 | Charlie Lessons from Experience |
| Charlie Lessons from Experience |
Let's go for a walk. Since I can no longer drive, I do a lot of walking and am in much better health. Sometimes I am amazed at how easy it is to walk to places, and the more you do it, the easier it gets. Walking is both exercise and transportation. It is like getting two for one.
Last month, we crossed the street. This month, we'll stay on the sidewalk. If you have a white cane, use it. If not, do not stay home. Walking requires you to do two things more or less at the same time: 1) look where you are going, and 2) look where your feet are going. The latter is the most important, especially where trees have caused sidewalks to crack. Falling down can hurt. Haste makes waste. I believe that the best way to learn how to see or detect tripping obstacles or uneven sidewalks is to do a lot of walking, and being careful. We each learn things differently, so pay attention to what you are doing, and learn from experience.
Many sidewalks have dips for driveways. These can be hazardous. Be on the look out for driveways into businesses and a person's garage. Wheelchair ramps are also depressions and are normally found at intersections. If you prefer the ramp to stepping over the curb, use the ramps.
Sidewalks are cluttered with poles, fire plugs, newspaper boxes, etc. Be on the lookout for them. While walking, stop frequently to see where you are by looking for landmarks. Keeping track of landmarks makes it easier for you to find your way back again.
