Feb 15

If people without disabilities sometimes find it hard to walk on slippery ground during winter, how much more difficult it must be for those who have limited mobility.

Swereco is offering three kinds of ice spikes to give your walking sticks a better grip on snow or ice. These spikes fit all sizes of crutches or canes and are very easy to install.

The Ice Spike Crown and Ice Spike SVCR are installed by clamping the spike at the end of the cane or crutch. Both have the same mechanism – you just have to release the lock and move the spike the other way so that you can go back to its normal tip. They only difference on how the spikes look is that one looks like a crown and the other only has a single spike.

The other type, the Ice Pick with Four Spikes, is used by replacing the whole tip of the cane or crutch with a new rubber tip with four spikes on it. It has a lever that makes the spikes come out underneath the rubber tip when it is needed.

For more information about these ultra cool ice spikes, visit DoAbility UK today.

Feb 8

One depressing aspect of aging is loss of independence due to the body’s inability to function properly and efficiently as it once did. It becomes especially disheartening when one cannot dress on his or her own. Luckily, there are many dressing aids available for the elderly and the disabled that can extend dressing independence for many years. Still, old age or a permanent disability may not be the only reasons why dressings aids are valuable. After a surgery, which can greatly impact the ability to put on clothing, socks, and shoes, dressing aids can come in handy.

Dressing aids help people with disabilities be independant in various activities of daily living. These special aids are designed specifically to make life easier for the disabled when grooming or dressing up.

Dressing aids also help avoid potentially lethal falls for anyone weakened by illness and enable a person to regain independence during any illness that affects movement.

If you or a loved one who has a disability still wants to dress up without the help of others, and socks or stockings are a problem because of some physical limitation, products, such as Foxy, can be of great help. Foxy is a handy tool that can make it easier for you to put on socks or stockings, especially if bending or reaching your foot is difficult.

For more information on various dressing aids, visit DoAbility UK today.

Jan 23

Staying hydrated is very important, but sometimes tricky, especially when you are using a rollator. Good thing that there is such an accessory called rollator bottle holders.

Bottle holders for rollators make it simple to stay hydrated while you’re on the move. They are specially created to keep a bottle in place where you want it, so you can easily reach it, without it getting in your way.

The Bottle Holder for S7 and Patrol Volaris Rollators, for example, is made from sturdy metal and can accommodate 500-ml bottles. It is suspended on the side of the rollator for easy reach, and may easily be removed when not in use or when you need to pass through tight places.

For more information on bottle holders for Volaris Rollators, visit DoAbility UK today.

Jan 21

People with disabilities are encouraged to be more energetic and continue to maintain a healthy lifestyle. This can be attained by utilizing a rollator. Rollators allow the user to be more independent and more self-determined. This mobility aid reduces your risk of losing your balance or falling, returns your independence, and increases your confidence in standing, walking, and carrying out everyday tasks that require mobility.

Still, it’s nice to be able to carry items easily from place to place while using a rollator. Baskets and bags of various sizes are available for this purpose. Open wire baskets are a snap to load and unload, and under-seat tote bags provide privacy for things like purses.

Rollator baskets are a great rollator accessory that helps you bring things with you that you would otherwise be unable to carry. Unlike walker baskets, rollator baskets typically fit underneath the rollator’s seat instead of in front of the unit.

The wire basket for the Volaris S7 and Patrol, for example, is a sturdy metallic net basket. You can easily hook it to your S7 or Low S7 Volaris Rollator, and is convenient for shopping or just moving small things at home.

For more information on baskets for rollators, visit DoAbility UK today.

Jan 18

The umbrella holder is the most useful rollator accessory since the invention of rollators. It will keep you dry in wet weather and provide you shade when the weather is too hot.

Rainy days are no longer a problem for rollator users when they need to hold an umbrella while manoeuvring their rollator.

Before umbrella holders became available, rollator users often face a major inconvenience during rainy days, and that is to undertake the dual task of moving their rollator and holding up an umbrella to prevent themselves from getting wet.

The umbrella holder for Volaris Rollators give users the ability to have an umbrella with them at all times, without the hassle of carrying it around. By simply attaching the umbrella holder to the rollator, users are able to access their umbrella whenever they need it.

You can leave it attached to your rollator so you will never forget it, and can be conveniently folded out of the way when it is not in use. It can also be easily removed if it is not needed.

To know more about umbrella holders for Volaris Rollators and get one for yourself, visit DoAbility UK today.

Jan 4

Life has become slightly challenging in the world we are living today that is why rest has become exceedingly important. It is necessary to have ample time of relaxing and rest especially after a day’s work.

When the body is denied an opportunity to relax and rest, it becomes impaired to perform any other task effectively because new cells can only be developed during the resting period. The mind requires rest before it can continue to give better and efficient results. When these principles of rest are avoided, the body will weaken because it will not be able to perform some of its basic functions.

When you have limited mobility, you tend to get tired more often. And when you are out walking in the park, using your rollator, it is not surprising that you will eventually get exhausted and have a desire to sit down. Fortunately, some rollators, such as the Volaris Rollator, can also serve as a chair.

Back rests for rollators provide extra comfort and support when sitting on your rollator. It also reduces your risk of falling over backwards.

So you see, Volaris Rollators not only help you in walking. You can also use them for sitting when you get tired of strolling.

For more information on Back Rests for Volaris Rollators, visit DoAbility UK today.

