disability

Stuck at home? If there is one thing that came from Coronavirus, it is some creative ways to occupy time and cope with being stuck indoors. If you are stuck at home, deal with the monotony and boredom in some productive, constructive ways instead!

Stuck inside? Confined to your home? Whether you stuck at home due to weather conditions or quarantined due to a virus, it can take a toll on your wellbeing. The monotony and boredom can wreak havoc on your mental health, so it pays to have things to do. If you rely on mobility aids, you may feel stuck frequently; work with a reputable vendor to find equipment and devices to improve your quality of life today.

Confined to your home? Try these tips to make it easier:

Stick to a Schedule

Fight the urge to hang out in your pajamas all day when you are confined to your home. This can set the stage for an unproductive day. Make a point to stick to a schedule every day; get up, go to bed, get dressed, and eat regularly and on-time. It really does make a big difference.

Grow Something

Another fantastic way to cope with being cooped up, such as during a quarantine, is with gardening. What a perfect time to grow something! Flowers blooming can brighten a mood and who doesn’t love fresh vegetables, picked off the vine? Start simple using a pre-potted herb or flower plant from your local grocery store.

Start a Healthy Habit

Someone once said that it takes 30 days to create a habit; why not start a new, good habit during the next 30 days? Some ideas include a daily exercise video program, yoga, meditation, or maybe cutting out caffeine or sugar. Do you smoke? What a great time to quit. Maybe your new habit is an afternoon walk with the pets- whatever it is, do it every day.

Eat Well

Try to eat well and curb the splurges during this unpredictable time. Worry and fear can make us want to overindulge and overeat- after all, food is very comforting. However, the added weight can make us more susceptible to sickness and ailments, while also making us feel depressed. Eat a balanced diet of whole, fresh foods- with plenty of fiber- whenever possible.

Try a Hobby

It is easy to get busy with life and forget all about the hobbies and activities that we once enjoyed. If you are stuck at home, make this a time to lose yourself in a new- or old- hobby. Even if money is tight, there are some hobbies and creative endeavors that you could try. For instance, pick up a paintbrush, rearrange the living room, start collecting stamps, or pull out the sewing machine; the choice is yours!

Take Care of Yourself

When you are confined to the house, it is the perfect excuse to pay a little extra attention to yourself and your own needs. Give yourself some well-deserved self-care in the form of something special for yourself every day- i.e. cook a gourmet meal, take a hot bath, read a good book. Do something that makes you feel better.

Pamper your Pets

Make time stuck inside to be the perfect reason to spend more time with pets; give time to their needs during this downtime. Your pets may sense that something is off and could feel anxious or nervous; make them feel better with some care and attention. Worried about catching a virus from your pet? Don’t be- just use common sense and wash your hands after handling or playing with your furry friends. Pay attention to the laws of your region during a crisis, such as the pandemic, to ensure that walking your pets publicly is fine and safe before taking them out.

Reach out to Talk

Call someone and hear a human voice at least once a day- whether it is your mother, a neighbor, or a friend that you are concerned about during a difficult time. An email or social media message is no substitute for human contact; without it, we can become isolative and depressed.

Get Rid of It

Jump into decluttering, spring cleaning, or purging stuff around the home. This can be very liberating, and you may feel a lot lighter and better after. Make it easy by creating three piles: one to keep, one to give away, and one to throw in the trash. You can enjoy the items that you do keep a lot more when there is less clutter and visual noise in your living space. It has been shown that clean space and tidy surroundings make it easier to focus and concentrate.

Make your home a safer, more accessible one with devices and aids from Pacific Mobility. From a grab bar near the sink to a reaching tool to access high shelves, sometimes simple items and changes make the most significant difference. Call us today for a no-obligation needs assessment and learn more about how to improve autonomy and quality of life.

Memorial Day 2020 is the perfect time to honor the sacrifices of our veterans, while also paying attention to the distinct needs of this population. For veterans with physical disabilities or mobility limitations, there are resources in place to make everyday living easier, though there could be barriers to accessing these offerings. Dedicate time or effort to empathy and making someone’s life better this Memorial Day.

As Memorial Day 2020 approaches, let’s make a point to honor the distinct needs of our veterans with increased mobility and understanding. There are numerous programs and benefits for veterans that can make life easier when living with a physical disability but accessing these resources may present challenges. In some instances,  mobility aids can make the difference, improving access, and overall quality of life.

