, the Paleo plan sounds a lot like the Atkins diet but there are several important differences, namely that Atkins doesn’t care where your meat comes from. Paleo is more particular.

Pasture-raised animal meat – Eat meat, eggs and fish but only choose grass-fed animals that were raised on pasture instead of factory farms. Pasture-raised animal byproducts are more nutritious. Meat from grass-fed animals is two to four times more potent in omega-3 fatty acids than meat from grain-fed animals. Fish should be wild not farmed.

Good fat is okay – healthy fats from olive oil or coconut oil is encouraged for its healing properties. Omega 6 fatty acids are restricted because they have been found to increase risk of heart disease. Sunflower, safflower, grapeseed, soybean, corn and other vegetable oils high in omega 6 contribute to chronic inflammation which leads to heart disease, joint pain, skin problems and diabetes.

Eliminate Grains – even small amounts of grain is bad for you. Perhaps the worst thing to happen to us health wise was replacing a pre-agriculture diet with a grain-based diet around 10,000 years ago. It led to a modern diet high in saturated fats and processed, refined foods, which lead to obesity and chronic disease conditions like diabetes, depression and celiac disease. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S. today, and diabetes is number 7.

Supporters of the Paleo diet advocate its superiority over Mediterranean, diabetic or typical western diets for weight loss and lowering the risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes and other chronic disease.

Type 2 diabetics are unable to produce enough insulin, the hormone that breaks down the sugar in your blood stream and converts it to glucose energy. Buildup of glucose in the blood can lead to diabetic complications affecting a person’s cardiovascular health, mental wellbeing, neuropathy leading to mobility problems, blood pressure, and other eye, skin and oral health problems.

By sticking to a low sugar diet, diabetics and prediabetics have less glucose to metabolize. Limiting carbs limits the need to convert carbs, which helps control diabetic lows caused by swings in blood sugar levels, a condition that is typically accompanied by food cravings and an uncontrollable urge to eat.

Similarly, studies have linked insulin to tumor growth. Limit carbs, limit insulin production, inhibit tumor growth. Stored glucose has been shown to feed cancer. Refined carbs not only feed cancer cells but they also suppress the immune system. The National Brain Tumor Foundation recently published a food guide advising patients to avoid low fat diets and refined sugar and carbs, “The Healing Power of Your Fork: A Brain Tumor Survivor’s Eating Plan”.

Grain-free diets are recommended treatment for common food allergies to dairy, wheat and gluten, and other chronic conditions such as IBS. Going Paleo has the restorative potential to repair the gut by eliminating hard to digest sugars and grains that cause inflammation and bloating.

Not everyone agrees with the Paleo plan. It ranked among the lowest in the U.S. News & World Report’s Best Diets 2012, a rating of 25 different diet plans. Experts found it questionable that you could exclude two entire food groups – dairy and grains – and still get all the necessary nutrients. Red blood cells and some brain cells need glucose to function. Eating too much protein can over time lead to unhealthy amounts of ammonia, higher cortisol levels and vitamin A depletion.

It’s important to get the food group ratios right, which depends on your individual needs and whether your goals are weight loss or rehabilitation. Dr. Wahls eats three dinner plates of leafy greens and colored vegetables each day to treat her MS. Read a book like Eat to Boost Your Immunity by Kirsten Hartvig to figure out which super foods to include in your diet.

Walking Cane Safety Step No. 5 – Learning to Walk and Climb Stairs with Your New Walking Cane

If you had asked her a few weeks ago, she would have said, “I will not use a walking cane!” “They are unsafe and will make me look like an old lady!” If you asked her today, 78-year-old Sophia would respond, “Of course I use a walking cane! They are so safe and they help me stay steady on my feet. I can go anywhere now!” If you pressed her about how using a walking cane made her look, she would smile, and with a twinkle in her eye, show you her two sparkling-new beautiful walking canes.

“Choose the walking cane that makes you feel the safest,” she now advises her friends. “Then choose a pattern and a colour that makes you feel alive! That way you will feel energized about taking a walk. You will get out in the fresh air, meet with friends, and improve your health.”

Sophia’s Walking Cane Choices

Sophia is a bit of a show-off now. She likes to use her “regular” walking cane most of the time. She chose a QuadPod offset cane in a beautifully subtle colour called “smoke”. She likes the four-pronged base/tip for safety reasons and loves the colour because it goes with all her clothes. When she wants to “bling” her walking cane (add a little extra pizzazz) she uses StrollMates cane coats in a variety of styles. She loves the “Lovely Lily” for its dressy spring and summer look and the “Black Classic” for its sporty yet classy look. Both cane coats look perfect with her smoke coloured QuadPod walking cane.

