When considering health and mobility it is interesting to note that in the UK alone there are over ten million disabled people. Of these nearly half are of pensionable age with a further three quarters of a million being children.
Having a high proportion of older people with some kind of physical shortfall is not unusual as disability (in its literal form) increases with age. What is however of note in the UK is that future trends suggest that by 2020 somewhere between 55% and 60% of the “over 50 years of age” population will have some inhibitive health condition.
This is particularly concerning as it bucks the trend, seen over many centuries, where health, longevity and mobility have increased for the elderly. Furthermore, we have seen a proportional increase in the age at which the onset of many health related problems start, i.e. that “start” age getting older over the centuries and decades.
This has now reversed and, largely because of obesity, people are losing mobility younger, suffering heart disease and repertory disease much earlier in life and generally experiencing lower levels of overall health.
The reasons are, as ever, smoked over, but overeating and lack of exercise are undoubtedly the two most significant factors. Added to these is the low quality of artificially farmed food that we now eat. This sees unnaturally heavy and quickly grown animals and vegetables with high levels of pesticide, man made biological interference and long storage periods.
All told it is an unhealthy future outlook for us all and one that makes being as aware as possible of what we do and eat important. Don’t be undermined or distracted by government sponsored advertisements for reducing the amounts of salt that you eat. This kind of propaganda is intended to distract you from far bigger and more significant problems.
So what can you do?
It is hard to say other than to decrease your food intake and increase your exercise levels. But staying away from products like Asda turkey beasts (where every breast has exactly the same weight – which is “naturally” impossible) is one way to start. Also varying diets between many meats and carbohydrates seems to make sense. Eat pasta, rice, potatoes and assorted veg and try to eat red and white meat plus fish and seafood. Ultimately, this is what many continental Europeans, with a far higher life expectancy than those in the UK and USA do, and it seems to serve them well.
Wednesday, 7 October 2009
Wednesday, 23 September 2009
Health related site
A new site will soon be appearing that will deal with all kinds of health and mobility products. It is called healthandmobilitystore.com and it will become a portal for all things that relate to human health and healthy living.
The site will ultimately become an online store, however its main task will be to provide practical information about the various aids and products that it will cover.
The website will not be aimed at those with a physical limitation or a disability, however it will include items like chair lifts and mobility scooters. Much of what will be covered will none the less be directed at the typical human being as they pass through the various stages of life and require more and greater support to perform tasks that were once much easier.
There will also be areas that cover general healthy living like exercise and how it can be incorporated into hobbies like walking, running and sport.
Features may also run to subjects like dieting, obesity and maintaining good health.
For the time being this blog will become the web-log associated with the site and it will be used to provide information about all developments, products and features that appear on http://www.healthandmobilitystore.com.
At some point in the future the site may use a separate blog on the main domain, but for the moment this blog will be used to notify of all changes and developments.
The site will ultimately become an online store, however its main task will be to provide practical information about the various aids and products that it will cover.
The website will not be aimed at those with a physical limitation or a disability, however it will include items like chair lifts and mobility scooters. Much of what will be covered will none the less be directed at the typical human being as they pass through the various stages of life and require more and greater support to perform tasks that were once much easier.
There will also be areas that cover general healthy living like exercise and how it can be incorporated into hobbies like walking, running and sport.
Features may also run to subjects like dieting, obesity and maintaining good health.
For the time being this blog will become the web-log associated with the site and it will be used to provide information about all developments, products and features that appear on http://www.healthandmobilitystore.com.
At some point in the future the site may use a separate blog on the main domain, but for the moment this blog will be used to notify of all changes and developments.
Friday, 18 September 2009
Outdoor waterproof and breathable clothing
Fabrics that are waterproof and breathable are becoming increasingly popular for those involved in outdoor hobbies like hiking, walking and mountaineering. These special fabrics can keep the water out whilst allowing sweat and humidity to escape.
Shoes, boots and clothing made from these unique high performance fabrics can be expensive with a weatherproof and breathable over-jacket costing anything from $75 to several hundred dollars.
What these fabrics do
These special fabrics keep water out by having pores in the fabric that are too small for water droplets to pass through. However, these same pores are sufficiently big for water vapour (e.g. sweat) to escape out into the atmosphere, thereby preventing a hot and sweaty feeling.
