 |
 |
For some reasonable prices on a good quality walking stick try a hiking & camping supply store, catalog or website. For an exceptional walking stick value drive out to the nearest woods, get out of the car and look for a nice size branch on the ground. Good luck! Marilyn Gang wrote: > > 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. > > > >