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BathBench with Back Instruction

by Kimberly Johnson
written by Kimberly Johnson

BathBench with Back Instruction
 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2JOOroTKp70
The benefit of a bath bench or bath chair is you have the option to back up and sit down on the side of the bath chair’s seat while both of your legs are still positioned outside the bathtub. From a safe seated position, you can then lift one leg at a time over the bathtub wall and turn your hips to face the shower head. Or, if your balance skills are sufficient to do so, alternatively you can “step” over the bathtub wall and then sit down on the bath seat.

PROS

  1. All four chair legs remain inside the bathtub (unlike for the bath bench mentioned above). Hence a bath chair’s legs won’t occupy any of the valuable floor space a person using a walker or wheelchair needs to be able to move and turn around inside the bathroom.
  2. Easy installation
CONS

You must have more strength and balance skills to lean back further in order to sit on a bathtub ‘chair’ positioned fully inside the tub, as opposed to sitting on a ‘bathtub bench’ that has a seat that extends out over the tub wall. If you decide a bathtub “chair” is the best solution for your needs, we recommend to select a model that has a wide flat seat so there will be more surface area to safely land on.

 
For a full list of bathroom safety products click here.

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Health Products

Buying the Right Cane

by Kimberly Johnson
written by Kimberly Johnson

Buying the Right Cane

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0YoePVpwOao

What kind of cane should I choose?

Your caregiver will help you choose the right cane for your needs. Canes are made from wood, plastic, or metal. A cane can be adjusted to fit your height. The bottom of the cane usually has a nonskid rubber tip to prevent it from slipping. The following are common kinds of canes:

  • Standard canes have a rounded crook handle. Use a cane with a wooden or plastic handle instead of metal. A metal handle may slip from your hand. In cold weather, the metal handle may get too cold for you to touch.
  • Straight-handle canes , or T-handle canes, are used if your hand is weak.
  • Broad-based canes are lightweight canes with 3 or 4 short legs. These legs give you the most support. You may need this type of cane if it is hard for you to keep your balance.
    Cane Types

How do I use the cane?

  • To walk on flat floors:
    • Put the cane about 4 inches (10 cm) to the side of your stronger leg.
    • Put weight on your stronger side.
    • Move the cane about 4 inches (10 cm) in front of your stronger leg and bring your weaker leg forward at the same time.
    • Use the cane to help keep your weight off your weaker leg and move your stronger leg ahead.
    • Place your heel a little beyond the tip of the cane.
  • To use on stairs: Ask your caregiver to show you how to safely use your cane on stairs. Do not use your cane on the stairs unless someone is with you.
  • To get into a chair:
    • Stand with the back of your legs against the chair seat.
    • Rest the cane against the chair.
    • Reach back with both hands to grip the chair arms.
    • Lift your weaker leg slightly off the floor.
    • Put all your weight on your stronger leg.
    • Slowly sit down and slide back into the chair.
  • To get out of a chair:
    • Hold your cane with your stronger hand.
    • Grasp the arms of the chair.
    • Put your stronger foot a little forward.
    • Lean slightly forward and push on the arms of the chair to raise yourself.
    • Stand with your cane about 4 inches (10 cm) to the side of your stronger foot.

What are some cane safety tips I should know?

  • Wear shoes with rubber soles , such as tennis shoes. Slippers should not be worn because they can slide off your feet and cause a fall. Do not wear shoes with leather heels or soles that may slide.
  • Check the floor to be sure it is safe. The floor must be clean, dry, and well lit. Remove throw rugs to prevent falls. Tape or nail down loose carpet edges. Keep the traffic areas and the floor free of clutter.
  • Stand for a few seconds before you start to walk with your cane. This will help prevent dizziness.
  • Look straight ahead when you walk. You may run into or trip over something if you look at your feet.
  • Use a backpack or a bag with a long strap that you can wear across your body. This will keep your hands free. Try not to carry heavy things.

