Its performance exceeds that of the LACE index, and it allows analysts to accurately estimate the risk of important postdischarge outcomes. 1  Death or urgent readmission after hospital discharge is a relatively common event that is costly to the health care system and has obvious important effects on patientsâ health.
In addition, use of walking sticks engages arm swinging and trunk movement, which is otherwise very limited with the use of a walker. Patients can discard use of walking sticks as soon as they feel secure, although some like the added support of the additional 2 legs.
1 Walking helps alleviate symptoms of depression. 2  Walking for 30 minutes, three to five times per week for 12 weeks reduced symptoms of depression as measured with a standard depression questionnaire by 47%. 3  Walking reduces the risk of breast and colon cancer.