Top

Walkers and Canes Pose Injury Risk for Elderly Americans

June 30, 2009

Millions of elderly Americans rely on walkers and canes to aid their mobility but a new report just released states that they may actually be cause of many injuries
Boston (DbTechNo) - Millions of elderly Americans rely on walkers and canes to aid their mobility but a new report just released states that they may actually be cause of many injuries.

The report, released by government researchers finds that each year in the US more than 47000 hospital visits by the elderly are made because of mishaps involving walkers and canes.

Walkers and canes can pose health risks to those using them if they are not used properly.

Walkers for example, have wheels on the bottom of them that can roll out of control if brakes are not applied when stopped.

Canes, can also pose health risks, if they are not long enough for the person using them, resulting in the person falling over objects not found by their cane.

The researchers insist that doctors need to be more thorough when fitting patients with mobility aids so the patient has a clear understanding of how to properly use them.

The study can be found in the American Geriatrics Society.

Share and Enjoy: These icons link to social bookmarking sites where readers can share and discover new web pages.
  • Digg
  • del.icio.us
  • Netvouz
  • DZone
  • ThisNext
  • MisterWong
  • Wists

Comments


All comments are moderated.
If your comment is approved, it will be posted within 24 hours





Breaking News

Lil Wayne to be Sentenced in Gun Possession Case

Boston (DbTechNo) - Rapper Lil Wayne will be sentenced today after pleading guilty to gun possession charges. The charges... 

February 9, 2010 |

Autism Risk Increases in Children with Older Mothers

Boston (DbTechNo) - When it comes to the risk of a child developing autism a lot depends on the age of his or her mother... 

February 9, 2010 |

Antidepressant Interfeers With Breast Cancer Drug tamoxifen

Boston (DbTechNo) - The antidepressant drug paxil has been shown to interfeer with a leading breast cancer drug called tamoxifen. According... 

February 9, 2010 |

Bottom