Source: Truven Health Analytics Inc. Information

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Health Products

Benefits of Transport Chairs

by Kimberly Johnson
written by Kimberly Johnson

Benefits of Transport Chairs

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W3XGPwUrxM8

People use wheelchairs for a number of different mobility problems with a number of different causes, but the goal is always to remain as mobile and independent as possible. So what would be the benefit of using a transport wheelchair, which does not allow its user to travel independently, and requires another person be present in order for the user to be moved?
People may benefit from the use of transport chairs if they are in a situation where they cannot, due to physical or mental limitations, use a motorized wheelchair to transport themselves. This is an extreme situation, considering the fact that power wheelchairs are designed to be operated even by people with minimal muscle strength or hand coordination. In cases of total paralysis or lack of limbs, a person may need help to get around.
A person who could operate an electric wheelchair with extreme difficulty but who needs constant medical assistance for any aspect of their physical condition may opt for the use of a transport chair for the matter of cost and convenience. Transport chairs are the least expensive wheelchairs on the market, as well as being extremely light-weight. If a person does not need constant medical assistance, an electric wheelchair will pay for itself in a matter of weeks because the user will not have to pay a nurse. But if a wheelchair user needs medical assistance and has trouble using an electric wheelchair, they can save money by using a transport chair, and at the same time reduce the weight the medical assistant will have to push if your wheelchair has a motor.
Otherwise, transport chairs are generally only used for temporary situations. They are used to transport hospital patients or for people who are temporarily too weak to walk or use a manual wheelchair because they are recovering from an illness or medical procedure. If traveling with a companion, an electric wheelchair user may opt for a transport chair because it is a low-cost and extremely light-weight and portable mobility device. If you’re going on vacation, however, you do also have the option of renting a power wheelchair at your destination, and transportable power wheelchairs are available which can be brought on a plane. If you travel frequently by yourself, this is a good investment, although the weight is still much heavier than that of a transport chair. If you travel with a companion who is willing to push you around, a transport chair is an economic option.
When independent mobility is impossible to achieve or for temporary situations, a transport wheelchair is an inexpensive option to help you get around.
Article Source: EzineArticles, Adam Hefner
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Health Products

Measuring Tips for Walkers, Chairs, Canes, Crutches

by Kimberly Johnson
written by Kimberly Johnson

Measuring Tips for Walkers, Chairs, Canes, Crutches

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R6etSPfMucQ

How to Measure for a Walker Measuring Tips for Walkers, Chairs, Canes, Crutches

When preparing to buy a walker, you need to make sure it can accommodate your height, especially if you are very tall or short. You may need a special petite walker, or walker leg extensions. Get a friend or family member to help you measure yourself.

  1. Start by standing up straight with your shoes on.
  2. Allow your hands to hang naturally at your sides.
  3. Measure from the crease in your wrist to the floor.
  4. This length should be your handle height.
  5. If possible, choose a walker that adjusts at least one inch higher and lower than your actual measurement so you can adjust it as necessary.

Measuring for Crutch Length Measuring Tips for Walkers, Chairs, Canes, Crutches

A. IN LYING : (shoes on)

      • Elbow is flexed to 15 degrees; measurement is taken from the ulnar styloid process to a point 20 cm lateral to the heel of the shoe.

B. IN STANDING :

      • 2” laterally and 6” anteriorly to the foot.
      • Height should be adjusted with relaxed shoulders to provide 20-30 degrees of elbow flexion.

Wheelchair Measuring Guide

Wheelchair measurements are critical for everyday wheelchair users to have a comfortable and functional piece of equipment which will meet all their needs and provide for the best possible results. This guide is by no means etched in stone and often there are circumstances which require ignoring the basic rules of thumb for measuring a wheelchair however this guide is applicable to 90% of the wheelchair user population.
Seat Width: Seat width is usually the width of the user plus 1″
Seat Depth: Seat depth is usually the seat depth of the user less 1″ or 2″.
Seat Height: Seat height is usually the height of the user where they are able to access tables and tranfer without too much difficulty.
Footrest Length: The footrest should be the distance from the back of the knee to bottom of the heel while wearing the shoes the user usually wears.
Back Height: Back height will vary from user to user but normaly should be a little above the middle of the back around the bottom of the shoulder blades.
Note: When a wheelchair cushion is used, the thickness of the cushion has to be figured into the measurments for all of these parameters except the seat depth.

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Rolling Walker and Transport Chair Benefits
Health Products

Rolling Walker and Transport Chair Benefits

by Kimberly Johnson
written by Kimberly Johnson

 

The flexibility and freedom a rollator transport chair can offer over a traditional rollator is well worth the additional cost. A rollator transport chair can very easily and quickly be converted into a convenient and lightweight wheelchair or rollator. The benefits of this ability is especially helpful when you are traveling, needing to go shopping, or have had an operation such as a hip operation or knee replacement.Rolling Walker and Transport Chair Benefits
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GOu4cm0wE48
The traditional wheelchair is heavy and cumbersome, making it extremely difficult to get in and out of vehicles. A rollator transport chair is much lighter and can easily be lifted into the trunk of the car and making them easier to take with you on trips where if you go. Click here to see the best rollator transport chairs. Rolling Walker and Transport Chair Benefits

They make a wonderful, two in one transport chair if you are transitioning from an injury or operation such as a hip replacement or knee surgery. You can start with it as a transport chair, and as you regain your strength, you can work up to it as a supportive rollator walker to help you build up balance and muscle strength.

