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The time to learn more about the benefits of chiropractic care on mobility and other physical disabilities is now; National Chiropractic Health Month in October promotes moving more and learning about the ways chiropractic treatment works. Talk to your providers about how to introduce and implement chiropractic care into your lifestyle to improve mobility and preserve autonomy.

As fall approaches, do you find issues with mobility and access? When looking for solutions to accessibility issues, make time to talk with mobility experts; however, when considering your options for improving overall health that could be contributing to physical limitations, consider consulting with a chiropractor. It is estimated that around 22-million Americans seek chiropractic treatment or adjustments each year. Talk to your provider or physician about incorporating chiropractic care into your healthcare regimen.

National Chiropractic Health Month in October

What better time than National Chiropractic Health Month, in October, to learn more about whether you are a candidate for chiropractic treatment. This national observance is a time to encourage the public to move more and preserve their musculoskeletal health and well-being. Through workshops, seminars, and demonstrations, chiropractors hope to share the many health advantages of chiropractic care. In the event of an injury, chiropractic treatment contributes to a regimen that is conducive to healing and recovery for patients of all ages.

Benefits of Chiropractic Care on Mobility

For chiropractic patients that have mobility issues or physical limitations, the advantages are multi-fold. Chiropractic care shows great promise at effectively increasing range of motion among these clients, while potentially reducing the need and dependence on pharmaceuticals. Since many prescription pain medications have severe side-effects and the potential for dependence, chiropractic care could be an integral element of a holistic and healthful treatment regimen.

Some benefits of chiropractic care on mobility are:

• Speeds recovery of sports-related injuries. Chiropractic care assists with athletic injury, helping sports-related injuries heal much faster. Without physical therapy and chiropractic follow-up, muscular injuries can cause prolonged issues, particularly for seniors. Stay active but treat your injuries with chiropractic aftercare.
• Promotes moving and mobility. Movement is an integral component of overall health and wellness. It is imperative for you to monitor and protect the health of bones and muscles as you get older; this will ward-off potential falls, helping maintain balance and mobility. Regular activity also helps reduce the severity and frequency of joint, back, or muscle pain.
• Lowers inflammation. One of the main objectives of chiropractic treatment is to lower inflammation in your muscles and joints, which helps to repair and restore the body faster. When the swelling goes down, it is easier to move and recover from your injury or affliction.
• Reduces stress and tension. Regular chiropractic care lowers stress and muscle tension throughout the body.
• Alleviates back pain. Back pain is purported to be one of the most common and debilitating conditions that you can have; the purpose of chiropractic care in many cases is to manipulate the spine with a variety of techniques and keep your musculoskeletal system moving.
• Improves breathing. Regular chiropractic treatment improves respiratory health and also provides insight into deep-breathing techniques.
• Relieves headaches. Chiropractic care helps reduce headaches, including migraines and tension or stress-related headache pain.
• Lowers blood pressure. Chiropractic care lowers overall blood pressure – especially important for seniors.
• Boosts immunity. Chiropractic treatment boosts immunities, which helps to fend-off illnesses. Seniors, in particular, are at risk of picking up illness which can have debilitating impacts on independence and life quality.
• Prevents digestion issues. If you suffer from acid reflux, chiropractic treatment combats indigestion and heartburn.
• Helps pulmonary function. Chiropractic adjustments can improve pulmonary function and promotes good heart health. This is beneficial for chiropractic patients of all ages!
• Increases energy. Did you know that chiropractic treatments boost energy? This is a great way to battle fatigue, which has serious health repercussions. Besides, who doesn’t want to feel alert and energized?

Chiropractic treatment is lauded for reducing pain, particularly back, neck, and sciatica pain. Subsequently, this may foster more movement and rehabilitation, while reducing the need for medications. This sets up a scenario that promotes healing and hastens recovery.

Things to Know About Chiropractic Treatment

Chiropractic medicine first emerged around 120 years ago, but it has only been embraced for the last 30-plus years. It is no longer difficult to find a qualified chiropractor widely in the United States, and there are likely practitioners in your region. Know that after your first chiropractic appointment or adjustment, you may feel some soreness initially; don’t worry. This should alleviate and lessen in a couple days; if it persists, talk to your chiropractor about discontinuing or delaying treatment.