Dec 19

Now that winter has once again arrived, there are a great number of stuff to look forward to. From ice skating to snowboarding, as well as snowball fights in the front yard, winter brings a myriad of thrilling activities that are fun for each member of the family.

On the other hand, with all the enjoyment that winter delivers, there are also a number of risks connected with it that every person has to be familiar with. One of the main threatening winter hazards is the likelihood of slipping or falling on patches of ice and snow that can lead to serious injuries including cuts and broken bones that can spoil your winter fun.

When walking on slippery ground due to ice or snow, ensure that you walk slowly. Do not put your hands inside your pocket and always keep them empty, so that in the event that you slip and fall, you can use them to hold up yourself and protect your face and head.

Make sure you are wearing the proper clothes for going out in winter conditions. The most significant piece of clothing you can have on is a high-quality pair of shoes. You need shoes with good traction to hang on to the ground, and superior ankle support to prevent sprains if you should slip.

Test the ground ahead of you before you saunter on it. Slippery ground does not appear slippery at all times, which is why it is important to examine the ground in front of you prior to transferring your full weight to it. Step one foot in front of you and feel the surface of the ground to check how slippery it is. This will provide a good idea of what it will be like to walk on it.

Carrying a child while walking on slippery ground is highly discouraged. If you should fall, you will place the child’s safety in serious danger.

Use a walking stick with ice spikes or ice picks, especially if you have a hard time walking.

Dec 17
Winter Health Tips
icon1 Cheryl Weisz | icon2 Health Tips, Safety Tips | icon4 12 17th, 2011| icon32 Comments »

Winter is a season when some people fall sick, catch a flu, have cough, or suffer from colds. Hence, it is important for you to take care of your health, most especially during winter.

Here are a few winter health tips that will assure you an enjoyable winter with a fit body, free from any illness.

Primarily, a balanced diet assures you proper health all through the year, and you should particularly make sure that you take properly balanced meals, which would include the vital nutrients like carbohydrates, minerals, proteins, and vitamins. However, in winter, you should prefer fresh and seasonal food items. Fruits and vegetables can be eaten as salads. Dry cereals, grains, grams, and nuts can be consumed for their very high nutrient value. To develop strength, immunity, and resistance, foods with greater proportion of carbohydrates should be eaten.

You should drink plenty of water during the day to avoid dehydration. You should also include warm soups in your meals. Many people also consume alcoholic beverages to keep their body warmer to beat the cold. However, it should be drank in lesser quantities only and infrequently.

We also know that the benefits of exercising are many. Nevertheless, during winter, exercising is even more significant for a number of reasons. Exercise stimulates the body and develops resistance and the immune system to fight flu, cough, colds, and other illnesses that are quite common during winter. Working out at the gym or doing any physical activity like cycling, jogging, running, or walking, provide immense warmth to the body since a lot of heat is generated as the calories burn.

Lastly, you should always wear protective garments like jackets and sweaters to shield yourself from the cold winds and snow. Make sure to bring walking sticks with ice picks to avoid slipping in icy ground.

Dec 16

Winter is the time for blizzards, sub-zero temperatures, and visiting the ER for the reason that you fell on ice. For the elderly, all that ice and snow signifies an increased chance of falls and slips.

Here are a few things one can do to make winter a bit less perilous:

- Use a walking stick with ice spikes.

- If you have to walk through an icy parking lot or sidewalk, try to find a firm arm to lean on. Nearly everyone is happy to help an older person move along a slippery walkway. All you have to do is ask.

- Bring a cell phone when you get out of the house. If you fall, it could sometimes be hard to get up. Keeping a cell phone with you whenever you go out can give you composure.

- If you have railings going up to your front door, make sure that they are sturdy. They should be able to support you in case you slipped.

- Check your footwear. Examine your boots and shoes. Better traction can help keep you extra stable on icy surfaces.

- Keep the shovel and salt inside your house. The reason you need a shovel and salt is so that you do not have to walk across a slippery sidewalk. If you need to traverse through the ice and snow to get to your garage where the salt and shovel are, that defeats the purpose.

- Slow down. It is when you rush that you end up losing your balance. Keep in mind that being a bit late is better than rushing and then falling.

- Strengthen your legs. Strong leg muscles could help you steady yourself if you lose your balance. Moreover, if you do fall, it would be a lot easier to get back on your feet. You should exercise your legs frequently to keep them strong.

These little tips, when used together, could make the winter elements a bit less intimidating.

Dec 6

Staying safe during the icy season can be a little difficult, most especially if you have limited mobility.

Safety on the ice requires preparation and diligence. Before you venture out, here are a few ice safety tips:

- Use walking sticks with ice picks at all times.

- Never walk or drive on cloudy ice.

- Never go on the ice alone. Naturally occuring ice is unpredictable. Make sure you have proper safety equipment and a buddy.

- Only go on clear, thick ice.

- Stopping on ice is extremely difficult. When snowmobiling or driving in low-visibility conditions, go slow enough to be able to stop if you see something. Many vehicle accidents happen because the driver couldn’t stop by the time he or she saw the hole in the ice.

- Wear a thin sock liner and a heavy pair of socks leaving a little room so your feet don’t get cramped and they won’t get cold. Never wear smooth soled walking shoes in wet or snowy weather as their traction is negligible on wet leaves or icy patches. You need lug soled shoes or you risk injury from falling.

- Select routes that are cleared of snow or ice or do not have standing puddles or mud slicks.

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