Sophia also chose a second walking cane. For someone who initially was unwilling to even consider using a cane, she has now become a walking cane enthusiast. Sofia’s second choice was a folding cane which she uses when walking short distances or when travelling with a friend in their car. When they reach their destination she just opens it up and walks with confidence and ease. She wanted her canes to make her look as young and energetic and she felt, so she chose the beautiful blue “Comfort-Plus” folding cane. The cushion-top grip and flex-grip tip make this flexible walking cane both comfortable and safe to use.

When she want to “dress” her sporty folding cane, Sophia chooses StrollMates “Southwest Wind” coat or their “Navy Tartan” coat to add that extra “Bling”.

Learning to Walk and Climb Stairs with Your New Walking Cane

Although Sophia initially believed that canes are treacherous weapons to be used only in cases of self-defense, she has since learned that when care is taken to choose the correct size and style of walking cane, that such devices can be quite safe to use. Being able to walk safely was vital to Sophia and so she was eager to learn how to walk properly with her two new walking canes. These are the guidelines she followed:

How to Hold Your Walking Cane

• If you are using a cane to help steady your step and make walking a little easier and safer for you, you should use your walking cane in the hand you use less frequently.
If you are right-handed, use your cane in your left hand. This will leave your dominant hand available for opening doors or other tasks that require your best hand.
• If you are using a cane to shift some of your weight off one leg because you have a little pain or weakness in that leg, you should hold your cane in the hand opposite to the weak leg.

Remember: Your walking cane is not meant to carry a large portion of your body weight. It is meant to take a little weight off your leg that has some pain, and to assist you with stability when walking. A walking cane is not a crutch. You should not expect to lift one foot off the ground and use your cane instead. Speak with your doctor or physiotherapist if you think you need to use crutches or a walker instead of a cane.

How to Use Your Walking Cane

When starting to walk, your first step should be with your weaker leg. Hold your walking cane close to your body and look forward, not down at your feet.

• Swing your walking cane forward at the same time and the same distance in front of you as your first step with your weaker leg. Do not lean forward just take a natural step with both your weaker leg and your cane.
• You can take some weight off your weaker leg with the cane but make sure your cane tip or your quad tip is firmly and squarely on the ground before putting any weight on your cane.
• Your cane and your forward foot should be the same distance in front of you and you will have a little pressure on your cane to steady you.
• Take your next step with your stronger leg and step past your cane.
• Repeat by swinging your walking cane forward again, at the same time as you step forward with your weaker leg.
• When turning or pivoting, use your stronger leg to pivot and step, then follow with your cane and weaker leg.

How to Climb Stairs with Your Walking Cane

When climbing stairs you want to take advantage of a banister or railing to help you. This may mean moving your cane to the other hand.

• When climbing up stairs, hold on to the railing and hold your cane in the opposite hand.
• Take the first step up with your stronger leg then step up with your cane and your weaker leg to meet your stronger leg. (You don’t need to take two stairs at a time – no matter what you did in your youth – and you don’t need to rush.)
• When walking down stairs, hold on to the railing and hold your cane in the opposite hand.
• Take the first step down with your cane first then your weaker leg, then bring your stronger leg down to meet your weaker leg. (Again, don’t rush.)
• Repeat this exercise until you feel confident with your ability to climb and descend stairs.

How to Step Up and Down on a Curb

When you meet a curb while out walking with your cane you will not likely find a railing to assist you. This means you continue to hold your walking cane in the hand opposite to your weaker leg.

• Just as you would while using stairs, step up first with your stronger leg then bring your cane and your weaker leg up to meet your stronger leg.
• When stepping off a curb, step down first with your cane and your weaker leg then bring your stronger leg down to meet your weaker leg.
• Don’t rush and remember to keep your balance before starting to climb or step down from a curb.

Some Final Safety Tips When Using Your Walking Cane

• Make sure you are properly measured for your walking cane.
• If you adjust the height of your walking cane, make sure all parts are snapped back into place securely.
• Choose a type of walking cane that is comfortable to walk with and comfortable to hold.
• Choose a type of walking cane tip that you can place squarely on the ground when walking.
• Check your cane tips daily and replace any tips if they are worn.
• Ensure you wear properly fitting shoes with rubber (not leather) soles.
• To carry small items, when you go to the store, make sure you have a backpack, fanny pack or an over-the-shoulder bag that won’t slip off your shoulder.

It is a good idea to practise walking with your cane on a dry flat surface with no obstructions or clutter in front of you. If trying this at home, remove throw rugs and give your self some space to take several steps. You may wish to have a “buddy” walking with you as you start out. You should have a “buddy” with you when you first try climbing and descending stairs. The point to this is to develop an automatic walking pace that allows you to walk safely and comfortably while using a walking cane.

Sophia is enjoying using her new walking canes. She practices using safe walking habits and knows her two canes are safe and comfortable to use. She uses her walking canes without coats regularly because the canes look so good and make her feel young and energetic. When she wants a little extra “bling” she will choose a coat to wrap around her cane. She is a walking cane advocate now and has successfully encouraged others to use a cane properly and safely. You may meet Sophia when she is out with her walking cane. Hopefully, you will be able to say hello! Meanwhile, Sophia bids you a fond “à bientôt.”