Don’t live another day struggling with mobility issues and physical limitations that impact your overall quality of life. Talk to your physician about how chiropractic care could help your condition and reach out to the mobility experts in the area for equipment and aids to make every-day living much easier and more accessible.

Take an honest look and consider your lifestyle before purchasing a wheelchair or mobility scooter. Being practical and assessing how you live each day will pinpoint the best aid for you – which makes the most cost-sense, too. Whether you are an athlete recovering from an injury or a senior with mobility issues, choose your wheelchair or mobility scooter with the service and assistance of a mobility professional.

Are you in the market for a scooter or wheelchair? When it comes to mobility aids, one size doesn’t fit all. That is, distinct lifestyle differences and differentiations make wheelchairs or scooters a better option for you. It also pays to think about your living situation in terms of storage, access, and room to move about when looking for mobility aids intended to make life more convenient.

Carefully consider your lifestyle before purchasing a wheelchair or mobility scooter

Everyone’s daily routine is different. Some may have limitations or disabilities that leave them house-bound, while others may lead active lives and be recovering from a short-term injury. With this in mind, there are some compelling reasons why a wheelchair may make the most sense for one client, while a scooter is better-suited to another consumer. Allow yourself to imagine what everyday living is like now and what it might be like with the enhanced access provided by a wheelchair or scooter.

Some questions to ask yourself when making your purchase decision are:

Are you active? If you don’t want your injury or disability to slow you down from an active lifestyle, mobility aids make sense. A wheelchair will allow you more freedom though also requires more upper-body strength. A scooter could feel restrictive in some situations or when navigating in small spaces. Plus, you will be getting physical activity during your use of a wheelchair that combats muscle atrophy.

Are you sedentary? If you have other medical issues or concerns, you may simply not have the strength to manually operate a conventional wheelchair. This may make scooters the most practical choice to increase your access and mobility. Another possible route is a power-chair; talk to your mobility dealer for more information and a demonstration of power electric wheelchairs.

What is the nature of your disability? Something else to take into account is the nature o your disability or limitation; are you recovering from an illness or injury? Is your condition chronic or progressive? Realistically, could your needs increase later-on? If you may need prolonged or longer-term mobility assistance, go for the aid that will grow with you; in many instances, this is a high-quality scooter. Scooters have power and versatility that can have practical use for years; plus, many vendors will consider trade-ins or rentals for their valued customers.

Are you up for adventurer? Do you go where the mood strikes you? If you are always up for an adventure, optimize your mobility with the right aid. A manual wheelchair may hinder you unless you are fairly active, and a scooter could be the best vehicle for your unpredictable lifestyle. Either way, make sure that you speak with mobility sales professionals about battery life and chargers for reliable and spontaneous use.

Are you a home-body? You may want to keep things simple if you are a home-body, but you may benefit from the technological advances of power chairs and scooters. Consider the home’s layout, size, and configuration to determine the best choice to have ready-access to your favorite spaces.

Are there places you dream of going? If you have a lot of places left to explore, consider the flexibility and versatility of a high-quality wheelchair. Even if this is something that you keep in your vehicle for getaways and travels, a wheelchair is a prudent investment to make. You may choose a sleeker style chair, such as a transport chair, for these situations while choosing something else to enhance mobility in the home, like a second chair or scooter.

Ask yourself these questions and take a good look around at your living situation; look for obstacles and challenges that could arise in a wheelchair or scooter. Do you live on one-level? Is the terrain outside your door rocky? What about steps and stairs? Consider how you will combat and conquer these areas when you bring home your mobility device. Talk to your vendor about additional options, like lifts or ramps, for prolonged or long-term situations.

Only buy wheelchairs and scooters from qualified mobility professionals

Regardless of your choice – wheelchairs or scooters- only buy from qualified mobility professionals that offer service and support, after the sale. Make sure that your seller is interested in how your needs will be met and not simply focused on making a sale; you may need the service, support, and assistance of your vendor later, so shop with this in mind.

