WALKING SPEED IS A MARKER OF HEALTH

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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


COURTESY OF BARRY BLOCK, EDITOR OF PM NEWS.



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