Weight is an essential consideration for a transport chair choice. They are lightweight and offer flexibility for travel, often folding into a smaller unit than your traditional wheelchairs or rollators and are considerably lighter in weight.
A rollator transport chair is perfect for using as a wheelchair in a busy shopping center or airport or used as a stable, supportive walking aid as you stroll around the country town on a day trip out.
Rollator transport chairs have smaller wheels than a wheelchair. Make sure when choosing your transport chair, the wheels are preferably around 8 inches as this will give you a smoother ride. Small wheels are not good on rough terrain and can give a bumpy, uncomfortable ride, plus making heavy work for the person wheeling transport chair.
The design and width of the seat is important. Be sure to look at the shape and design of the seat, is it padded, will it be large enough and what is made from… ? It is important to choose a rollator transport chair with a padded seat if you are going to be spending long periods of time sitting in it.

In Summary

When you need a carer to push you around during the times when you don’t feel stronger enough, are elderly or are recovering from operation, using a rollator transport chair which can double as rollator at a later date is invaluable. They are a much better option than a traditional wheelchair, offering the flexibly of being light, easy to transport in and out of cars when needed and can also provide confidence and support when walking.

Rolling Walker and Transport Chair Benefits

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Conditions & Treatments

What is Incontinence and How to Manage It

by Kimberly Johnson
written by Kimberly Johnson

MEDFIT23005What is Incontinence?
Incontinence is the loss of bladder or bowel control. Although it is a common and embarrassing problem, it is not a normal part of aging. Incontinence symptoms can be mild; such as an occasional slight loss of urine. Or symptoms can be very severe with a complete loss of control of both bladder and bowel. Most people’s symptoms fall somewhere in between.
Types of Incontinence
Stress incontinence happens when pressure or stress is placed on the bladder from sneezing, laughing, coughing or heavy lifting. A small amount of urine leaks out during these activities.
Urge incontinence causes such a strong urge to urinate that the person cannot hold it long enough to get to the toilet. People with urge incontinence have to urinate frequently and often wake up during the night with the urge to urinate.
Mixed incontinence is a combination of stress and urge incontinence. Many older people, especially women, have this type of incontinence.
Functional incontinence is when individuals can hold their urge to urinate but cannot get to the toilet by themselves.
Overflow incontinence is a constant leakage of a small amount of urine because the bladder never empties completely.
Transient incontinence is a temporary form of incontinence that goes away once the cause is treated. Illness is a common cause of transient incontinence.
Fecal incontinence is the loss of control of bowel movements. It can range from an occasional leakage of a small amount of stool to complete loss of bowel control. Constipation and diarrhea can cause fecal incontinence.
IMPORTANT: Be sure to discuss an individualized continence care plan with your physician or other healthcare providers.
What Causes Incontinence?
There are many causes of incontinence. Some of them include:

  • Urinary tract infection
  • Inflammation or anatomical abnormality in the urinary system
  • Prostate infection of inflammation
  • Stool impaction
  • Side effects of medication
  • Pregnancy
  • Weight gain
  • Short term bed rest
  • Mental confusion
  • Certain medical conditions:
    • Alzheimer’s Disease
    • Bladder cancer
    • Cerebral Palsy
    • Down Syndrome
    • Multiple Sclerosis
    • Muscular Dystrophy
    • Spina bifida
    • Stroke
    • Traumatic brain and spinal injuries

Common Misconceptions about Incontinence Products
Thicker is NOT always better. Some people believe that thicker products offer better protection against leakage. That’s not always true. New technology has super absorbent polymers (SAP). Each SAP is as tiny as a salt crystal. They expand and turn into a gel when fluid strikes them. This lets us make products thinner and more discreet. Old products were all pulp with no SAPs so they were extra bulky and extra thick.
Bladder pads are NOT the same as feminine hygiene pads. Bladder control pads have unique SAPs that allow them to absorb urine quickly.
Bladder pads are NOT for women only. Some men have light urinary incontinence. They can benefit from products that are thin, discreet and absorbent. Today’s bladder control pads are gender neutral, have an anatomically comfortable fit for both men and women, and the adhesive strip can be placed anywhere in the user’s underwear. Medline’s bladder control pads are even packaged to appeal to both men and women.
Incontinence MYTHS
All of these statements are FALSE:

  • Incontinence is a normal part of aging
  • Nothing can be done for incontinence
  • The only continence management system is a brief – a LARGE one.

