Advantages Of Walking Sticks and Canes

For millions of people with limited mobility today’s advances in the area of assisted walking can be an invaluable resource in helping them to achieve and maintain basic independence. Whether the need for walking sticks and canes is just temporary or for a more permanent situation, the number of products on the market in this area has never been more comprehensive.

The basic design of walking sticks and canes has not changed much in the past several hundred years. Although some safety features have been added over the years to decrease the incidence of injury. A safety strap is often added to the top grip to decrease the chance of dropping the cane. This strap is often threaded though the actual cane to provide additional stability. The handles of these walking aids can vary widely based on the needs of the individual and a rubber cleat or stopper is often added to the base of the cane and this, again is to increase stability.

Some with limited mobility require the added durability of a walker or a rollator. The basic design of the rollator is that of a metal or plastic frame that supports the person from the front with wheels at the base of the frame. They are usually completely adjustable in height as well as in width to allow for completely customized comfort. Most rollators also contain a seat with added cushioned back support. One important safety feature of the rollator are the hand brakes which are located at the top of the machine near the handles.

An additional accessory to be considered for those requiring the use of a rollator or walking sticks and canes is the rolling shower chair. This accessory is able to add piece of mind to both those with the mobility limitations as well as their caretakers. The design of the rolling shower chair is very similar to the of a basic wheelchair. One of the many benefits of this product is the fact that it can give the individual an additional level of independence.

The choices available for individuals with limited mobility are as varied as the individual needs. Whether the person requires a wheelchair, rollator or their needs are as basic as walking sticks and canes the available options are vast.

Get more information about medical walkers at: http://hubpages.com/hub/Rollator-rolling-walkers

Article Source:
http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Dave_Gorski/563766

Advantages of High-End Fitness Walkers (Rollators)

The Rollator has been in use in Scandinavian and European countries for many years, but has only recently become popular in the United States. A Rollator is best described as a standard walker on wheels. Various other names describe the same product ie Rolling Walker, Walker with Wheels or Fitness Walker.

Depending upon the producer of the Rollator, the wheels come in different sizes. However, in general, four larger wheels in turn replace two smaller wheels and two posts of a walker. The handles of this piece of equipment typically feature caliper brakes or ‚hand brakes‘. The user can squeeze these hand brakes to lock the wheels in place, or release them to continue walking. There are special Rollators made by various companies that work the handles whereby when squeezing the Walker is released and when the handles are released the unit will stop. This is especially useful for Parkinson’s patience whereby the unit needs to be ‚parked‘ when standing in position and before proceeding to walk.

A larger basket for storage purposes, typically is used, along with a canvas seat and back between the handles. The handle frame on some models also serves as the back for relaxing. This seat and back allows users to take short rest breaks when desired. The storage area of a Fitness Walker is often larger and more stable than the wire basket of a standard walker

Another major advantage is that with a collapsible design, a Fitness Walker can also be folded and stored in a car’s trunk or rear seat. Standard walkers can be folded into thirds, but they lose the compact folding ability of a Fitness Walker.

It is very important to consult your doctor when considering the purchase of one of these pieces of equipment. As long-term studies are limited as to it’s long effect on the body. As each individual disability is unique and research is limited it is up to the patient with their doctor’s advice to assess the effects on the body of various Rollators or Fitness Walkers. This is especially important for patients recovering from various surgeries as proper exercise and walking styles must be adhered to.

This equipment piece promotes a healthier state-of-mind and the ability to stay independent while achieving a certain level of exercise for the body.

As a good Fitness Walker bears a good portion of the person’s weight at hip level, much of the stress is taken off the ankles and knees while walking. At this point it is critical to have a Fitness Walker that promotes the body’s natural walking motion.

One particularly good Rollator, we have found is the

Volaris S7 Fitness Walker

The X-foldable construction facilitates fast fold up even when moving and makes this Rollator (Fitness Walker) stand steady in folded position. It can access bathroom stalls and other tight areas as the folded width is approximate 12-13″. This means that the Volaris S7 requires less space and is easy to transport. As both the seat and the handles are easily vertically adjustable, the sole version of the Fitness Walker is suitable for wide variety of users. It is also made up of Ultra high grade aluminum for lightweight properties and high strength composite material on the handles, seat and other connecting parts for long lasting use.

Main specifications of the Volaris S7 are:

• Weight of 7.2kg (16lbs)
• Width

All-Terrain Medical & Mobility LLC has established a reputation for providing the latest in innovative mobility equipment. Now operating offices in the U.S. & Europe, All-Terrain provides over 500 mobility products for the disabled. Please visit our website http://www.allterrainmedical.com

Article Source:
http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Mike_Hopper/476536