Honor a veteran and encourage them to utilize the following resources:

VA Benefits

The first thing to do is to advocate and support any veteran who is struggling to get their benefits and entitlements from the Veterans’ Administration, whether that be housing, medical assistance, or a wheelchair. The VA is busy and people fall through the cracks; if you know someone that served, make sure to encourage them to reach out and get what is owed to them in honor of Memorial Day- any time of year!

Transportation Services

When people think about VA benefits, housing or medical treatment probably comes to mind but the VA has a lot more to offer a disabled veteran than that. For instance, the VA can help modify your vehicle to accommodate a scooter or chair- as well as outfit a home or living situation with ramps. They also can play a vital role in mobility management, geared to increase veterans’ access to health care networks. Plus, if you are giving a ride to someone with a scooter, it can be tough transporting a scooter or chair in a regular, personal vehicle; the VA will evaluate applicants for transportation services that accommodate these needs as well as evaluate any existing vehicle the veteran has to discuss and recommend necessary modifications that could help with access.  

Community Networks

Veterans can benefit greatly from community networks, including providers, practitioners, civic organizations, and agencies on aging. While not necessarily exclusive to veterans, these resources can improve life and autonomy for any person living with a mobility issue or obstacle to access. From advocacy and legal aid to a hot meal or emergency food supplies, community networks are often more-plugged in with a smaller cache area than the federal veterans-only aid encompasses.

Public Offerings

Many metropolitan areas, like the Bay Area, for instance, have public transportation services that can also aid a veteran living in the area. While not ideal, these services often provide private vehicles to transport those clients or fares that rely on mobility equipment, like scooters or wheelchairs. These vehicles are equipped with lifts and special belts for a safe ride, as outlined and mandated by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990.

Animal Assisted Therapy

Many veterans report feeling lonely, especially if they struggle with physical limitations. A great solution to this is a pet – certainly, if the individual is willing and able to care for a pet, but it is well worth the effort. Taking care of a pet provides a necessary sense of purpose that many disabled veterans have lost over the years; the pets rely on them for everything, which can also help establish a comfortable routine. Furthermore, pets provide companionship and affection. Single, widowed, or isolated seniors can benefit from the joy and unconditional love that pets provide. Many communities offer animal-assisted therapy visits, particularly in healthcare or community settings, like hospitals or libraries. Check out the offerings in your area or adopt a pet! Pet ownership is very rewarding.

Mobility Aids & Devices

Know that veterans don’t need to go it alone; reputable dealers of mobility aids and equipment are available to discuss options that can help improve access- and accessibility- widely. Call or visit a vendor online to pinpoint sellers in your area. Make sure to only buy from a retailer that provides no-obligation consultation, professional installation, and service after the sale.

Honor a veteran this Memorial Day and provide access to someone with a physical disability or mobility issue. While there are options designed to make life easier for individuals with limitations to access, lend that important helping hand whenever you can as a way to honor a veteran. Talk to the experts at Pacific Mobility to learn more from a reputable resource with over 64 years in the industry. Understanding the needs of our veterans is the first step in helping and honoring these brave people that have served. Call to learn more today. 

It is very possible that a mobility ramp could make your home more accessible and your life easier, but which kind of ramp is right for you? You have many options in mobility ramps and understanding the differences can help you hone-in on the precise ramp for your living situation, your lifestyle, and your limitations.

Would a ramp make your home or property more accessible? You have a lot of options when it comes to ramps; which one is right for you? Luckily, you don’t have to make this decision alone; talk to the industry experts at Pacific Mobility to learn more and pinpoint exactly the types of ramps that make the most sense for you, your lifestyle, and your living situation.

Mobility Ramps

Naturally,  are a lot of benefits of a ramp for those with physical limitations, from getting in and out of their home to getting behind the wheel of a car. Ramps can provide access for individuals that utilize mobility devices, like scooters or wheelchairs, or they can provide safe access for individuals that may be at risk of a fall.

Here are some of your ramp options, as well as the highlights of each one:

Portable Ramps

Perhaps the most common and popular ramp style available is the portable ramp. Found widely in many different designs and types, portable ramps offer a lightweight and affordable option that can be altered to suit your needs. These are integral to the independence of anyone in a wheelchair or that uses a scooter, as many can travel with the user wherever they happen to go. From tri-fold styles to suitcase-type ramps, portable ramps can be life-changing providing immediate access, inside and out.