Whether your mobility needs are for short-term recovery or long-term rehabilitation, make an informed decision when shopping for wheelchairs and mobility scooters. Talk to experts in mobility aids to evaluate your distinct needs and preferences – and to find the device that is most suited to your lifestyle. From temporary conditions to progressive health issues, talk to a mobility professional in the region for more information and options that will preserve your quality of life and maintain your independence.

Did you know that massage offers many benefits for improved mobility? Massage is a holistic health approach with many documented advantages; talk to your provider about incorporating this therapeutic practice into your healthcare regimen.

Massage involves applying various techniques and touch to both the soft tissue and muscle-system of your body. For individuals living with physical limitations, mobility issues, or injuries, massage can be an integral and invaluable resource as you rehabilitate, repair, and recover. Consider implementing both mobility aids and equipment from Pacific Mobility as well as massage therapy, into your health and wellness regimen.

Massage offers many benefits for improved mobility

It is estimated that there are over 200 different types of massage used in treatment, therapy, and practice. The variation lies in the technique, including compression, kneading, tapping, rocking, pressure, and friction; talk to your therapist about products, like oils, that can reduce the impact of friction on your skin during the massage treatment.

Some of the benefits of massage include:

• Improved sleep quality, less fatigue, and more energy. Massage can help fend-off restlessness that impacts overall sleep.
• Better concentration and focus. Massage seems to stimulate the senses and increase your ability to focus, which could indicate cognitive benefits.
• Stimulation of lymphatic system, which results in better immunity and defenses against illness. This is particularly relevant for seniors as illness can quickly impact and compromise their overall health and lifestyle.
• Healthier skin, which happens to be your body’s largest organ. The massaged skin has healthy blood-flow, which gives it a rosy, healthy glow. If you have massage therapy regularly, you will likely get compliments on your skin’s appearance and texture.
• Improved flexibility in your joints. Another advantage for anyone with physical injury or disability is the increased flexibility that massage provides. This improved joint movement can also go a long way toward reducing the risk of a fall and subsequent, severe injury.
• Reduced anxiety, decreased depression, and improved mood. Massage helps with mood. It simply makes you feel good!
• Helps reduce the appearance of scars and stretch marks by facilitating tissue growth and regeneration. Since massage directly impacts your skin, it has great efficacy in improving the look and texture of this organ. Regular treatment with an enriched massage oil could decrease scars, stretch marks, and imperfections, giving your skin a younger appearance.
• Improved circulation; increased oxygenation in organs and tissues of the body. One of the key advantages that trickles-down to other benefits is the improved circulation of massage therapy. This stimulation increases the flow of oxygen in your body that has numerous health perks throughout your bodily systems.
• Fewer cramps, spasms, or incidents of muscle pain. The improved circulation from massage treatment may be why it also results in fewer instances of cramping or sore muscle spasms. This includes RLS, or Restless Leg Syndrome symptoms, which usually include spasming lower leg and foot muscles at night. Massage can contribute to fewer instances with less severity.
• Eases and relieves tired or sore muscles. Massage is an excellent way to relieve and restore tired, sore muscles. Athletes use massage to repair and alleviate tissue injury and pain after working out.
• Releases feel-good endorphins into the body. It is reported that massage treatment and the increased circulatory benefits cause a release of endorphins which create pleasant, healthful feelings. In fact, these endorphins are often referred to as ‘nature’s pain-killer’.

For those with physical disabilities, massage can relieve back pain and increase your range-of-motion. Furthermore, massage stretches and exercises stiff or weak muscles, which alleviates pain and could lower dependence on medications.

Make time for massage during American Massage Therapy Week in October

The perfect time to embark on massage therapy and treatment is during American Massage Therapy Week; the American Massage Therapy Association, or AMTA, is hosting its 22nd annual National Massage Therapy Awareness Week, in October, from the 21st through the27th. This is a time for members of this group to promote the advantages of massage and share information to educate and encourage consumers widely.