Strategies for Managing Incontinence
Schedule voiding is a strategy used to help people who cannot get to the toilet on their own. An individualized schedule is developed for someone to take the person to the toilet at a specific time, usually every two to three hours. This strategy can help decrease the number of incontinent episodes.
Bladder retraining can be used with individuals who are aware of the urge to go to the bathroom and have the ability and desire to control the urge. A schedule is developed for someone to take the person to the toilet at specific times. In between the scheduled toileting, the individual works on controlling the urge to void.
Prompted voiding can successfully help people with incontinence have fewer episodes and increase their awareness of a full bladder. Again, an individualized schedule is developed, and the individual is prompted to go to the bathroom at specific times.
Pelvic floor muscle exercises, known as Kegels, can strengthen muscles to prevent urine from leaking out of the bladder. These exercises are very effective with stress and urge incontinence. Individuals who can understand and follow directions
Avoiding bladder irritants, such as caffeine, alcohol and carbonated beverages may decrease the number of incontinent episodes.
Some medication can also affect bladder function. Speak with your physician about how your medication might affect incontinence.
 

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Health Products

Medline Disposable Incontinence Product Types

by Kimberly Johnson
written by Kimberly Johnson

Medline LogoMedline Disposable Incontinence Product Types

Each individual is different. Regardless of whether someone has light or heavy incontinence, he or she should have access to high quality products to manage their condition. Medline offers the following guidelines to help you select the right product.
Disposable Incontinence Product Types
Adult briefsMedline Incontinence L
Can be worn by people who:
 

  • Are bedridden
  • Are difficult to turn or position
  • Can be aggressive or combative
  • Have frequent, loose or watery stools

 
Two-piece pant with liner
Are appropriate for people who:Two Piece Pant with Liner M

  • Can walk
  • Only need one person to assist them
  • Can wear underwear or self-toilet

 
 
Adult protective disposable underwearAdult Disposable Underwear N
Can be used by those people who are:

  • Incontinent but active
  • Restless or disoriented

 
Bladder control padsBladder Pad O
Can be used by those people who:

  • Have light to moderate urinary incontinence
  • Have the ability to change the pads themselves
    (The pads have an adhesive strip to hold them in place in the underwear)

 
 
Belted undergarmentsBelted Undergarments P
Appropriate for people who:

  • Have moderate incontinence
    Held in place with an elastic belt and buttons

 
Underpads

  • Are used to protect the bed and furniture when an individual is incontinent
  • Can be used alone or with incontinence garments

 
DryPadsDry Pads Q

  • Are used to protect a standard or air-support therapy mattress when an individual is incontinent
  • Pull moisture away from the individual’s skin after an episode of incontinence

 
 
Medline Chart Incontinence

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Problems with Low Back Pain and Opioids
Conditions & Treatments