Platform Ramps

When it comes to installing platform ramps, it requires a bit more of a commitment than a portable ramp. First, these need to be professionally installed to ensure they are safe- as well as to ensure that they provide stable support for years to come. Platform ramps may or may not come with lifts; talk to a mobility expert to learn more.

Modular Ramps

Another versatile solution is modular track ramps and systems. These can be used inside and out, configured to fit the site and the specific environment. For example, these are frequently found in lightweight aluminum tracks that are put together to create the ramp that you- or your loved one- needs.  Don’t worry- these meet ADA wheelchair ramp specifications and guidelines when installed by an industry professional. These often come with preassembled railings and platforms, which distinguish your ramp from any other.

For the most part, these modular ramps skid-resistant surfacing as well as provide weight limits of up to 850 pounds. These can be installed quickly by a pro and are found widely among mobility aid vendors.

Car and Van Ramps

Car and ram vamps can help those with physical limitations get in, out, and navigate using a vehicle. There are various styles, many adapted to specific types of cars, vans, and trucks, while others are designed to the specific needs of the user. A wheelchair ramp can help those with physical disabilities get behind the wheel and drive their vehicle, without assistance. This can go a long way toward preserving autonomy and overall quality of life.

Threshold Ramps

Only need a little help? The threshold of a doorway or a rise can be just as challenging for someone with physical limitations than an entire set of stairs… Threshold ramps can bridge these smaller accessibility gaps, smoothing out the rise and creating a smoother terrain to traverse. These are typically used with scooters, wheelchairs, or simply when the user has difficulty raising or lowering their feet and legs. These usually can be used to bridge one-to-six-inch heights, with a general weight limit of up to 600 pounds.  

For something that can help prevent slips and falls, consider a rubber threshold ramp, which is also great for outdoor accessibility solutions. These are ADA compliant and can be used in spots where precipitation, like snow or ice, can make the surface treacherous. Also, these rubber ramps are easy to move offering flexibility and more options.

Having a wheelchair ramp built at your residence? Make sure that you hire an expert- someone who is qualified- to make these important modifications to your home. Poor design or builder error can cost you more than a few bucks- it could be the cause or a serious, even fatal accident. Be safe and only hire a professional to build or install ramps, to be sure they meet the ADA guidelines.

Ready to invest in a ramp? From portable to permanent, Pacific Mobility has been providing mobility solutions to Southern California residents for generations. Call today for your free needs assessment or to talk to an in-house professional.

Could it be true that laughter is the best medicine? In today’s scary world, a little humor can go a long way toward alleviating stress and putting life in perspective. From reducing stress to a sense of purpose, humor can improve health in a myriad of ways. As such, celebrate National Humor Month this April and treat yourself to a great big laugh or two.

So, is laughter really the best medicine? It can seem difficult to find things to laugh about in the times that we all live in today. If you live with mobility issues, there may be times when humor can lighten an awkward situation or make you feel better when things look bleak. Sometimes a laugh can make everything seem slightly better- who doesn’t want that? National Humor Month is April; observe this funny day with a good laugh. What can it hurt?

Can you improve your health through humor?

Laughter as Medicine

We have all heard this adage about laughter; but is it truly medicinal? Consider the following advantages of a good, old-fashioned belly laugh:

• A good laugh has the ability to manifest physical and chemical changes in the body. It really can be transformative.
• Laughter stimulates bodily organs, improving oxygen intake, and raising the level of feel-good endorphins in the brain.  
• When you laugh out loud, you ignite and then quell your stress response, which results in a calm feeling of euphoria.
• A joke or a laugh can reduce muscle tension and improve circulation throughout the body, including your extremities.
• Laughter is calming and an effective way to combat some of the physical symptoms of stress.
• Just as negativity is bad for your immune system and makes you more vulnerable to illness and disease, laughter and positivity are good for immunity and warding off illness.
• Humor and laughter can help the body produce natural feel-good chemicals, which can help with chronic pain.
• Laughter helps us to connect and relate to others, particularly in grim or dark circumstances and situations. Humor can bridge gaps between people.
• Feeling down? Laugh it off; a good laugh can alleviate anxious feelings and helps battle chronic depression.