Market leaders in the field of weatherproof and breathable fabrics include GoreTex and Event, but there are many more and all offer similar performance. The main brand names will naturally cost more, but they may not necessarily offer a higher performance.
Products currently incorporating these fabrics include jackets and fleece jackets, trousers, over-trousers, socks, shirts, T-shirts and underwear.
A number of outdoor shoe and boot manufacturers also use these weatherproof and breathable materials for their uppers. This kind of footwear is comfortable and it keeps the feet dry and healthy.
Shoes, boots and clothing made from these unique high performance fabrics can be expensive with a weatherproof and breathable over-jacket costing anything from $75 to several hundred dollars.
What these fabrics do
These special fabrics keep water out by having pores in the fabric that are too small for water droplets to pass through. However, these same pores are sufficiently big for water vapour (e.g. sweat) to escape out into the atmosphere, thereby preventing a hot and sweaty feeling.
Market leaders in the field of weatherproof and breathable fabrics include GoreTex and Event, but there are many more and all offer similar performance. The main brand names will naturally cost more, but they may not necessarily offer a higher performance.
Products currently incorporating these fabrics include jackets and fleece jackets, trousers, over-trousers, socks, shirts, T-shirts and underwear.
A number of outdoor shoe and boot manufacturers also use these weatherproof and breathable materials for their uppers. This kind of footwear is comfortable and it keeps the feet dry and healthy.
Wednesday, 26 August 2009
Mobility shops in Filey
Whilst in the coastal town of Filey at the weekend I spotted no less than two mobility stores. Quite surprising for a town with, what I believe to be, less than seven or eight thousand inhabitants. Both shops were in the small town center although on different streets.
Both stores were of a good size and both seemed focused on mobility scooters and the three wheeled walkers that those who are unstable on their feet often use. As ever prices varied significantly and the difference in model quality was quite dramatic.
Filey has a massive swell of population during the summer months as caravan parks and holiday chalets see thousands of temporary visitors to the town. I would guess that the population expands several times over and it may be that these stores rent some of the scooters out on a daily or weekly basis. That said, I saw no indication of this in the shop window.
I was also impresses by the power of one mobility scooter as its driver drove up an extremely steep slope, periodically stopping for his (able bodied) wife to catch up. When I first saw him approach the incline I seriously doubted that the machine would have the power to climb it, but climb it it did and with what appeared to be a minimum of effort.
Both stores were of a good size and both seemed focused on mobility scooters and the three wheeled walkers that those who are unstable on their feet often use. As ever prices varied significantly and the difference in model quality was quite dramatic.
Filey has a massive swell of population during the summer months as caravan parks and holiday chalets see thousands of temporary visitors to the town. I would guess that the population expands several times over and it may be that these stores rent some of the scooters out on a daily or weekly basis. That said, I saw no indication of this in the shop window.
I was also impresses by the power of one mobility scooter as its driver drove up an extremely steep slope, periodically stopping for his (able bodied) wife to catch up. When I first saw him approach the incline I seriously doubted that the machine would have the power to climb it, but climb it it did and with what appeared to be a minimum of effort.
Monday, 30 March 2009
Healthy living products that I am (and will be) evaluating
As a part of this and some other blogs that I contribute to, I am now doing some direct evaluations on a number of differing healthy living products that I am using. Here are some brief details.
The ergonomic chair (that I referred to in the last blog but one) has now been delivered and have been using it for a few days now. To find out more about this chair you can see a separate blog that I have set up purely for that purpose – it is at http://my-ergonomic-office-chair.blogspot.com.
As of now it only has a couple of entries (actually 3), but these will increase as I have more time to use and evaluate the chair.
I have also been trying out some gel insoles in some boot-like shoes that I go for a walk in and I am doing a similar kind of evaluation about those. The blog for that one is at http://gel-insoles.blogspot.com. Again this blog will accumulate more entries over time as I form an opinion about the insoles.
So, for now, those are my two practical evaluation projects as far as healthy lifestyle products are concerned, but there are more on the horizon and I will periodically refer to (and gives url’s for) them from time to time.
Other products that are going to make appearances include a gel mouse pad (where the wrist pad is gel), and an orthopedic style bed that uses several different materials to provide the comfort and sleeping support.