Acupuncture As A Remedy for Back Pain

by Kimberly Johnson
written by Kimberly Johnson

Acupuncture As A Remedy for Back Pain
back painIf you suffer from back pain you probably would not consider acupuncture as a treatment until you have exhausted many other alternatives. However, acupuncture is a type of ancient Chinese medicine that’s been around for over 2,500 years and throughout this time it has been used for back pain relief, increasingly so in these modern times. Acupuncture As A Remedy for Back Pain
While it is not traditionally a part of western medicine, nowadays your doctor is quite likely to send you for this treatment if you are suffering from back or neck pain either persistantly or due to accident or injury.
If you are going to have this therapy you may want to know a little about how it works. The general belief is that the body has 20 energy flow patterns called meridians or pathways. Through these pathways it is thought that the life force or vital energy flows, this is known as the qi (it is pronounced chee) and is considered to be essential to maintain good health. There are over 2,000 points on our bodies that connect with these pathways and it is at these points which the hair-thin needles are inserted, this is done in varying specific combinations depending on the treatment required. These actions are believed to either correct the flow of qi or to reinforce it.
Even though it cannot be proven that this works as a type of pain relief, it is thought that as a result the central nervous system is stimulated. Most patients say that they get a pins and needles sensation on the insertion of the needles and indeed into the duration of the treatment, which usually lasts about 15 to 30 minutes. Some people report that they feel energised or even very relaxed so it appears as if the effect can be is somewhat different depending on the individual.
The acupuncturist will use up to 20 metallic needles during a treatment session and the depth they are inserted is dependent upon the area, deeper muscular or fatty areas need more penetration and the scalp for example would be just below the surface. The practitioner may turn the needles one way or another depending on what they are trying to achieve, in my personal experience they were turned on insertion, then again about half way through the treatment. At no point is the treatment painful, there is a mere sensation of the needles going in and they do not feel sharp at all, this is because unlike needles used for injections, an acupuncture needles tip come to a smooth point without sharp edges. They are also very thin, about 20 times thinner than a hypodermic needle. In my experience the most troublesome part of the treatment is lying in the same position without moving for up to 30 minutes, especially if you suffer from back pain or similar.
Although there are many medical experts who believe acupuncture is an effective way to treat certain conditions such as back pain, there is no true consensus. Some adhere to the theories of qi and meridians whilst others attribute acupunctures, benefits to the biological changes that are brought about in the body as a result of treatment. Needless to say there will always be the sceptics who deny that acupuncture has any effect at all, but in my opinion if you are suffering from ongoing back pain it is certainly worth trying.

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Conditions & Treatments

Insomnia and Sleep Aids

by Kimberly Johnson
written by Kimberly Johnson

18146Insomnia and Sleep Aids
You’ve likely seen the popular TV ad campaign for Rozerem… the insomnia guy who keeps late-night company with Abe Lincoln, a beaver, and other colorful characters from his dreams?
Insomnia is such a common problem (one in three adults report having some type of insomnia) that sleep aids such as Rozerem are more popular than ever. Insomnia and Sleep Aids
In this article, we’ll look at the different types of insomnia, self help treatments you can try, and Rozerem as a sleep aid for the treatment of insomnia.
What Causes Insomnia
Insomnia happens when your sleep-wake cycle, or your internal clock, is disrupted. It can be caused by many factors: stress, illness, pain, jet lag, sleep apnea, excessive physical or emotional arousal, shift work, a sedentary lifestyle, worrying about sleep, depression, and other factors.Certain types of drugs can cause or worsen your insomnia:

  • Antidepressants
  • Antihypertensives
  • Antiarrhythmics
  • Antibiotics
  • Antihistamines
  • Antivirals
  • Bronchodilators
  • Central nervous system stimulants
  • Corticosteroids
  • Decongestants
  • Diuretics
  • Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)

Insomnia is more common in people over age 60 and especially in women over 40. It’s estimated that up to one third of the population suffers from some type of insomnia.
TYPES OF INSOMNIA
Insomnia presents itself in a variety of different ways… once-in-a-while insomnia, chronic insomnia, insomnia that keeps you from falling asleep, insomnia that wakes you up frequently during the night, insomnia that wakes you up too early, and insomnia that allows you to sleep, but poorly.
There are three main types of insomnia:

  1. Transient Insomnia: This is short-term insomnia that typically lasts from a few nights to a few weeks. Transient insomnia may cause next-day sleepiness, mood changes, and performance impairment.
  2. Intermittent Insomnia: This is when you have periods of transient insomnia that occur on and off over months or years. It can lead to chronic insomnia.
  3. Chronic Insomnia: This is long term insomnia – difficulty sleeping for more than a month. Chronic insomnia is often related to more serious problems like depression, memory impairment, accidents, missed work, and increased visits to the doctor.

SELF HELP FOR INSOMNIA

  • Open the bedroom windows if possible. Fresh air may help you sleep.
  • Don’t read or watch TV in bed… reserve the bed for sleep so the mind begins to associate lying down with sleeping
  • Keep a tight schedule going to bed and waking up at the same time each day.
  • Avoid daytime naps so you’re more tired at bedtime.
  • Don’t eat heavy meals before going to bed. Avoid caffeine, alcohol and tobacco.
  • Exercise, even 15 minutes a day, can help you relax and get a better sleep.
  • Warm milk before bed really works because it causes a chemical reaction that increases serotonin in the brain, making you feel relaxed and calm.

If self help doesn’t improve your insomnia, it may be time to discuss sleep aids with your doctor.

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