Tuesday, September 1, 2009

Medical Walkers - Aids For Easy Mobility

As you look for medical equipment walkers, you will find that there are many kinds available. But you will realize that all of these have the same basic features: four legs, the frame, the hand rails and the use of lightweight metal as key material. The styles, the sizes and the designs are differentiated as manufacturers respond to the different needs of users of medical walkers.

Kinds of Medical Walkers

Medical supply walkers offered by manufacturers vary in terms of their number of wheels, number of accessories, being heavy-duty or standard, being fixed or collapsible and their specific target users. You will see different types and you will hear different terms such as folding walkers, bariatric walkers, heavy duty walkers, dual release walkers, hemi walkers, lightweight walkers, pediatric and junior walkers, PVC walkers, single release medical walkers.

Bariatric medical walkers offer wider spaces between the bars to accommodate obese patients. A hemi-walker is used by only one hand at the user’s side. A folding walker enables the user to walk through narrow spaces. Collapsible medical walkers allow dis-assembly for users who travel over long distances.

Medical Walker Accessories

The basic medical walker is able to assist you and give you support as you walk. But there are accessories, which you can add to your walker, to make your walking or strolling easier and to assist you in your other activities such as shopping.

Wheels with rear glide tips enable you to maneuver uneven surfaces. A brake system enables you to stop rolling walkers. A walker glide attachment makes your walker unit slide more smoothly. A hand rail padding provides you a non-slip handling. A trigger paddle helps a person with weak finger dexterity. You can put your snacks, games, book or gloves in a walker basket, pouch or cloth bag. A cushioned pillow makes you more comfortable when sitting. Adjustable hand grips assist users

Choosing Medical Walkers

The type and model of medical walker that you buy depends on your height, weight, the level of ease that you need and your lifestyle. There are also medical supply walkers specifically made to address your specific needs or respond to a certain disability.

So before you buy or after your initial visit to suppliers of medical equipment walkers, determine your needs and your wants. Where do you usually go outdoors? Do you travel frequently? Are your using an oxygen tank? Decide also if you are going to need a seat or if you need to fold the walker to be accommodated in your car.

You can visit several stores first before you decide on a product and ask other users what they like and do not like about their medical walkers.

Using Medical Walkers

To maximize the use of the walker, set the height of the walker to a level where you hold the top of the walker as your elbow is bent and not straight down. This way, you can easily pick and lift the whole walker unit as you step forward. Pay attention when there are area rugs along your way. The edge of the rugs can get entangled with your wheels. Have someone help you in maintaining your walker. Its nuts, bolts and wheels need to be checked regularly to ensure your safety. It is also good if medical walkers have names and phone numbers on them in case they are left behind.

For more information about the various types of Medical Walkers available, pay a visit to http://www.medicalwalkersonline.com.

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