The ergonomic chair (that I referred to in the last blog but one) has now been delivered and have been using it for a few days now. To find out more about this chair you can see a separate blog that I have set up purely for that purpose – it is at http://my-ergonomic-office-chair.blogspot.com.
As of now it only has a couple of entries (actually 3), but these will increase as I have more time to use and evaluate the chair.
I have also been trying out some gel insoles in some boot-like shoes that I go for a walk in and I am doing a similar kind of evaluation about those. The blog for that one is at http://gel-insoles.blogspot.com. Again this blog will accumulate more entries over time as I form an opinion about the insoles.
So, for now, those are my two practical evaluation projects as far as healthy lifestyle products are concerned, but there are more on the horizon and I will periodically refer to (and gives url’s for) them from time to time.
Other products that are going to make appearances include a gel mouse pad (where the wrist pad is gel), and an orthopedic style bed that uses several different materials to provide the comfort and sleeping support.
Tuesday, 24 March 2009
Chiropractor
I saw a chiropractor many years ago and decided last week to make an appointment to see him again in the hopes that he would be able to ease and improve my back problems.
I was able to get both an assessment and first treatment appointment scheduled during the course of that week and I will be having treatment on a weekly basis for the next few weeks.
It seems rather insane that, with a national health service, I am unable to get this treatment through my GP (doctor) and consequently free. Yet I am able to see a physiotherapist, obtain X-rays, see a consultant and numerous other medics via a doctor’s referral.
This is particularly “common sense defying” when you consider that chiropractors have been around and using a scientific approach to resolving problems emanating from the spine for a couple of thousand years. They also have to train and qualify for the same period of time as a doctor and need to have continual training in order to retain the licence.
In other parts of the world osteopaths and chiropractors are considered as main stream practitioners, yet here in the UK they are seen as alternative. You are left to conclude that this classification has nothing to do with health and medical practices, but rather the cynical economics used to “miss-run” the British National Health Service.
As for the treatment, the outcome will only be apparent over time and the bending, twisting and manipulations performed by a chiropractors are certainly far from pleasant. But then again there is no gain without pain.
By way of a link, this http://www.roundhaychiropracticclinic.com is the clinic that I am currently taking my treatment from.
I was able to get both an assessment and first treatment appointment scheduled during the course of that week and I will be having treatment on a weekly basis for the next few weeks.
It seems rather insane that, with a national health service, I am unable to get this treatment through my GP (doctor) and consequently free. Yet I am able to see a physiotherapist, obtain X-rays, see a consultant and numerous other medics via a doctor’s referral.
This is particularly “common sense defying” when you consider that chiropractors have been around and using a scientific approach to resolving problems emanating from the spine for a couple of thousand years. They also have to train and qualify for the same period of time as a doctor and need to have continual training in order to retain the licence.
In other parts of the world osteopaths and chiropractors are considered as main stream practitioners, yet here in the UK they are seen as alternative. You are left to conclude that this classification has nothing to do with health and medical practices, but rather the cynical economics used to “miss-run” the British National Health Service.
As for the treatment, the outcome will only be apparent over time and the bending, twisting and manipulations performed by a chiropractors are certainly far from pleasant. But then again there is no gain without pain.
By way of a link, this http://www.roundhaychiropracticclinic.com is the clinic that I am currently taking my treatment from.
Tuesday, 10 March 2009
Buying an ergonomic chair
Since injuring my back in 2001 I have had a continuous flurry of lower back problems.
Exactly what the local cause and possible treatment is remains a mystery. I have had assessments, physiotherapy and massage treatments and none have sorted the problem out. A problem which, I should add, comes and goes with differing levels of severity. It seems that one week I can do anything and the next I can hardly get up out of a chair – and that leads me on to this post.
I spend a vast amount of time sat at a desk using a PC. Something that is common to many of us. The problem however is that being in a seated position for prolonged periods of time does not help the back or support the natural shape of the spine.
To this end I have been spending a considerable amount of time researching, testing and ultimately buying, an ergonomic chair for this purpose.
Over recent weeks I have tried out everything from the Herman Miller Ergon (at around £900 fully loaded) to some much much cheaper options.
