How Safe Is Your Home?
By Tom Herrin
One of the major locations for accidents is in the home. While home is where the heart is, it is also a place that many take for granted. As a result, many people fail to be as diligent as they should be in removing all of the things that could pose possible hazards. Those home injuries can cost a loss of time as well as a lot of inconvenience. Many times, people end up with things such as turned ankles or stubbed toes. As a result, they may have a need for assistance with walking, at least on a temporary basis.
Walking Aids Can Serve Useful Purposes
When people find they have a difficult time getting around without some kind help, they may use some kind of aid. These may be in the form of crutches, canes, or walkers. Each has a different purpose. Walkers are often used when someone needs to bear more of the burden with their arms to rest the lower body. They may also be used to help with balance issues because they provide greater stability. Crutches are normally used to take weight entirely off of a foot or leg for a short period of time. Canes may be the most portable of all the devices.
Canes Are Not Just For the Aged
At one time, it seemed that people who used canes were old and feeble. This may be the case for some, but many times those who use canes are in the process of recovering from some kind of injury. A cane may be used on the opposite side of an injured part. A person would take a step with their good foot or leg, then take a shared step with the injured foot and the cane. Another use of a cane would be to help to steady someone experiencing some minor problems with balance. Either way, many people keep some kind of walking aid in their home for a time in which they may have a temporary need.
Now Is the Time to Check Your Home
Being prepared for a time in which you may need to use some kind of help with walking is a good thing to have as part of a preparedness plan. Another thing that we should all do is walk through our homes and check to see how we can make them safer. Removing cords and clutter may help us to avoid having to find a way to get around with one of those nagging sprains.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Raleigh, N.C.