Consult with your physician, practitioner, or provider before embarking on new treatment regimens, including massage therapy

Massage can be a much-deserved treat, a powerful stress reliever, or part of your medical rehabilitation; know that you should always consult with your provider before starting any new regimen, including massage. Massage may be the missing piece of your holistic and healthful treatment plan to preserve wellness and improve quality of life.

Talk to the experts at Pacific Mobility about the aids, devices, and equipment needed for your rehabilitation, recovery, and autonomy in your home. For a holistic approach to your treatment regimen, consider adding massage therapy to the mix. With so many benefits of massage, it makes sense to imbibe regularly as a preventative and practical approach to wellness. For those with physical limitations or impairments, massage makes even more sense and could directly correlate with enhanced quality of life.

Talk to a mobility professional today to learn how a stairlift may actually save you money over the short and long-term. Some ways that stairlifts can put money in your pocket is by creating an adaptive home that facilitates autonomy for those with physical limitations or mobility issues.

Been wondering if you can afford a stairlift for your home? The myth surrounding stairlifts is that they are cost-prohibitive for the ordinary consumer. Before you rule out these invaluable mobility aids with the capacity to change and improve everyday life, talk to the experts. You may find that the price of buying a stairlift from a reputable vendor in the area is far less costly than the repercussions of failing to install these devices and improve accessibility in your home.

Talk to a mobility professional to learn how a stairlift may actually save you money

When you think about the expenses that lack of access can cost you, a stairlift seems to be a pragmatic and prudent investment. A poorly-adapted home for someone with physical limitations or disabilities can cost their independence, autonomy, and quality of life. A better question to ask yourself is: Can I afford to live without a stairlift at this time.

A stairlift saves you money – and headaches – in the following ways:

Remodeling

The costs of remodeling and reconfiguring the home can be quite hefty. This might include converting to one-level living or adding rooms on the existing first floor to accommodate those with physical limitations. Installing ramps in and around the house is another expense that a lift may eliminate, depending on the layout of your current home.

Potential Risks

Did you know that around one in four seniors aged 65 and older falls each year? It is estimated that the financial costs related to these fall-related injuries are expected to increase to over $67-billion dollars per year by 2020. Getting injured costs money out-of-pocket, whether you have insurance or not. The secondary costs of an injury could include isolation, depression, and loss of autonomy.

Isolation

Lack of access to an upper or lower level of your living situation could cause you to be isolated, a real problem in times of emergency. Depending on where you live, storms and weather-related issues could make it difficult for you to evacuate or leave the premise. The costs of calling a caregiver or caretaker at these times could be prohibitive, or simply not feasible options.

Relocation

Don’t forget about the potential moving costs of having to move to a more-adaptive, handicap-accessible residence. The costs of these types of life changes exceed dollars and extend to adjusting to a new home, leaving old friends or neighbors, and possible parting with pets. A stairlift can make the difference in maintaining independence and staying in a cherished family home or beloved living situation and living the life that you want on your terms.

Adaptation

Speaking of moving, adapting to a new community is a major life transition that could be difficult for many to adjust to. Part of this is leaving what is familiar and comfortable, which can be daunting, even frightening. Moving even a few miles away could impact seeing family, friends, or engaging in activities that were convenient in your previous home. Think about these consequences of failing to make your current home accessible.

Call for a comprehensive needs assessment today

Still considering if a stairlift is right for your home? The most important first step is to contact a mobility aids expert in the area for a thorough needs assessment. This will point toward the best device, equipment, and options for your needs, limitations, and living situation. Don’t delay; there is no obligation associated with having an evaluation and checking out how a stairlift would make everyday living easier and more accessible.

Consider customer, consumer, and client perspectives when shopping

There are a lot of merchants that will sell you a stairlift, but make sure that you only work with reputable, qualified mobility experts. Be wary of any vendor that wants to sell you a stairlift without assessing, evaluating, and considering your distinct needs and preferences. Also, be careful when looking at used devices; these could lack the warranty and support after the sale, which is so important with mobility equipment. Look for a seller that offers support, service, and installation, and make sure that they offer these options before signing a contract or agreeing to a sale.

