Vim & Vigor - Summer 2013 - Parrish Medical Center - (Page 8)

BY PAMELA TRONETTI, DO, AGSF, MEDICAL DIRECTOR, PARRISH SENIOR CONSULTATION CENTER WALK This Way W hen one of my patients said he didn’t like “that blasted walker,” I could see why. His 6-foot frame was bent in half and his hands were practically at his knees as he pushed it along. I had previously insisted he get a walker and written a prescription. But rather than “waste money,” his petite wife gave him a walker she’d used after her hip surgery 10 years ago. Many people need assistive devices to prevent a fall, but canes and walkers need to be ﬁtted, just like glasses and dentures. After all, you wouldn’t pull Aunt Minnie’s dentures out of a cup and say to a friend, “Here, use these. You’ll save money.” CHOOSING THE PROPER DEVICE 8 SU M M E R 2 013 LET SAFETY BE YOUR GUIDE Many people balk at transitioning from the cane to a walker. It really is a safety issue. Ask yourself this: If I start to fall, will the cane prevent it? Of course, if someone has frequent falls, a physical therapist can provide balance training at a rehab center and in the home. The therapist can also help ﬁt the assistive device and teach the person how to use it. Wheelchairs are for people who have severe orthopedic or neurological disease or who simply cannot walk due to weakness or endstage dementia. If you have a question about an assistive device, contact your physician, physical therapist or medical supply store. Two Events for Your Health and Safety Join us for two events in the HealthBridge Education Series: “Live Safely In Your Home” on June 11 and “Live Healthy and Keep Your Independence” on July 9. Go online to bit.ly/vigor-rsvp for details. THINKSTOCK Canes are useful if you have a painful injury or an arthritis ﬂare-up. You hold the cane on the unaffected side and share your weight between the cane and the affected side as you walk. All canes should have a rubber-tipped base. When properly ﬁtted, the person’s elbow will be at a 45 degree angle. Quad canes are made of aluminum, have a horizontal handle and four feet that create a stable base. They give more security to the user and stay put when not in use, but people sometimes get tangled in the cane’s feet. A walker is necessary if the person has balance problems, neuropathy, difﬁculty rising from the chair or is prone to dizziness or fainting. My favorites are those with wheels, brakes and a seat. Again, elbow angle should be at 45 degrees. When using a walker, picture yourself sitting at the kitchen table. The walker should be that close to you. EVENT Just like your glasses, your cane or walker should ﬁt you correctly http://www.bit.ly/vigor-rsvp

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Vim & Vigor - Summer 2013 - Parrish Medical Center

Vim & Vigor - Summer 2013 - Parrish Medical Center
Contents
Tasty Tips
Opening Thoughts
Community Calendar
What’s New?
Walk This Way
The Ultimate Back-to-School Checklist
Join the Movement
Stroke Stories
5 Steps to Better Bone Health
Gut Instinct
Morgan Freeman
Prostate Playbook
The Main Ingredient
Looking Ahead
Read Up
Pedal to the Mettle
Community Health
Foundation Focus
Ask the Expert

Vim & Vigor - Summer 2013 - Parrish Medical Center