The chair that I have finally decided upon is a brandless locally made chair that is going to cost around £230. The chair looks bland, design-less and it boasts no mesh backrest, no headrest and not external frame.
What it does however have are the following features which I would advise anyone looking for such a chair to seriously consider as “must have” features.
They are: seat height adjustment, seat (forward and backward) slide adjustment, seat angle adjustment, backrest height (ratchet) adjustment, inflatable lumbar support, backrest angle adjustment, armrest height adjustment, armrest angle adjustment.
N.B. These ergonomic chairs are often called “task” chairs in shops, online retailers, and by many chair manufacturers.
Exactly what the local cause and possible treatment is remains a mystery. I have had assessments, physiotherapy and massage treatments and none have sorted the problem out. A problem which, I should add, comes and goes with differing levels of severity. It seems that one week I can do anything and the next I can hardly get up out of a chair – and that leads me on to this post.
I spend a vast amount of time sat at a desk using a PC. Something that is common to many of us. The problem however is that being in a seated position for prolonged periods of time does not help the back or support the natural shape of the spine.
To this end I have been spending a considerable amount of time researching, testing and ultimately buying, an ergonomic chair for this purpose.
Over recent weeks I have tried out everything from the Herman Miller Ergon (at around £900 fully loaded) to some much much cheaper options.
The chair that I have finally decided upon is a brandless locally made chair that is going to cost around £230. The chair looks bland, design-less and it boasts no mesh backrest, no headrest and not external frame.
What it does however have are the following features which I would advise anyone looking for such a chair to seriously consider as “must have” features.
They are: seat height adjustment, seat (forward and backward) slide adjustment, seat angle adjustment, backrest height (ratchet) adjustment, inflatable lumbar support, backrest angle adjustment, armrest height adjustment, armrest angle adjustment.
N.B. These ergonomic chairs are often called “task” chairs in shops, online retailers, and by many chair manufacturers.
Tuesday, 3 March 2009
Knee Braces
With a lot on my plate, including trying to sort out my home office, I have severely neglected this blog. However my intentions towards it remain and I will start making regular and themed posts to it as soon as time permits.
In the meantime however, here is some brief information about knee braces which can aid anyone with a knee joint problem, permanent or temporary.
Knee braces are supports that you wear for a painful or injured knee and they are constructed from advanced materials to create a lightweight and breathable brace that is easy and comfortable to wear.
Knee braces are designed to stabilize the knee, redirect the body’s weight away from the injured compartment of the knee joint and to help correct leg alignment. Knee braces are also designed to help keep the knee properly aligned, thus helping to prevent sharp pain caused by miss-alignment while also helping avoid traumatic injury.
Special knee braces are designed to control how the kneecap moves and many knee braces are designed to support injured or damaged ligaments.
Knee braces can also be used to provide stability, support, and pain relief for patients with knee osteoarthritis.
Most knee braces provide moderate levels of support and protection for most knee requirements, however in the instance of knee instability resulting from ligament injuries, customised knee braces may be recommended for additional levels of protection and support.
You should always ask a doctor or physical therapist whether or not knee braces are appropriate for your situation.
In the meantime however, here is some brief information about knee braces which can aid anyone with a knee joint problem, permanent or temporary.
Knee braces are supports that you wear for a painful or injured knee and they are constructed from advanced materials to create a lightweight and breathable brace that is easy and comfortable to wear.
Knee braces are designed to stabilize the knee, redirect the body’s weight away from the injured compartment of the knee joint and to help correct leg alignment. Knee braces are also designed to help keep the knee properly aligned, thus helping to prevent sharp pain caused by miss-alignment while also helping avoid traumatic injury.
Special knee braces are designed to control how the kneecap moves and many knee braces are designed to support injured or damaged ligaments.
Knee braces can also be used to provide stability, support, and pain relief for patients with knee osteoarthritis.
Most knee braces provide moderate levels of support and protection for most knee requirements, however in the instance of knee instability resulting from ligament injuries, customised knee braces may be recommended for additional levels of protection and support.
You should always ask a doctor or physical therapist whether or not knee braces are appropriate for your situation.
Tuesday, 17 February 2009
A quick summary of mobility scooters
Mobility scooters are battery powered scooters that are driven and controlled in a similar way as a bicycle.
