Walking Stick MOT Week
13-17 November is Walking Stick Check Week – the brainchild of Falls Prevention Project Lead Paul Mills, who is leading a drive to prevent avoidable falls caused by poorly maintained walking aids.
Paul said: “Just as it isn’t wise to drive a car with a worn tyre, you shouldn’t use a walking stick with a worn ferrule – that’s the rubber ‘foot’ that gives it grip and stability.
“A new ferrule only costs just a few pounds. Compare that to the personal cost for an injured individual, whose life is disrupted by injury and perhaps a hospital stay.
Reasons to give your walking stick an ‘MOT’ check:
- falls prevention
- better posture
- steadier support
- lower slip risk
- injury prevention
- saving cost of ambulance, hospital bed etc.
Take a look at this image above for guideance on when your ferrule of your walking aid needs replacing. New ferrules can be purchased from a local mobility shop or online.