Currently in the news, there is a lot of chatter on wearing a Mask. Is it for your protection? Is it for the protection of the person that stands across from you in the Checkout lane at the grocery store?
I want to start by first saying, during cold a flu season, this past fall. I was wearing a mask. Long before we heard any mention of the Pandemic we now know as COVID-19.
The reason? My immune system is low due to infusions I received for my Chronic Illness. I am the type of high-risk person that catches most everything.
The Chronic Illness Community is well rounded in social distancing and hand washing.
When we go to the doctor a suggestion to take a medication, use a tool such as masks, Cane’s. walkers to name a few. We have learned to way the Pro’s and the Con’s.
The situation warrant’s that our choice would be the appropriate answer, we know our medical history. We know what the risks are to not do what is being suggested.
Many of us take time to consider options and have done research long before a doctor even suggests the tool in many cases.
In 2009, I was sent to Physical therapy where for the first time I used a cane. I immediately questioned why this was not suggested before.
You have consistent falls due to a side of your body disappearing into thin air on you enough time’s you will seek help.
The issue though is after I was given my new shiny mobility device, I was still having fall’s and I was introduced to a walker.
Doing the Physical Therapy 3 times a week just short of 2 months. I learned when I would need my walker and when I would need the cane.
As Therapy continued it was recommended that I also get a mobility scooter.
I love each of my aid’s. With them I have different capabilities. My cane is great for short walks or getting in and out of the car.
My walker is for a longer walk, or a place that I may need to carry items like a mall. I use my walker the most going to the pool. The walker also insures me that if I do become weak, I have a seat to sit on.
My scooter I can use to go out for the day when I would normally be to weak to go out. I can use it to go to places with my family that otherwise I would not be able to go.
When I got my cane, I was 37, it would be 3 years before my first grandchild. Yet a common heckle that I would hear was “what are you using that old grandma thing for?”, “You don’t need that!” “You weren’t using that when you got here?”
It took every ounce of my strength to go in front of people with my mobility devices. I thought it was me, but I learned over the years that age did not change how anyone felt when they were handed a device to assist their mobility.
I have more in common with people older than my father, than I do with people my own age. I can confidently say I have witnessed firsthand that there is no age that surrenders freedom to walk when and where we want to go without assistance. There is not a magic number.
What is the deciding factor is that you are the one that pays the price when you get hurt enough times!
So, if you are currently trying to decide if you should wear a mask, take a medication, or use an assistive device. You make the decision that is right for you!
The one thing I wish my family and friends knew, is that without my device I could be injured. If you see me without it. Don’t think I don’t need it, but give me the confidence to use it, by reminding me that you care and ask if you can retrieve it for me.
If I am wearing a mask because of cold and flu season, that is a pretty good indicator that I would want to do the same in a Pandemic.
The only difference currently is that we don’t know enough about Covid-19. By our loved ones also wearing mask’s it may help protect our community.
Do not be ashamed to wear that mask! Use that cane! Be confident in the wheels that take you to places you can not go without! Make the choice that gives you a quality of life that makes you happy. One that protects you from further injury.
Join the community and name your device. And share in the comments. Then, Share this article with a friend to introduce them to your mobility device.