Note the short and long term effects of laughter. It offers benefits across the lifespan!   

Laugh More

So, now your goal is to laugh more. But how to adopt a sense of humor when life can get us down? Put a little effort and work into finding humor in everyday situations and scenarios. Consider the following tips to help heal through humor:

• Keep a stash of things that bring a smile to your face, whether it is funny pictures, comics, cards, or other trinkets.
• Visit a comedy club for a laugh.
• Check out online sites that focus on jokes and humor; add a few new ones to your arsenal.  
• Give that funny friend from college an overdue phone call.
• While it isn’t always easy to find humor in our own circumstances, try to poke a little fun at yourself from time to time. It can ease tension and helps you get a little practice in laughing.
• Visit a library and check out a joke book.
• Be cognizant that sometimes, things simply aren’t funny. Be empathetic and kind, first and foremost.

While many would argue that this is a time to be serious, healthcare professionals would assert otherwise. Life is what you make of it; why not put a smile on your face and hope for the best. If a good laugh has these undeniable health benefits, why not give it a go? The only thing you have to lose is a little laughter…

National Humor Month

April is National Humor Month- what better time to embrace humor and enjoy a good laugh? This national observance was originally founded by a humorist in 1976 simply to bring attention to the therapeutic benefits of humor and joy. This founder asserted that there are fundamentals to mental health and holistic wellbeing- and humor is one of them. The physical changes in the body that occur when laughing are amazing and the results are documented; try it and see how it changes the way that you feel each and every day. There is nothing to lose- but a whole lot to gain!

While humor can improve overall health and wellbeing, Mobility issues are no laughing matter. It can degrade the quality of life to have accessibility limited- especially in the home living environment. Visit or consult with Pacific Mobility to find solutions to access issues and improve the overall quality of life. Their team of compassionate professionals strive to provide the best equipment and aids for the client’s distinct needs; let them make life a lot easier for you. Call or visit today.

Can do-it -yourself stairlifts save money? Maybe, but at what costs? Do-it-yourself mobility solutions may seem like a cost-efficient option, but they may compromise your safety, security, and put you in harm’s way. There are a lot of scams surrounding low-cost mobility aids- particularly online- that could cost you a lot more than just money, later.

If you live with mobility issues, you have a lot to lose by purchasing unsafe devices or aids that are not endorsed and serviced by a reputable and qualified mobility vendor. Sure, some deals may seem too good to pass up, but be careful: many of these offers are not deals at all but scams. Make sure that when it comes to something as important as mobility aids and equipment, that you only buy from companies that back-up their products and that will assist you if and when you need it.

Be cautious when shopping to avoid these likely scams and issues associated with DIY mobility aids and stairlifts:

False claims

Listen for claims that seem too good to be true; a scammer will say anything to make the sale and take your money. A reputable vendor will point out the advantages- as well as the disadvantages- of the purchase, without making you feel pressured or under a time restraint. Also, don’t believe sellers that assert that battery-operated stairlifts are not a prudent choice; in fact, this style lift makes up around 90% of the lifts in operation currently across the globe. Be careful who you listen to and what you believe.

Cost Cutting

Stairlifts are not cheap. That being said, you may have some relief through insurance; talk to a mobility retail representative to learn more. However, when a seller advertises a stairlift at a price far below regular retail, be wary. Why is the lift so cheap? How can they afford to sell such technical equipment so cheap? Ask if these are ‘DIY’ stairlifts, that is, do you have to assemble and install yourself? If so, run- don’t walk- the other way! Even a skilled handyman should not attempt to self-install a mobility stairlift; it is complicated, requiring special training and tools to do the job right. Plus, allowing anyone other than a qualified mobility aid technician to install, service, repair, or work on your lift can devoid any manufacturer warranty that may be in place.  Truth be told, there is a lot involved in installation of a lift, like cutting and setting tracks, hooking up power circuits, screwing in treads, and internal adjustments to the controls- the list goes on and on. The lift that you bought to increase safety in the home could become a hazard if not implemented properly and professionally.

Do-It-Yourself

Generally, a ‘do-it-yourself’ stairlift means you will be putting this complicated piece of machinery together on your own, as well as installing it in the home or dwelling where it will live. If pushed, some sellers will provide “professional” installation, which is typically nothing more than a subcontracted handyman who does not have distinct mobility aid experience and is not an employee of the seller. This is bad news for buyers that have already paid for equipment that will likely not be installed or that will not be installed properly.