When it comes to mobility aids and devices in California, consumers look to Pacific Mobility for insight, expertise, and professionalism to install, service, and support the products that they carry. For decades this merchant has been supplying residents with stairlifts and a whole range of mobility products to make everyday living easier and more enjoyable. Reach out for your consultation today!

When rehabilitating from surgery or an injury, or if you are living with physical impairments and disabilities that impact mobility, consider the many benefits to using a standing frame. There are many advantages to standing, which makes it a vital part of your recovery and rehabilitation regimen.

When looking at aids to daily living to improve mobility and preserve autonomy, a standing frame may be the most pragmatic and feasible step to take. Standing frames allow for support to raise and lower one’s self from a seated position, which also provides peace of mind related to fall risk. Before planning your at-home therapeutic approaches, talk to a mobility aid professional about the many advantages of a simple standing frame in your home environment.

Consider the benefits of using a standing frame in your home

A standing frame is simple in design and space-efficient, so any home can accommodate this aid. This metal frame resembles a sleek piece of exercise equipment, though the advantages of implementing one in your home make it far more important to the user. Some benefits include:

Standing frames are user-friendly. Since these aids are user-friendly, you won’t be intimidated or worried about learning to operate it safely and effectively. These provide support when you need it and can be seamlessly integrated into your home environment and décor with ease.

Restores ability to engage. The ability to stand with the assistance of a standing frame can improve quality of life and restore your ability to engage in activities once again that your impairment may have curbed. These aids are instrumental in physical therapy to recover from an injury, surgery, or expand the range of motion.

These are space-saving aids. Standing frames don’t take up a lot of space in your home, so they are simple to store and easy to work around when not in use. Ask your mobility vendor about space-saving models and options. Since you will be using your standing frame regularly for assistance in standing and sitting, it makes sense to keep it accessible and available at the ready, which makes the conservative lines and sleek style beneficial.

Frames are easy to store. If you do need to consider storage for your device, standing frames are easy to store in even the coziest of homes. Think of the frame as being like an exercise machine or piece of equipment that you have in your space; many styles fold-up or are compact, easily fitting in a closet when not needed.

You can increase your autonomy. Obviously, the benefits of rehabilitation and increased range of motion is improved autonomy and a sense of independence. Being able to stand safely and securely could lead to overall improvement in progress toward increasing mobility, gaining strength, and a speedy recovery.

Frames offer progress in rehabilitation and recovery. Mobility aids and equipment that facilitate and foster progress toward rehab and recovery is well worth further investigation. Talk to a reputable mobility expert in the area to learn more and weigh out the potential outcomes when buying standing frames for your home.

Standing is key in rehabilitation and recovery

Don’t underestimate the importance of simply standing during recovery and rehab. The standing frame by Easy Stand is a therapeutic device that supports and facilitates standing in your home environment. Did you know that standing improves circulation while also improving range of motion? Standing also decreases muscle cramps, contractures, and spasms that can cause immeasurable pain or discomfort. Furthermore, standing helps with bowel and kidney function, which contributes to regularity.

Standing erect can go a long way toward preserving the integrity of your skeletal system and bones. Often-times, standing is an integral part of a physical therapy or rehab regimen for those suffering from injuries or compromise to their lower extremities, spine, or hips. The ability to stand should never be ignored when looking at ways to improve access and autonomy in your home.

Are there other aids and measures that can help right now?

Could you benefit from other simple mobility aids in your home? These inexpensive and practical devices can create a safer and more supportive environment for a wide range of users with varying levels of needs or limitations.

Consider some other quality aids that can make everyday living easier, such as:

• Reaching and grabbing tools for the kitchen and bath.
• ‘Superpoles’ to allow for standing and sitting, with support.
• Gait belts for support when walking or during physical therapy.
• Tray tables to make everyday tasks and caregiving a bit easier.
• Grab bars installed in the bathroom, and wherever fall risk exists.
• Shower seats, commodes, and bathroom aids to prevent fall or injury during ADLs (activities of daily living).
• Bedrails to ensure safety when sleeping.