In general, mobility scooters are easy to use and take little practice for their owners to become familiar with them.
Mobility Scooters are suitable for the disabled, the elderly and anyone who wishes to regain independence having lost some degree of their mobility.
Mobility scooters are ideal for disabled people whose work and social lives may have suffered as a result of their immobility.
Mobility scooters come in a wide range of models, including semi-portable folding travel scooters to the much larger and heavier bariatric scooters.
Mobility scooters are an excellent means of retaining, or prolonging, mobility independence. They make it easy to visit the shops, friends and family without outside assistance.
Mobility scooters are controlled using the thumb or fingers to push or pull a lever and they are available in a range of different models to suit the different needs of individuals.
Restrictions
Mobility scooters are not permitted on highways, i.e. motorways, cycle lanes or bus lanes. They are also restricted on many trains and special arrangements will need to be made in order to take them on a plane.
In general, mobility scooters are easy to use and take little practice for their owners to become familiar with them.
Mobility Scooters are suitable for the disabled, the elderly and anyone who wishes to regain independence having lost some degree of their mobility.
Mobility scooters are ideal for disabled people whose work and social lives may have suffered as a result of their immobility.
Mobility scooters come in a wide range of models, including semi-portable folding travel scooters to the much larger and heavier bariatric scooters.
Mobility scooters are an excellent means of retaining, or prolonging, mobility independence. They make it easy to visit the shops, friends and family without outside assistance.
Mobility scooters are controlled using the thumb or fingers to push or pull a lever and they are available in a range of different models to suit the different needs of individuals.
Restrictions
Mobility scooters are not permitted on highways, i.e. motorways, cycle lanes or bus lanes. They are also restricted on many trains and special arrangements will need to be made in order to take them on a plane.
Tuesday, 3 February 2009
Mobility Scooters
Generally mobility scooters are suitable for the disabled and the elderly who wish to regain some of their “able bodied” independence.
Mobility scooters are a great way to maintain or regain independence and they give their owner the ability to visit shops, friends and family without outside support.
Mobility scooters can be three or four wheeled electrically powered carriages and in their modern forms they provide a great method of transportation for people with physical impairments or limitations.
Four wheel mobility scooters are designed for maximum stability and are built primarily for outdoor use. The medium sized mobility scooters are for use on pavements only (not roads), and they can offer a solution for people of all sizes as they will carry a disabled person of up to 350 pounds in weight.
Today mobility scooters are available in a wide range of models including small fold-away travel scooters and heavy-duty bariatric models. There is also a high level of specification selection on many mobility scooters including seat coverings, swivel angles and directions, additional padding, lumbar supports, and powered height adjustments.
Control and independence
Mobility scooters are typically controlled (driven) by “finger adjustable” tillers that offer forward and reverse movement along with variable speed control. Most scooters are available in a range of sizes, prices and configurations enabling a purchaser to choose according to their own unique needs.
With up to a 25 mile range on a single charge, mobility scooters are ideal for journeys of all durations and not just within a mile or so of the home. Generally, mobility scooters are best for people with milder mobility problems, perhaps related to age. They are great for out of home activities and they can be fun to use.
A mobility scooter will allow its owner to go shopping (and carry the shopping in the scooter basket), and they can even be used to walk your dog.
Mobility scooters can be a big investment so it is important to choose the right one. Mobility scooters are generally less affordable than powered wheelchairs, and often harder to obtain from insurers or health care agencies.
for more on mobility scooters, see http://arthritis.about.com/od/assistivedevicesgadgets/tp/mobilityscooter.htm.
Mobility scooters are a great way to maintain or regain independence and they give their owner the ability to visit shops, friends and family without outside support.
Mobility scooters can be three or four wheeled electrically powered carriages and in their modern forms they provide a great method of transportation for people with physical impairments or limitations.
Four wheel mobility scooters are designed for maximum stability and are built primarily for outdoor use. The medium sized mobility scooters are for use on pavements only (not roads), and they can offer a solution for people of all sizes as they will carry a disabled person of up to 350 pounds in weight.
Today mobility scooters are available in a wide range of models including small fold-away travel scooters and heavy-duty bariatric models. There is also a high level of specification selection on many mobility scooters including seat coverings, swivel angles and directions, additional padding, lumbar supports, and powered height adjustments.