Safety is the biggest concern when it comes to the installation of a lift. There are special parts, tools, and skills that come with servicing a stairlift; also, every set of stairs is different and may require additional measures to properly fit the lift.

Used Deals

The first question is to ask is ‘where did this used lift come from?’ After all, a lot of sellers don’t take trade-ins so these could be salvaged units. Another possibility is that they are lifts that have been recalled or returned to a buyer or seller for being damaged or defective. It is also possible that original buyers simply could not install the device and returned it. These are all worrisome scenarios that don’t bode well for buyers. Skip the hassle, headache, and stress; buy from a reputable and recognized mobility retailer. Visit online sites to find a brick-and-mortar vendor near you or call to speak directly with a mobility professional.

Think you may have dodged a bullet with a mobility deal? Perhaps, but eventually you will need service or support on most mobility devices. The true test comes when you need a repair, part, or have a question for knowledgeable industry professionals, and you try to contact the seller. Don’t risk being stuck with expensive equipment that you can’t utilize. Buy from a qualified vendor.

Want to score a true deal on mobility aids? Visit the mobility professionals at Pacific Mobility and see for yourself what they have to offer. For unparalleled customer satisfaction, efficient installation, professional service, and support after the sale, call or visit us today.

Occupational therapists are part of a core team of professionals that help individuals regain mobility and overcome physical challenges daily. Whether recovering from an injury that sidelines for temporarily, or if you are rehabilitating from permanent effects of a stroke, an OT professional can help increase access and optimize mobility when working with clients. April is Occupational Therapist Month; pay tribute to these providers that improve lives every day.

If you live with mobility issues, it is possible that you have met with or worked with an occupational therapist or occupational therapy assistant. OT professionals are part of a team that typically work collaboratively to assist patients and clients with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs), like bathing, dressing, and eating. Naturally, there are other tasks that an OT provider will work on- such as helping a recovering athlete heal an injury and get back on the field or identifying areas that the patient may benefit from adaptive aids, like a grab-bar or special cutlery.

What do Occupational Therapists Do?

Generally, clients are referred to an occupational therapist by another provider, such as your family doctor. The reasons may vary, from an injury, surgery, or medical condition that impacts your ability to complete activities of daily life. These professionals take a holistic approach and customize their treatment plan to the individual. For instance, a child may require assistance in coping with social situations while a senior recovering from surgery may need assistance getting up and walking.  Furthermore, it is part of the OT provider’s role to complete a thorough assessment to identify areas of need with each client/patient, as these will vary greatly from person to person.

How Mobility Aids Can Help

So, how can mobility aids help an individual with limited mobility? It may be evident that things like stairlifts can help an individual that has physical challenges move around their home, but there are other subtle aids that can also enhance life every day. For instance, a basic ‘reacher’, or reaching tool, can prevent a nasty fall when users extend or bend to reach for something. These devices can also be used to button or zip clothing and apparel, as needed. Some other mobility aids include:

• Portable ramps around the exterior of a home, as well as to help inside with risers or thresholds, can help prevent issues for individuals that could fall or struggle with lifting their legs to navigate these obstacles.
• Grab bars are effective at preventing falls and proving a bit of support and stabilization where it is needed most in the home living situation. For example, bathrooms can be dangerous due to frequent damp or slippery conditions; a grab bar near the toilet, sink, and tub can give a hand as needed. These bars are inexpensive and easy to install.
• A shower seat can be a real lifesaver for those that are trying to maintain autonomy and complete ADLs. It reduces the risk of a fall in a slippery tub or shower by providing a stable place to sit and bathe, taking the pressure off of their feet. It also can help those suffering from vertigo that may get dizzy and risk a fall during a shower. These are simple and easy to implement.
• Lifts come in all sizes and styles; stairlifts are one type but there are others including porch lifts, vehicle lifts, ceiling, and free-standing lifts. These can be uses to transport individuals with mobility deficits from one spot to another, without putting as much risk and strain on the caregiver. Many of these lifts can be used independently by the user, such as a vehicle lift, which can increase autonomy for those that want to drive once more.

Talk with a qualified and reputable mobility aids retailer to find exactly what you are looking for and to see a demonstration to ensure you are satisfied later.

