WALKING SPEED MAY BE AN IMPORTANT INDICATOR OF HEALTH
posted: Sep. 12, 2019.
Vital signs are medical observations that serve as basic indicators of health. There are four well known vital signs that are routinely checked: body temperature, pulse or heart rate, respiratory or breathing rate, and blood pressure. Pain is often considered a fifth vital sign. San Antonio podiatrist, Ed Davis, DPM, advises patients to consider walking speed an important marker of health that some term the “sixth vital sign.” Walking speed reflects a number of health issues from joint condition, balance issues, cardiovascular issues not to mention cognitive function. Reduced walking speed is a good predictor of future falls, hospitalization, and functional decline associated with aging.
Dr. Ed Davis |
Dr. Davis states that if walking speed is an indicator of future health, then the act of maintaining a good walking program that includes walking at a brisk pace may be one of the best things one can do for health maintenance. Assessment of foot function and alignment by a podiatrist trained in biomechanics can keep people walking in comfort and prevent future problems.
Source: reportedtimes.com [9/4/19]
Courtesy of Barry Block, editor of PM News.