Control and independence
Mobility scooters are typically controlled (driven) by “finger adjustable” tillers that offer forward and reverse movement along with variable speed control. Most scooters are available in a range of sizes, prices and configurations enabling a purchaser to choose according to their own unique needs.
With up to a 25 mile range on a single charge, mobility scooters are ideal for journeys of all durations and not just within a mile or so of the home. Generally, mobility scooters are best for people with milder mobility problems, perhaps related to age. They are great for out of home activities and they can be fun to use.
A mobility scooter will allow its owner to go shopping (and carry the shopping in the scooter basket), and they can even be used to walk your dog.
Mobility scooters can be a big investment so it is important to choose the right one. Mobility scooters are generally less affordable than powered wheelchairs, and often harder to obtain from insurers or health care agencies.
for more on mobility scooters, see http://arthritis.about.com/od/assistivedevicesgadgets/tp/mobilityscooter.htm.
Friday, 30 January 2009
Mobility or easy access baths
These are baths that you can literally walk into. They come in small and regular sizes and they have a cantilevering (hinged) door for access into and out of the bath. Naturally the door has strong water tight seals and a mechanism that prevents accidental opening when the bath is full of water. The doors are easy and lightweight to operate.
Most of these mobility baths have a seat within the bath and in many cases this seat can be lowered, or lifted, electrically so that the person taking the bath can gently ease themselves in to the bath in a controlled way.
This also prevents them from having to sit in any empty bath whilst it is being filled and it allows them to raise themselves out of the bath and dry the upper part of their body whilst the bath empties.
Control of the bath seat is by an easy to use remote control.
Naturally, it is easier to leave the bath from an elevated seated position and this is the beauty of these useful bathroom variants on the standard bath.
Other variants of mobility baths see a “door-less” side wall, but with a seat that not only raises to an elevated position, but one that also swings or rotates to the side of the bath allowing entry and exit whilst the bath is full.
This type of bath requires the bather to be able to lift their legs up at knee level over the rim of the bath (with or without assistance). This type of bath has various degrees of rotation from about 65 degrees to a full 90 degrees. These baths also make the transition from a bath to a wheel chair a comparatively easy operation.
Most of these mobility baths have a seat within the bath and in many cases this seat can be lowered, or lifted, electrically so that the person taking the bath can gently ease themselves in to the bath in a controlled way.
This also prevents them from having to sit in any empty bath whilst it is being filled and it allows them to raise themselves out of the bath and dry the upper part of their body whilst the bath empties.
Control of the bath seat is by an easy to use remote control.
Naturally, it is easier to leave the bath from an elevated seated position and this is the beauty of these useful bathroom variants on the standard bath.
Other variants of mobility baths see a “door-less” side wall, but with a seat that not only raises to an elevated position, but one that also swings or rotates to the side of the bath allowing entry and exit whilst the bath is full.
This type of bath requires the bather to be able to lift their legs up at knee level over the rim of the bath (with or without assistance). This type of bath has various degrees of rotation from about 65 degrees to a full 90 degrees. These baths also make the transition from a bath to a wheel chair a comparatively easy operation.
Monday, 26 January 2009
Mobility Walkers
Mobility walkers, or wheel walkers, can be invaluable to the elderly or anyone who is unsteady on their feet and they can also double up as carrying trolleys for small amounts of shopping.
Most mobility walkers have four wheels, with the two front wheels being directional, i.e. steer-able by the pusher. The wheels should be rubber and are often in pairs, i.e 8 wheels ( 4 pairs) for a 4 wheeler.
The walker should have a braking system (press down spring loaded) that will usually be operated by a downward pressure on the handles. This not only makes the brake system easy to operate, but it acts as a failsafe (if the person using it falls or slips), by fixing the walker as a barrier in front of them. It also prevents accidental run-away and holds the walker in position if it is used as a seat.
A mobility walker should have height adjustable handles, which usually point towards the person holding them, and their construction is usually tubular. This maximises design strength, but with the lowest “weight to size” ratio possible. This makes these mobility walkers easy to push and manoeuvre, even for those with limited strength. (It is a downward pressure on the handles that activates the brake action.)
