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Ken - That's a great reply on my Cane question. Thank you so much. At the Parkinson's Unity walk here in Toronto, I saw the Parky (?) Stick. I absolutely loved the design and the finish. It looked like a piece of African art and felt good to hold. When I asked why the stick vs. a cane they said one of problems is in getting up and its easier with a stick rather than a cane. I would have bought it asap except that I thought it might be too heavy for Dad and I didn't want to get something that might be too heavy for him, and it was $75 (Canadian) ---- some of that money might go for research but it still was a bit steep. Guess I'll have to do comparison shopping. (if anyone is interested in that stick, they can probably contact the Toronto office: 800-437-6464.) Your suggestions are great and I've printed them out to take with me to Dad. Maybe it will help convince him. - Marilyn - At 06:35 AM 10/01/1999 -0400, Ken Aidekman wrote: >Hi Marilyn > >You asked: > >> 1) Anything special to consider when buying a cane? > >Don't know much about canes but I'd like to make a suggestion. > >Get him a walking stick instead. > >Why? > >1) It is more supportive and stable. The weakest link in the use of a >cane is the wrist. Putting your weight on a very flexible joint is >inherently unstable. In the case of PD where falling is a problem you >want to be as stable as possible. > >2) If a walking stick is used correctly it just about forces a person to >walk upright. Since a symptom of PD is stooped posture anything that >helps someone stand up straighter is a major benefit. > >3) It can be helpful in keeping a rhythmic walking cadence. It's kind >of fun to swing the stick into place and provides something more for >your arm to do while you measure your nice, long, even strides. > >4) There is less of a stigma attached to a walking stick. Cane can be >associated with elderly & disabled while a walking stick can connote >fitness, energy, good health, hiking, etc., etc. In addition an >interesting walking stick is a great conversation piece. > >5) PWPs are practically walking pharmacies; well-stocked with highly >desirable controlled substances. A good solid walking stick can provide >protection in case of a mugging. > >(Well anyway, 1 thru 4 were pretty good reasons.) > > >Negatives: > >Walking sticks are longer and sometimes heavier than canes making >storage a bit more difficult. If this is a problem there are >telescoping ones at reasonable costs. Hiking stores and catalogs sell >regular & collapsible walking sticks. > >