April is Occupational Therapy Month

Occupational therapy is an integral part of the continuum of care and recovery for anyone with mobility issues or physical limitations. April is Occupational Therapy Month–  celebrate! Whether you are a part of this vital industry, helping others improve quality of life, or if you are someone who receives services from an OT professional, pay homage to the field. Occupational therapists change lives for the better, which is definitely worth celebrating.

Another way that you can change lives for the better is by increasing mobility and overcoming physical challenges with mobility aids. Pacific Mobility is proud to offer their clientele top-of-the-line products made by quality brands and unsurpassed customer service. For a consultation, installation, service, or simply to ask a question, call us today. We want to provide you with a free, no-commitment comprehensive assessment via the phone to identify which of our mobility aids can improve your life. Customers can depend on our team of qualified professionals to make life better, and a bit easier; call today.

Are you at risk for DVT (Deep Vein Thrombosis)? DVT kills up to 100,000 people each year- suddenly and often with no warning. There are ways to reduce the risk of DVT including weight management, exercise, and medical visits, but also a number of lifestyle changes that reduce your chances, particularly if you have limited mobility or physical disability.

Deep Vein Thrombosis Awareness Month in March attempts to shed light on DVT symptoms that may serve as a warning or sign to the public. Around 600,000 people contract DVT, most commonly blood clots in legs, and age doesn’t always play a factor as around 25% are under the age of 50. Nearly 100,000 die from DVT each year in the US and there are pragmatic ways to reduce your risk of this quiet and deadly condition. Individuals with mobility restrictions or disabilities are most at-risk for developing a dangerous clot, which could then travel through the blood to other vital organs in the body.

 If you have limited mobility, talk to the experts at Pacific Mobility; they offer quality mobility aids and devices to keep you active and reduce your risk of DVT.

Deep Vein Thrombosis

DVT refers to blood clots that occur often in your legs, and that can block the flow of blood to our heart. Many people don’t realize they have a problem until it is too late. The danger of clots is that they can break loose and travel to other organs, including your lungs or brain, causing a stroke, heart attack, or sudden death.  Why do blood clots form in the first place? It could be due to medical issues, injury, or lifestyle habits.

Risk Factors

There are numerous risk factors that play a significant role in whether you will get a blood clot, including pregnancy, certain medication, surgery, injury, inactivity, and medical conditions. Also, smoking puts you at greater risk of contracting a DVT, so make healthy lifestyle changes; quit smoking. Keep an eye on your blood pressure, too; have your doctor check it at least annually to ensure you are within a healthy range to prevent risk of clots as well as stroke.

Travel Tips

DVT is a common affliction during travel; sitting still for extended periods can cause clots that lead to complications. Try to maintain some degree of movement at least every two hours when traveling; take breaks, get out of the car, move around the plan. Wear clothes that are not tight and that are non-constricting, and make sure that you stay hydrated with plenty of water.

Physical Activity

It is integral to keep moving in order to prevent clots, but what if you have physical limitations or restrictions? Find mobility aids that accommodate walking and simple stretches of your calves and heels. This could be a walker or cane- or you may need ramps and lifts to maintain physical activity. Talk to your provider about how to facilitate physical movement and other steps to prevent DVT.

Mobility Aids

Mobility aids are added support when you have physical limitations or mobility issues, and they can prevent injuries from falls that easily may lead to DVT. If you lead a sedentary lifestyle, even a simple bruise can cause life-threatening complications. Visit a mobility retailer to learn more.

Post-Op Care

If you have recently had surgery, it is important to always follow post-op instructions. Providers will inform you about the risk of clots and aftercare instructions, so do what they tell you to do. Around 60% of DVT cases occur in those individuals who have recently had surgery or been hospitalized. This may be due to anesthesia, which expands the veins theoretically allowing clots to pass through and travel.

History

A major indicator of whether you will contract DVT is your family history; have you a relative, sibling, or parent that developed blood clots? The risk increases based on prevalence; for example, if you have two siblings with DVT, your own risk goes up 50 times! Make sure to inform providers of this family history as it can impact care to prevent clots.  

Weight Management

Another step to take to avoid DVT is weight management. Are you overweight? Those that are overweight are at twice the risk of developing DVT, so losing weight may help prevent clots. Additionally, it has been shown that adding fish to the diet can lower your risk of DVT. Fish oil capsules have the same advantages, according to studies.