When agreeing to the difficult role, and for some families a full-time job, of being a caregiver to a loved one, it’s easy to forget just how much goes into it. Day to day care isn’t just transportation and laundry, but in many cases it means actually brushing another person’s teeth. Taking care of your own teeth is hard, but trying to clean another person’s pearly whites can be practically impossible without the right knowledge and tools. Take a look at the below suggestions to not only keep your loved ones mouth healthy and clean, but yours as well.

Dental Visits: With all the day-to-day physician appointments that come with adult care, it’s often easy to forget about making time in everyone’s schedule to go to the dentist. It’s often the first medical appointment to drop off the list. Don’t let that happen. Schedule both you and your loved one’s appointments at the same time. It’s also important to use all the tools the dentist has. They’ll be able to give you tips and pointers on how to successfully brush someone else’s teeth, as well as if there are any tools that could be of use, such has special flosses.

Mouth Washes: Using a mouth wash might seem like second to brushing, and in a way it is, but because antiseptic mouth rinses help to eliminate bacteria that can cause gingivitis, as well as get rid of bleeding and inflammation, it can be a very useful tool to a caretaker. It’s important to work with your dentist to find the one that is right for your family member as the levels of alcohol in the rinses and ability to reduce sensitive teeth vary by product.

Dentures: At this stage in life, many adults are dealing with some sort of removable dentures, whether it is partial or full, and it’s just as important to keep these clean as it is to keep your own teeth clean. You need to brush those teeth daily. However, do not use your regular toothpaste as it is abrasive, which is great for real teeth, but can breakdown the dentures leaving small holes that can fill with bacteria and cause infections. It is easy to find denture pastes over the counter that you then take a normal tooth brush, or even a nail brush, to clean around the indentations of the teeth. Following the scrub, make sure to rinse the dentures either in soap and water or in a specific denture cleaner purchased over the counter. Even though they are not real teeth you still need a bi-annual cleaning with your dentist to examine your mouth, your tongue, and make sure that your dentures fit into your mouth properly as well as clean them. Bring the dentures into your dentist’s office so they will be able to make a much more thorough cleaning than you can do at home.

Patient Desires: When dealing with someone else’s care, especially someone who is battling a disease or the desire to be independent, you often have to work with them. Let them be responsible for cleaning their own teeth for as long as possible. You can even brush your teeth together, so you can help when needed. It’s important to foster their independence. Talk to your dentist about the best tools to help them stay in charge of their mouth.

Guest Blogger Shoshana Davis is a healthy living writer and blogger living in New York City.

TopDentists.com is the leading source of cosmetic dentistry information, dental health tips, dentist qualifications and popular dental procedures, such as Invisalign® braces, dental crowns & bridges, tooth bonding, root canals, dental implants, veneers and more. It is part of the Everyday Health portfolio.

Walking Cane Safety Step No. 4 – Choosing a Designer or Speciality Cane for Your Safe Enjoyment

Sophia is a dear friend of mine who should, but won’t, use a cane. She is a 78-year-old senior who continues to lead an active life doing most of her own chores, visiting with friends and neighbours, and also volunteering at her neighbourhood community centre. She definitely does not feel old! But a recent knee replacement has left her weak on her left side. Her doctor has recommended that she use a cane.

It wasn’t easy getting Sophia to even think about walking canes. So it was important to get her to the point of looking at walking canes even without her commitment to buying or using a walking cane. Armed with brochures and pictures of the attractive new canes on the market today, the first thing we did was to properly measure Sophia for a walking cane. We then looked at the different types and styles of walking canes for safe support, and we looked at how to choose the safest grips and tips for walking cane safety.

Sophia had been impressed by the many different types of walking canes available and had to admit that they appeared to be quite safe to use, if chosen carefully. Yet she was still reluctant to actually commit to a cane because she felt using one would make her look old. I knew I had to “pull out all the stops” and show her the very fancy and colourful canes available today. I wanted her to see that not all canes looked like the old-fashioned cane her grandmother used. I don’t know if it was because I promised her lunch afterwards or not but she finally, a little reluctantly, agreed to one more trip to look at canes.

Canes with Bling!

There are so many beautiful, exotic, and stylish walking canes on the market today there is absolutely no excuse to settle for a plain old medical cane – unless you want to.

Take a look at all the canes in a walking cane store or even a large mobility devices store and you will see the most incredible walking sticks and canes you could ever imagine.

Sophia and I found a store that had a small but impressive selection of designer canes that she could see and handle. I had called ahead and asked the customer service people if they had brochures of the many canes available or if we could go online right in their store and see their huge selection of fancy canes.

Designer, Fashionable, Decorative, Painted, Hand Carved, Adjustable, Folding, Stylish, Fancy, Elegant, Funky, Collectable, and Antique Walking Canes

Various fancy walking canes found on eBay