"I was struggling with a very painful right ankle, thinking I had developed arthritis in it as it ached all the time. I went to the doctor to see if he could do anything and found out I did not have arthritis in the ankle but in fact had broken the ankle a few years before, didn't know it was broken so it set on its own and my ankle and foot were in fact crooked. Since re-breaking it was not an option to me, the doctor told me I had to do 2 things - firstly take off some weight and secondly strengthen the ankle. I had heard about the poles and had seen people walking with them so decided to try them. Here I am almost a year later and amazing enough my ankle does not ache anymore. When I walk with the poles it reduced the impact on my body and has made all the difference in the world. Also, I am dropping weight with a structured eating program and the walking. Since December 1, 2006 I have dropped 34 pounds. I still have a long way to go but am sure on the right path.  Also I have arthritis in my knees but they do not ache at all when I walk with the walking poles. All in all it was amazing how good I feel when I have gone pole walking."

Carla – Age 64, Kelowna BC
March, 2007