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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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Diet & Nutrition

5 Healthy Foods You Should be Eating

by Jeff Dailey
written by Jeff Dailey

056024D5 Healthy Foods You Should be Eating
Many of us are looking for fresh ways to lead healthier lifestyles and eat nutritiously, without having to sacrifice flavor. You may already be eating fruits and veggies, like broccoli and bananas, but here are five nutritional superstars you should be piling on your plate if you aren’t already: 5 Healthy Foods You Should be Eating

  1. Lentils. Lentils may look like the runt of the legume family, but don’t be fooled. These are rich in dietary fiber and are a good source of iron and folate, which collectively help reduce the risk of heart disease, increase your metabolism and improve digestive health. Talk about big things coming in small packages!
  2. Cauliflower. Cauliflower is having its turn in the spotlight this year — and rightfully so. This cruciferous vegetable is rich in vitamin C, fiber and potassium. Try whipped cauliflower in place of mashed potatoes, or grill slices of it for a new side dish. Tip: If the bitter taste of raw cauliflower turns you off, try steaming or sautéing for milder flavor.
  3. Sardines. Sardines may not be the first fish to come to mind, but they are certainly one of the healthiest. This petite treat is a lean source of protein, rich in Omega-3s, vitamin B12 and vitamin D, making them a heart-healthy snack worth trying. StarKist’s new Gourmet Selects skinless, boneless sardine fillets come packed in delicious gourmet sauces. They are great for a snack right out of the can or a perfect addition to any culinary creation.
  4. Pomegranate. Pomegranates have often taken a backseat to other fruits, but these delicious gems pack arguably a bigger nutritional punch than some of the traditional favorites. Not only are the seeds and juice jam-packed with antioxidants, but they are also high in vitamin C and potassium, and the seeds are a great source of fiber. Tip: Avoid the mess by deseeding with the pomegranate submerged in water.
  5. Flaxseeds. As a good source of fiber, omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants, flaxseeds are often considered nutritional powerhouses. Lucky for us, ground or milled flaxseeds can be easily mixed into almost any recipe, including cereal, baked goods, yogurt and more. Tip: If you buy whole flaxseeds, grind them right before using to reap all the nutritional benefits.
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Conditions & Treatments

Fitness Linked to Pain for Women with Fibromyalgia

by Jeff Dailey
written by Jeff Dailey

Fitness Linked to Pain for Women with Fibromyalgia
shutterstock_156184517It may be easy to write a prescription for opioids in hopes that they will do the trick for patients struggling with fibromyalgia pain. But the best path towards effective analgesia may not require medication at all. Fitness Linked to Pain for Women with Fibromyalgia
This isn’t the first time that research has pointed out the benefits of exercise as a form of treatment for women with fibromyalgia. A study released earlier in the year found that patients who took more steps each day experienced less pain. However, in the new trial researchers used a larger population pool to make their case in Arthritis Care & Research, and they succeeded.
A total of 468 women with fibromyalgia were evaluated and levels of pain were recorded with several methods including algometry, numeric rating scale, visual analog scale, and the bodily pain subscale on the Short Form 36 health survey. The authors also looked at chronic pain self-efficacy and pain catastrophizing to determine patients who may exaggerate what they were actually feeling. The Senior Fitness Test battery and handgrip dynamometry were used to measure physical fitness – made up of aerobic fitness, muscle strength, flexibility, and motor agility – and average global fitness profile.
Time and time again, higher physical fitness proved to be associated with less pain. In addition, better fitness was linked to higher chronic pain self-efficacy and lower pain catastrophizing – regardless of pain and fitness evaluation methods.
Muscle strength and flexibility showed a direct relationship with pain. The patients who had both high muscle strength and flexibility reported the lowest levels of pain. When it came to pain catastrophizing, aerobic fitness and flexibility proved to be the independent factors. Those who had high levels of both had the best catastrophizing and self-efficacy profiles.
“Our results suggest that higher physical fitness is associated with lower levels of pain, lower pain-related catastrophizing, and higher chronic pain self-efficacy in women with fibromyalgia,” the authors concluded.
More studies in this area of fibromyalgia are needed, but these findings suggest that it may be time to put down the prescription medication and get moving.

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