The symptoms of DVT may be misleading, such as shortness of breath or overall pain, so report these experiences to your provider promptly, particularly if you have risk factors for developing DVT like recent surgery.

Want to avoid blood clots? Stay active with mobility aids from Pacific Mobility; a nasty fall can cause trauma that manifests into big health problems later, including DVT. Aids and devices may reduce your risk of a fall which preserves your wellbeing, independence, and quality of life later.

If you suffer from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, you know how debilitating and restrictive it can be. Mobility aids can help with symptoms caused by this mystifying condition- and also preserve autonomy and prevent potential injury. Learn more and share insights during Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Awareness Month this March.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Awareness Month in March reminds us of the challenges facing so many battling this disease. This condition is earmarked by severe tiredness and exhaustion that is not alleviated with rest. It can be debilitating and limit activity daily. This observance in March is designated to bring attention to an often-invisible condition that impacts millions.

One of the many areas of life that Chronic Fatigue Syndrome interferes with is mobility; mobility issues can cause falls and subsequent injuries that can threaten overall health and wellbeing. If you, or someone you care about, live with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, consider implementing and using some basic mobility aids to make life easier, more accessible, and a whole lot safer.

Talk to your primary care provider about a referral if necessary, and check out these basic mobility aids for coping with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome:

Start Simple

When you think about mobility aids, start by thinking about simple and fairly small aids that can make a big difference. For example, a reaching tool is something that brings out-of-reach objects within your grasp without the risk of falling over, tripping, or over-extending an arm or leg, which could subsequently hurt. Another simple but significant mobility aid is the grab bar; grab bars belong in every home, disability or not. These small fixtures can prevent major injuries and countless falls when placed strategically around the home, in the bathroom, near stairs, and on landings. Grab bars could prove to be a lifesaver if you experience dizziness from Chronic Fatigue symptoms, which can come on fast.

Visiting a mobility dealer is a great way to foster familiarity with the different devices and to determine what will and will not work in your own home living environment. Plus, the knowledge of a seasoned mobility retailer is invaluable. They can point you in the right direction for aids to fit your needs, budget, and prognosis.

Add Access at Home

After you have some working knowledge surrounding mobility aids, begin taking a closer look around at your home environment. Is it safe? Are there fall hazards that could cause potential injury? Are there spots to sit and rest throughout the day, during and after ADLs? Become critical of the home environment to tease out any obstacles or risks that can be alleviated. Remove fall hazards, like loose flooring, rugs, clutter, or furniture that causes crowded or cramped spaces. If you shuffle your feet when you walk, consider removing floor coverings and carpeting that could trip you up.

Another thing to consider is your upstairs if you have one. This is often where the bathrooms and bedrooms of the home are located, so an inability to access these spaces is life-altering. Consider a stairlift to prevent Chronic Fatigue symptoms from keeping you out of the upstairs of your home. Your neighborhood mobility vendor will demonstrate these devices and discuss payment options, including insurance coverage if applicable.

Get Out of the House

If you struggle with symptoms stemming from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, it is even more critical that you get out of the house once in a while. Unfortunately, there are many physical barriers and hurdles that could make this challenging if not impossible to do. If you drive a vehicle, consider vehicle lifts that can help you in and out of your car or truck. Just need help navigating the steps? What about a portable ramp that can go where you go, throughout our day? Plus, these ramps can help smooth out thresholds, curbs, or risers that could prove difficult for someone who is experiencing medical symptoms. Want to get in the pool? Talk to mobility vendors about more complex equipment, like pool lifts, to make life better.

Ease into Everyday Living

Get back into everyday living with a little bit of help for your symptoms. Consider a simple cane or walker to rely on when moving about becomes too strenuous. The options are limitless, so visit a mobility vendor to find out more.

Use these tips and suggestions when contemplating your options in treating mobility issues caused by Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Don’t risk injury by neglecting declines in mobility or physical limitations; talk to your practitioners and try out various devices to find what works.

Do you live with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome? Ready to do something to empower yourself, gain accessibility, and improve the overall quality of life? Visit or talk to the industry experts at Pacific Mobility; they can point you in the right direction for mobility aids and equipment to make living with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome much easier and less restrictive.