So you need to use a cane. Whether it's for a few days, months or for life, it might as well be a good-looking cane. One that you can get attached to and think of fondly. With the selection to choose from today, there's no reason why not to fall in love with your cane. Firstly, it makes you more comfortable when walking. Secondly, it gives you security and peace of mind. The "fit" is also important. Make sure the cane is sized correctly. Many stores will cut it to order, so there's no excuse for using something that can actually harm you. When measuring correct height, remove the rubber tip from the bottom of the cane using a twisting motion. Then place the cane next to the side of your body, but turn the cane upside down. Mark the cane at the point where your wrist bends. After the cane has been cut, the rubber tip should be replaced. This height should give you a slight bend to your elbow when the cane is now placed in your hand. It should not be too tall or too short. Stooping when walking puts too much pressure on your back and can cause you to fall. When it's too tall, there's not enough support. . Both men and women have a large selection to choose from, but women probably have the widest range of color and style. There are Fritz canes in hardwood with different color finishes. Derby canes come in hardwood stained in walnut, black, scorched, cherry and natural chestnut. For the ladies there are canes with Lucite handles in "Mother of Pearl" finish, pearly black and pearly blond, or ruby finishes. The Lucite is a very attractive material and surprisingly easy to care for. It can be washed with a mild soap or detergent and lukewarm water. Always use a clean soft cloth or sponge. Rinse well and blot dry with damp cloth or chamois. To maintain the brilliant luster of Lucite, occasionally treat with a good grade of automobile paste wax. Apply a thin coat with a clean cotton flannel cloth, then wipe with a clean damp cloth. Chrome and Alpacca handles lend a very elegant look to your cane. The rhinestone finish is especially popular now, and is perfect for those dressier occasions. Acrylic ball or knob handles are very dapper. These come in Lucite, black or pearlized acrylic and the ever-popular 8 ball. Canes are also available in extra long and heavy weight. These would be 42" to 44" long, and hold up to 500 pounds. Ergonomic and ergo dynamic handles fit comfortably in either the right or left hand. This helps to distribute weight evenly over the palm minimizing wear and tear to the wrist and shoulder. Some canes are available with right or left anatomical handles. These are designed for either the right or left hand. Crook handles are the traditional or "old" look of canes. They are now available in fashion woods of blackthorn, hazel, ash, Congo chestnut, and sassafras as well as the traditional chestnut, maple and oak. The most popular accessory for your cane is the snap strap that allows you to put your wrist through the handle. This keeps the cane from falling when you are stopping for any reason. Folding canes can become one of your favorite travel accessories. These are handy in crowded areas, or just going to your favorite movie theatre or restaurant. They fold up easily into luggage and can be stored without fuss. There is a new model for women with its own carrying case. These come in floral designs of every color, and actually fold to the tiny size of 8". These are completely adjustable. Simply loosen locking mechanism by turning nut counter clockwise. Then depress push button mechanism and turn slight off adjusting holes. Then turn the cane upside down and place it next to the side of your body. Move the adjusting leg either up or down until the bottom of the rubber tip is at the point where your wrist bends. Then turn the cane right side up and move adjusting pins into the nearest adjusting hole. Be sure the adjusting button is fully protruding through the desired hole. Now you can tighten the locking nut mechanism by turning it clockwise until hand tight. Now walk with the cane and make sure you are comfortable. Rain or shine, there is now a combination walking stick and umbrella. Simply push the button on the shaft and it will release the nylon-tipped walking stick cane with ergonomic wood handle. The umbrella is 32" diameter with a 52" arc. The folded length is 36" and the cane is 35" long. The umbrella can be printed with a company logo, and make ideal corporate gifts.
Maxine Greco has worked in the luggage and travel industry for over 35 years. She is currently employed at <a href="http://www.villageluggageandgifts.com">Village Luggage & Gifts</a>.
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