Lift Chairs: Good for more than just lifting!

Did you know that lift chairs do more than just lift the user from sitting to standing?  There are many benefits to having a lift chair in your home including the customized size, ability to target specific pressure points on the body and ability to recline to positions that elevate the body. Specific physical issues lift chairs target: [caption id="attachment_436" align="alignright" width="210" caption="Lift chairs do more than just lift!"][/caption]

• Circulation Problems
• Arthritis
• Mobility Problems
• Weight
• And Preventative Measures

Do you think you're a good candidate for a lift chair?  Leave a comment or complete our contact form to find a lift chair provider in your area!

Avoiding the Fall: Walking Aid Fitting

Every year over 50,000 individuals end up in the ER due to falling while using a walking aid.  Most of these falls occur because of improper fitting of the walking aid.  If you or your loved one is using a walking aid, we ask that you take these quick and easy steps to make sure the walking aid is on the correct height setting to prevent major injuries from falling. [caption id="attachment_433" align="alignright" width="395" caption="Fitting canes"][/caption] Fitting a Walker or Cane

1. Your first step is to get your favorite pair of shoes on that you wear most often.
2. Then stand straight with your arms down and your elbows slightly bent, the way you would normally stand.
3. Your friend will then measure from the middle crease of your wrist to the ground.
4. Finally, set your walker or cane to that exact measurement.

If your walker or cane does not set to that exact height, do not keep the walking aid.  It is very hazardous to use a walking aid that does not fit.  Also, keep in mind that you should not have to bend down for the walking aid to support you.  You should be able to stand up tall and still have the walking aid supporting your body. Fitting a Rollator Fitting a rollator is very similar to fitting a walker or cane.  You will still need to be wearing your favorite shoes and stand with elbows slightly bent.  Your friend will then measure from your hip joint to the ground.  The top of the handle grips should be the same height as your hip joint. Have you tried other measurement tricks?  Let us know what you think!

Adaptive Sports for Wheelchair Users

As a wheelchair user, have you thought about getting involved in your local adaptive sports?  There are many options out there for competitive and athletic wheelchair users that allow you to engage with other wheelchair users in the community and also keep you in shape. [caption id="attachment_430" align="alignright" width="400" caption="Wheelchair Tennis"][/caption] The most popular adaptive sports are wheelchair basketball and wheelchair tennis.  Both wheelchair basketball and wheelchair tennis are established sports with modified rules and highly competitive tournaments held on the local, regional and national level.  You can get involved through the United States Tennis Association (USTA) in their USTA Wheelchair Tennis program or through the National Wheelchair Basketball Association (NWBA) for leisure or competition. Sport Wheelchairs For most adaptive sports, athletes will need a sport wheelchair.  These adapted wheelchairs have extra wheels to prevent falling backwards, enhanced center of gravity and low backs to get those touch shots.  Overall, the sport chairs help to make you more agile, stable and quick on the court. If you've participated in adaptive sports, please share your experience with us in the comments section below.  We'd love to hear from you!