The C.A.M. Report
Complementary and Alternative Medicine: Fair, Balanced, and to the Point
  • About this web log

    This blog ran from 2006 to 2016 and was intended as an objective and dispassionate source of information on the latest CAM research. Since my background is in pharmacy and allopathic medicine, I view all CAM as advancing through the development pipeline to eventually become integrated into mainstream medical practice. Some will succeed while others fail. But all are treated fairly here.

  • About the author

    John Russo, Jr., PharmD, is president of The MedCom Resource, Inc. Previously, he was senior vice president of medical communications at www.Vicus.com, a complementary and alternative medicine website.

  • Common sense considerations

    The material on this weblog is for informational purposes. It is not medical advice or counsel. Be smart, consult your health professional before using CAM.

  • Recent Posts

  • Recent Comments

    Practical tips for selecting canes and walkers

    Mayo Clinic Women’s HealthSource has published a review.

    You’ll need a subscription to read the entire article, but here’s a summary, courtesy of Medical News Today.

    Canes

    • Provide balance and support for walking.
    • Support up to 25% of body weight.
    • The top of the cane should reach the crease of the wrist when the user is standing straight with arms hanging comfortably.
    • A cane that’s too long puts strain on the arms, shoulders and back muscles.
    • Too short, a cane throws off balance.
    • Normally, a cane is held in the hand opposite of the weaker side.
    • When used for stability, it can be held in either hand.

    Walkers

    • Provide a wider base of support and stability.
    • Support up to 50% of body weight
    • Helpful for moderately severe balance and gait problems, or when there’s a risk of falling.
    • Available in 0, 2, and 4 wheel designs
      • No wheels give best stability
      • 2 wheels when the user places a moderate amount of weight on the walker.
      • 4 wheels for those who don’t have to lean on the walker.

    The bottom line?
    Yes, they’re a sign of aging and disability.

    On the other hand, they help avoid injury and maintain independence.

    3/28/09 21:20 JR

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