Freedom and improved quality of life could be a mere phone call away; reach out to the mobility professionals at Pacific Mobility today. Discuss how standing frames could improve your mobility and facilitate a speedy recovery and rehabilitation.

A lift seems like a comprehensive and holistic solution to physical disabilities or mobility limitation, but what if you have multiple stairways in your house? Learn how to choose the best solution to make your home accessible and handicap-accessible and meet with a mobility expert for thorough assessment and support.

Got multiple stairways or steps in your home? Here’s how to choose the best solution:

It may seem difficult to find solutions to the multiple stairs, steps, or risers in your home that are also cost-effective and feasible to implement. Before ruling-out any possible strategies, talk to an expert in mobility solutions to make informed buying decisions.

Some options to consider include these mobility solutions:

Free-Standing Lifts

You will find that you have a lot of freedom and versatility with a free-standing lift, as it can be easily moved and modified as needed by the user. If you have numerous stairs or steps throughout the living space, a free-standing lift may be your best option. These are ideal for those with limitations that impact getting up, down, and navigating the home, as well as for those recovering from injuries or rehabilitating from surgery.

Porch and Platform Lifts

Another lift with a lot of flexibility is a porch or platform lift; It is an excellent option for navigating levels or risers in the home that you use regularly, frequently, and consistently, such as a sunken living space or an outdoor area that you are fond of. Furthermore, using porch and platform lifts couldn’t be easier!

Ramps

Ramps are great for temporary situations, homes, or rehabilitation; these are affordable and often the best solution for those in wheelchairs and scooters. Ramps also are a great option for less-traversed and traveled stairs or steps in the home; for example, a set of steps into your garage or basement. Ramps make it accessible for many impairments, without making a significant investment.

One-Level Living

You may also want to segregate living to one level to improve access and autonomy when living with limitations or disabilities. Consider where your bathroom and kitchen utilities are located and reconfigure living spaces to accommodate your lifestyle. This could also make a more permanent solution like a stairlift a viable and pragmatic option for your distinct dwelling.

Entrance and Exit

It is imperative to begin your accessibility strategizing by considering the entrance and exit from the home and taking overall access for others, such as emergency personnel, into account. Also, think about how you will enter and egress your home; this could be the best spot to consider mobility options. After all, getting in and out of your home is part of everyday living and an activity that you should not have to compromise during recovery or rehabilitation.

Don’t go it alone; consult with a mobility expert today

Making the decision to create a more accessible living-space is something that you should do after consulting with mobility experts. These professionals are in the best position to provide clear, accurate information that may point toward the most practical option for you and your home at this time.

Some things to discuss with a reputable mobility professional include:

Current Needs

Think twice about working with mobility aid dealers that don’t offer a thorough assessment of your needs before trying to sell you equipment. This could indicate the level of service that you can expect later on after the sale is made.

Support and Service

Ask questions and do your research about the level of support, repair, and installation services that the mobility vendor will provide. Know that you can contact them for problems, issues, and concerns and get a prompt response and action to your query. Online feedback, ratings, and reviews are very helpful in this task.

Personal Preferences

Don’t be shy about expressing your personal preferences when shopping for mobility aids. Work with retailers that allow you the chance to try out equipment to determine which ones are the most comfortable and feasible for your lifestyle.

Your Budget

Only you know what you can feasibly afford for your mobility solution budget. Don’t allow vendors to upsell or harangue you into buying something that stretches your resources. Talk to professionals that will discuss payment options and arrangements, including rentals, second-hand devices, and your insurance coverage, before asking you to sign on the dotted line.

The Future

When investing in mobility aids, equipment, and devices, also consider your future needs. Are your limitations permanent? Do you have a debilitating medical issue? What is your prognosis? These questions can indicate future needs and the best devices and modifications to keep you autonomous for years to come.

Got a bunch of stairs in your abode? No problem; talk to the mobility experts at Pacific Mobility and benefit from their years of experience and favorable customer feedback. Even making a small adaptation, such as a ramp near your front stoop, deserves the time and effort of discussion with a true mobility professional. Call for your consultation today!

