 |
 |
Syd, Last Friday my APDA Information & Referral Center had a program on fall prevention. During the discussion and participation time, an elderly gentleman, walking with a cane, slowly came to the front of the room. "I would like to show everyone how I cope with falling," he said. With which he immediately fell forward to his knees as we all gasped. He looked up from his knees with a sheepish grin and said, "Knee pads!" He rose up from his knees slowly with the help of his cane, pulled up his pant leg, and showed us the knee pads that he wears every day under his trousers. Our speaker, who was a physical therapist, said that if you usually fall in a certain direction or a certain way, then it is possible to "plan" for falls, which, of course, was the message our friend from the audience was trying to show us. T The physical therapist also said that if exercising and consciously thinking about how we must move our feet when we walk or turn in places that are difficult for us doesn't work, then it is time to think about using a walker. She told us about a U-Step Walker that was designed just for parkies and is particularly good for those who usually fall backward. If you wish information about this walker, I can get it and post it for everyone. Hope this is helpful to you. Susan Reese APDA YOPD I&R Center 2100 Pfingsten Road Glenview, IL 60025 1/800-223-9776 [log in to unmask]