Other important features to look out for on these mobility walkers are seats, which again should be adjustable and which, on some models, may have backrests.
Many mobility walkers will fold down to minimise storage space and special areas/containers/fittings etc allow for the holding of walking sticks or elbow crutches and of course a shopping bag. This is normally located under the seat.
For an example of a mobility walker you can go to this page: http://www.ableliving.com/productdetails.cfm?ProductID=0085uni.
Most mobility walkers have four wheels, with the two front wheels being directional, i.e. steer-able by the pusher. The wheels should be rubber and are often in pairs, i.e 8 wheels ( 4 pairs) for a 4 wheeler.
The walker should have a braking system (press down spring loaded) that will usually be operated by a downward pressure on the handles. This not only makes the brake system easy to operate, but it acts as a failsafe (if the person using it falls or slips), by fixing the walker as a barrier in front of them. It also prevents accidental run-away and holds the walker in position if it is used as a seat.
A mobility walker should have height adjustable handles, which usually point towards the person holding them, and their construction is usually tubular. This maximises design strength, but with the lowest “weight to size” ratio possible. This makes these mobility walkers easy to push and manoeuvre, even for those with limited strength. (It is a downward pressure on the handles that activates the brake action.)
Other important features to look out for on these mobility walkers are seats, which again should be adjustable and which, on some models, may have backrests.
Many mobility walkers will fold down to minimise storage space and special areas/containers/fittings etc allow for the holding of walking sticks or elbow crutches and of course a shopping bag. This is normally located under the seat.
For an example of a mobility walker you can go to this page: http://www.ableliving.com/productdetails.cfm?ProductID=0085uni.
Thursday, 22 January 2009
Post-2: Kind of topics covered
Continuing my methodical approach to most things in life, I am now going to set out the scope of products and services that I intend to write about and discuss in this blog.
As previously stated, anything that has a health or mobility application, benefit, or advantage will be included, as will devices that solve a health problems or that get around mobility obstacles.
This means that the obvious examples of mobility equipment will be covered and these will include: stair lifts, wheelchairs and mobility scooters.
I.e. Items that enable mobility (getting around) in the most obvious way.
But I will also look more widely at mobility issues and ways around them and this will take in products and equipment like: lift and tilt chairs, massage chairs, adjustable beds, orthopedic beds, easy access mobility walk-in baths, and easy access showers.
I.e. Items that assist mobility for a specific purpose, function or activity.
I will also look at some of the more recent innovations in solving problems caused by some form of physical limitation or restriction and this will extend to electronic hearing aids and devices designed to eliminate or remove pain, e.g. magnetic pain therapy.
I.e. Products that may indirectly help health or mobility by removing a non physical obstacle that restricts or prevents normal activity.
In addition to these “products”, I will be looking at alternative therapy treatments
that will include the almost “medically” legitimate practices of acupuncture, chiropractic and the like, to some of the more obscure, or less proven techniques, which will include hypnotherapy and aromatherapy.
I.e. Treatments and off the shelf medications that “may” play a role in helping health or mobility.
These are fairly broad categories, but anything that does not naturally fall into one, but which does have some value, will be included and this will run to items like support braces, support cushions and even “old wife’s” tails if there appears to be some validity in them.
I.e. Giving me carte blanch to include anything else that I want to write about.
Whether or not I will look at something like hay fever – and how to remedy it, I have yet to decide, but I will mention illnesses like shingles where I can offer suggestions based (unfortunately) upon first hand experience.
As previously stated, anything that has a health or mobility application, benefit, or advantage will be included, as will devices that solve a health problems or that get around mobility obstacles.
This means that the obvious examples of mobility equipment will be covered and these will include: stair lifts, wheelchairs and mobility scooters.
I.e. Items that enable mobility (getting around) in the most obvious way.
But I will also look more widely at mobility issues and ways around them and this will take in products and equipment like: lift and tilt chairs, massage chairs, adjustable beds, orthopedic beds, easy access mobility walk-in baths, and easy access showers.
I.e. Items that assist mobility for a specific purpose, function or activity.
I will also look at some of the more recent innovations in solving problems caused by some form of physical limitation or restriction and this will extend to electronic hearing aids and devices designed to eliminate or remove pain, e.g. magnetic pain therapy.