Yoga offers benefits to people with mobility issues, including both physical and mental advantages. From decreased risk of a fall and subsequent injury to lowered stress and improved mood, yoga is a fitness regimen that can be adapted and implemented widely.

If you struggle with debilitating mobility issues or if you are recovering from injury, low-impact exercise may offer relief, improve range-of-motion, and hasten rehabilitation. The beauty of yoga is that it doesn’t require expensive equipment or a high level of athleticism; yoga is for everyone!

Yoga offers benefits to people with mobility issues:

It is always advised that you speak with a physician before embarking on any physical fitness regime. Talk to your provider about implementing yoga into your routine, recovery, or rehabilitation. Some benefits of yoga include:

Flexibility

Yoga is effective at increasing flexibility, which can aid in mobility. With regular practice, you will be amazed at how much range-of-motion can improve. This may also help to avoid situations that could cause injury, like a fall, for many seniors.

Balance

Many seniors lose their sense of balance over time, which can increase their risk of taking a nasty fall; it is estimated that one-in-four people over the age of 65 fall every year in this country. The improved balance provided by yoga offers some protection from falls and subsequent injuries.

Weight

Even though yoga is low-impact, it still offers a workout that increases metabolism, which aids in weight maintenance. It is also asserted that yoga offers cardio benefits, which is good news for anyone confined to their home.

Posture

With regular practice, yoga improves posture. You will stand taller and appear leaner; wait and see!

Joints

Yoga is an excellent and effective way to get relief from issues with joints, like knees or ankles, stemming from an injury or arthritis. Talk to your physician about joint relief through yoga, and what specific recommendations they have for you or your trainer.

Yoga is known as a holistic health approach, which means that it impacts physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Consider some of these other benefits of regular yoga practice, too:

Stress

Yoga can be very relaxing and improve your mood; it becomes cathartic the more familiar with the poses and practices you become. It is an effective form of stress-relief, preventing illnesses and mood disorders for individuals of all ages. Living with mobility issues can be stressful and challenging; yoga offers a healthy coping strategy and the perfect way to relax and battle the detrimental impacts of stress and worry.

Clarity

Many that practice yoga daily report that it improves their focus and ability to pay attention. Some say that they are able to concentrate better and that they experience a mental clarity that they have never attained before. These advantages of yoga make it a prudent preventative against the rigors of aging, such as memory loss or dementia. For this reason, it is well-worth implementing as part of your daily health regimen.

Confidence

Yoga can be very restorative and therapeutic, making you feel very vital. This vitality may lead to a new-found sense of confidence; who wouldn’t want to feel confident, vital, and alive? It can be an amazing way to restore self-esteem for those struggling with limitations, disabilities, or isolation.

Interaction

You may choose to take a beginning yoga class or work with a personal trainer or yogi, which are both excellent ways to increase social engagement; you can also join online groups or follow yogis that offer tutorials and videos for daily practice. This often increases social interactions for anyone- including those who don’t get out as much as they like. Professionals assert that socialization is an integral component of healthy aging and combats issues like depression or dementia as you get older.

Additionally, regular yoga practice can improve sleep and body awareness. It offers individuals the opportunity to ‘listen’ to their body and identify any problem areas or potential issues that might otherwise be ignored or overlooked. Talk to your yogi and health provider for more information and insight.

National Yoga Awareness in September

The Department of Health & Human Services conceived of the observance of National Yoga Awareness Month in September. This is a time set aside to learn, educate, and promote the health benefits of yoga while encouraging many toward a healthier lifestyle.

Ready to begin incorporating yoga into your life? Talk to your providers and professionals about the many benefits that daily yoga practice can have for individuals with mobility issues. When you want to learn more about assistive aids, devices, and equipment for autonomy and rehabilitation, reach out to Pacific Mobility; their team is waiting to help improve your quality of life today.

Are you ready for an emergency? Now is the time to customize a preparedness kit to your individual needs, from specific items for those with mobility, vision, communication, or health issues, to basics that no person should be without.

