22 — Sunday, April 11, 1999 — North Shore News Stepping out with | ye NOW that spring is here (officially at least) everyone is anxious to spend more time out- side enjoying the warm sunshine and promise of summer. But too often anxiety can be the feeling thar surfaces with the thought of going outside. A fall in your henie ora tall outside can all lead to reluctance to go outside, event for a short walk. One easy solution is to take a friend. Certainly there are times when that is possi- ble, but it’s also possible to create a new reliable compan- ion who is always ready to head out with you — vour walker, Valkers offer stability, generally more than a cane, and with the explosion in new models that has taken place over the last five years, there is a model with the specifications to fit your needs. The two basics to con- sider are where you intend to use the walker and the degree : of balance you need. Here are "a few of the distinguishing * features: @ Wheels Sizes vary trom 3” to 8” diameter, the larger the wheel, the better it will han- dle over rough surfaces. Where will you ‘primarily use . the walker? If it is outside, a * larger wheel is often better. : & Brakes : Brake systems have evolved to provide users with easier to use and tock hand brakes. The majority have * mechanisms that allow you to squeeze up tro slow the walk- er and push down the handle to tock, How much hand strength do vou have? Some braking svstems require a lighter touch than) others which makes them casier tor someone with arthritis. @ Weight Just like most of tus, nor all walkers are the same weight Do you need to be able to litt your walker into the trunk of a car? Try it first to make sure you can litt the walker. Or are you heavier and only taking the walker out from your apartment, so a heavier frame feels more comfortable. B Baskets & Seats Mosr. four-wheeled walk- ers now come with a basket and seat for resting. People who use a walker will walk further if they have a seat to stop and take a rest. Distances that once would not have been atrempted are now possible. @ Height Handle height is one of the important adjustments that you should be able to ser properly tor yourself, A good guide is to let your arms hang loosely at your side and the handle of the walker should be at the large bone of your wrist. Or if you are already using a cane and that height is correct for you, then the walker handles can be set to the same height. Sear heights can also vary so try sitting on the seat to make sure it’s nut too low to easily get up from or so high your feet don’t sit flat on the floor when you sit ~ down. @ Options Different back rest styles NEWS photo Mike Wakefiald WALKERS hefp many seniors gain safe and reliable mobility and the confidence to venture outdoors or to go on errands. irs. Nerlich, sitting among different models available at SelfCare tiome Health Products, says without her walker she couldn't do anything. or models without backrests, hand grip styles and colours are other options to try so you are comfortable with your walker, — Provided by SelfCare Home Health Products, a North Shore business which sells and rents motility and home care products. Celebrate Your Golden Years Vacation for seniors breught i6 you SS4OFE Canadian Airlines airfares on eligible flights in US & Canada, exclusively by the Attention in Singic > Cruises Se nlors available y ener CARP TARVEL Panoramic Maritimes Tour 17 days: September 26 - October 12, 1599 Deluxe guided motorcoach tour/some meals Ottawa, Quebec City, Charlottetown, Sidney, Cabot Trail, Halifax, Peggy’s Cove, Ferry to New Brunswick, Montreal, Niagra Falls, Toronto gue Price $2,299 cad/pp (Airfare available from Vancouver - Call for best rate!) ° Oe COOH HSE HOLCEEEHSEOESEHOHMOESOHEDLSOOEEOND the Say TRAVEL’ Park Royal North © 922-9683 aa i PARA-MED HEALTH SERVICES offers ... ¢ 24 hour care, 7 days a week * bonded staff’ * professional assessment and supervision « assistance with personal cure. home management and meal preparation ¢ case tailored to individual requirements 987-2446 ‘COMPLEMENTARY HEALTH Home Care & Support Services For Senicrs and the Physically Challenged Complementary Health Care Ltd. Dundarave Terrace Medical & Professional Centre Suite 102 - 2419 Bellevue Avenue Tel: (604) 922-9174 24 HOUR SERVICE All types and sizes of varicose and spider veins. Facial spiders, birthmarks, age spots, rosacea, moles, etc. Facial wrinkles with Botox, Restylane ultrasound scan detects all diseased vein seg- wane thus allowing xeeHent functional as well as cosmetic results. Safe and effective with only minimal discomfort. Retum to normal activities immediately. Dr. F. Stasiak M.D. Medical Director (member of the American College of Phlebology)