I.e. Products that may indirectly help health or mobility by removing a non physical obstacle that restricts or prevents normal activity.
In addition to these “products”, I will be looking at alternative therapy treatments
that will include the almost “medically” legitimate practices of acupuncture, chiropractic and the like, to some of the more obscure, or less proven techniques, which will include hypnotherapy and aromatherapy.
I.e. Treatments and off the shelf medications that “may” play a role in helping health or mobility.
These are fairly broad categories, but anything that does not naturally fall into one, but which does have some value, will be included and this will run to items like support braces, support cushions and even “old wife’s” tails if there appears to be some validity in them.
I.e. Giving me carte blanch to include anything else that I want to write about.
Whether or not I will look at something like hay fever – and how to remedy it, I have yet to decide, but I will mention illnesses like shingles where I can offer suggestions based (unfortunately) upon first hand experience.
Tuesday, 20 January 2009
Post-1: What I intend to do
I am going to use this blog to post information (and sources of further information) about anything that I think may be life enhancing. This could be a routine, a product, a way of doing something, or anything else.
In essence, anything that is an aid to staying healthy, staying mobile and staying active. Obviously each of these criteria will be relative to every individual, but I hope that, over time, I will make this blog useful to all.
How the blog will work
Some posts will be general and relate to all, i.e. those who are able bodied and those who have a physical limitation of some kind, whilst others will be more concerned with overcoming a particular restriction or problem.
e.g. This could include the right way to pick up and carry a heavy weight, the best kind of bed design to provide a good night’s sleep, or a product or device that enables the achievement of an activity that many take for granted, but that may be problematic for some.
This will see post of varying lengths and detail, some looking at overcoming mobility problems that affect those of advancing age, those who have suffered an injury, or those with a physical limitation of some kind.
I intend to try and cover everything from the virtues of orthopaedic products like beds, chairs and supports, to walk-in baths and mobility scooters. But I will also look at more general health and outdoor living equipment ranging from home saunas to garden fire pits.
In short I will try to vary what I write about and, whilst some posts will relate to specifics, others will be more general.
Throughout the blog I will express my own views and opinions, but these will not be based on any kind of medical qualification or professional ability to review. They will however take account of the various problems that I have (and have had in the past) and which range from severe back problems to broken limbs, and dislocated joints. They will also take account of the fact that (whilst not yet of advancing years myself), I do have elderly relatives and friends with numerous physical issues.
Frequency of posts
I will make at least 2 posts per week and ideally 3, and all posts will be original material (i.e. not copied form elsewhere) unless stated otherwise.
Blogwise, this will be my fourth and all 4 cover different topics, but with interests that are common to me.
In essence, anything that is an aid to staying healthy, staying mobile and staying active. Obviously each of these criteria will be relative to every individual, but I hope that, over time, I will make this blog useful to all.
How the blog will work
Some posts will be general and relate to all, i.e. those who are able bodied and those who have a physical limitation of some kind, whilst others will be more concerned with overcoming a particular restriction or problem.
e.g. This could include the right way to pick up and carry a heavy weight, the best kind of bed design to provide a good night’s sleep, or a product or device that enables the achievement of an activity that many take for granted, but that may be problematic for some.
This will see post of varying lengths and detail, some looking at overcoming mobility problems that affect those of advancing age, those who have suffered an injury, or those with a physical limitation of some kind.
I intend to try and cover everything from the virtues of orthopaedic products like beds, chairs and supports, to walk-in baths and mobility scooters. But I will also look at more general health and outdoor living equipment ranging from home saunas to garden fire pits.
In short I will try to vary what I write about and, whilst some posts will relate to specifics, others will be more general.
Throughout the blog I will express my own views and opinions, but these will not be based on any kind of medical qualification or professional ability to review. They will however take account of the various problems that I have (and have had in the past) and which range from severe back problems to broken limbs, and dislocated joints. They will also take account of the fact that (whilst not yet of advancing years myself), I do have elderly relatives and friends with numerous physical issues.
Frequency of posts
I will make at least 2 posts per week and ideally 3, and all posts will be original material (i.e. not copied form elsewhere) unless stated otherwise.
Blogwise, this will be my fourth and all 4 cover different topics, but with interests that are common to me.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