If you have special needs or a medical condition, it is even more vital to be prepared for anything. This can be an overwhelming task when you consider all of the things that you utilize and rely on daily. To ensure you don’t forget anything, consider compiling your own checklist, including all of the aids, equipment, and tools that you require to preserve your autonomy.

Customize a preparedness kit for your individual needs:

From breathing issues to legal-blindness, physical limitations to hearing-loss, be prepared for whatever comes. Storms, evacuations, or natural disasters can force you from your home; are you ready?

Whatever your needs may be, customize a preparedness kit for an emergency:

Mobility Issues

Do you use a walker, wheelchair, or scooter? Don’t get caught ill-prepared when an emergency strikes. Keep necessary aids and supplies at home, in the car, and on-the-ready, in case you need to evacuate your home swiftly.

Some things to include in your preparedness plan are:

• Put-together tire patch kits for wheelchairs and scooter and keep on-hand at all times, including in your vehicle, purse, or evacuation-bag.
• Invest in a lightweight transport chair, if feasible. It will make it much easier to transfer in a hurry.
• Don’t forget about supplies for service pets, if applicable. This includes vet records, any medications, extra food, and a cache of water.
• Keep your wheelchair secured near the bed for easy access in an emergency.

Vision Impairment

It can be scary to navigate an emergency situation when you are visually-impaired. Make the occurrence easier on yourself by being prepared. Consider the following items to keep in your preparedness kit:

• Stow spare eye-drops or medications prescribed for conditions such as glaucoma on-hand.
• Again, make sure you have adequate supplies for your service dog, if applicable.
• Tuck a spare pair of eyeglasses or magnifiers in your preparedness kit.
• Use fluorescent tape to label your emergency supplies for easier identification when needed.

Respiratory Illness

They say that if you can’t breathe, nothing else matters. If you live with respiratory issues or illness, make sure that you are able to comfortably breathe when leaving the confines of home in an emergency. Some things to consider are:

• Masks and respiratory aids should always be carried with you, as well as in any preparedness kit.
• Keep oxygen tanks charged and secured to the wall to prevent accidents later, like during an earthquake or other jarring natural disaster.
• Talk to your providers about portable oxygen tanks that will make it easier if you have to ‘bug-out’ of your home.

Communication Issues

For individuals that have communication issues, such as hearing loss or speech difficulty due to a stroke, leaving home in a hurry can be complicated. How will you let rescuers or caregivers know what is going on? Be ready for whatever happens by using some tips to be prepared for the worst:

• Buy a weather radio with a visual display to know when you will need to evacuate – as well as when you can return home.
• Keep a signaling device on-hand and nearby, like an air-horn or bell, for attention during an emergency.
• Use labels on emergency supplies and reservoirs for others to easily identify; ask case managers about labels to help with this.
• Make sure that you keep a laptop charger for the automobile if you rely on your computer for texting to communicate with others. Get one that will plug-in to your car’s cigarette lighter.

Basic Checklist Items:

There are some other basic supplies and tools that The Red Cross suggests every individual keeps on-hand for emergency situations and ‘bug-outs’. If you do find yourself being evacuated, make sure to secure your home and take the keys with you.

Some items to stock in your preparedness kits include:

• Health information, prescriptions, and related-documentation.
• Contact information for loved ones, caregivers, and providers.
• Cash.
• A fully-charged phone.
• A pair of scissors.
• Bleach, to disinfect.
• Hygiene items and products.
• Flashlights and extra batteries.
• Food reserves and water for yourself and your pets too.
• Phone and laptop charger.
• A pair of work gloves and extra apparel.
• First aid kit.
• Reflective vest and rain ponchos for the car.
• A basic tool kit to keep in the vehicles, including booster cables and road flares, ideally.
• Blankets.
• Maps, since it is possible you won’t have GPS or internet connectivity.
• Plastic bags, which serve a variety of purposes in an emergency.

How prepared are you for an emergency that drives you from your home? Talk to the experts at Pacific Mobility about aids and devices that will travel with you – and that will help you become more prepared and comfortable during a crisis.