disability

Think that mobility aids must be lackluster? Think again there are many tips and tricks to beautify, distinguish, and enhance the utility of the mobility aids that you use, including wheelchairs. In fact, July is National Wheelchair Beautification Month, so it is the perfect time to give your mobility aids a makeover! Consider some easy and clever ways to improve your wheelchair’s aesthetics, too.

Honor and observe National Wheelchair Beautification Month by doing something to enhance the appearance or aesthetics of mobility aids that you or someone you love use. Have some fun and amp-up the utility of your wheelchair, scooter, or other aid with some of the following suggestions. July is a great time to beautify your equipment and to honor this month-long observance.

First, it can help to know a little history about National Wheelchair Beautification Month. An author initiated this annual observance in 2015, and his name was Horace Knowles. He believed that adorning a wheelchair or other mobility aid of the time can change how those using them feel. The founder was also confined to a wheelchair and started adorning his chair with beautiful fresh flowers, asserting that it would help brighten the day for all those he encountered.

Here are a few tips and tricks to beautify your own mobility aid or device:

Simple Embellishments

You don’t need to spend a ton of money or stress yourself out attempting to beautify your wheelchair or scooter or other aid. Stick to something simple like printed tapes, stickers, ribbon, fabric remnants, and even paper to give your mobility aid a festive touch.

Will these modifications expand utility? Probably not but they may bring to smile to the face of someone you see which makes it worthwhile, for sure.

Wheelchair Quilts

Wheelchair quilts are beautiful and personal no two are typically alike. Upgrade your lap throw or favorite blanket with a new and distinctive quilt. If you sew, consider buying online patterns and stitching yourself up a quilt for your lap when using your chair, scooter, or lift. Plus, they help to keep the chill off!

Rim Covers

The push-rims of a wheelchair are the perfect feature to enhance with rim covers. These are available in a broad range of colors and plushness, and they truly make it more comfortable and easier to navigate your chair. Those hard metal rims can be tough to grip. Rim covers serve a practical purpose by making it easier. These are widely found for around $60 online and are simple to install independently.

Unique Amenities

Whatever your lifestyle, consider amenities for wheelchairs and scooters that facilitate these avocations. For instance, do you enjoy fishing? Install a fishing pole holder that is adjustable and versatile, so it fits a range of wheelchairs. Don’t like to fish? Use the simple attachment as a vase for fresh flowers what could be more beautiful than that?

Cups and Holders

Does your wheelchair, scooter, or walker have a cup-holder? This is a great accessory that makes the mobility aid a lot more convenient and useful, too. Make sure that you choose one with a cup that fits securely with great suction or stability. Some variations are hands-free, making it easier for many to drink on the go.

Pouches and Bags

Beautifying your wheelchair during July may be something as simple and fundamental as using a pouch or bag designed to fit your mobility device. Storage bags, lap tray bags, and even wheel cover pouches make it a lot easier to transport what you need safely and discreetly.

Consider bottle holders and soft, neoprene pouches that clip and attach to the chair or chair bar for small, accessible storage compartments. Wheel pouches serve a dual role as a decorative wheel cover as well as a functional storage space. Make sure the ones you buy are easy to wash.

An Umbrella

Don’t get caught in the rain without an umbrella. Invest in a wheelchair umbrella attachment to keep you dry plus it provides nice shade on sunny excursions. These are typically adjustable and can be customized to fit your device. Expect to pay around $20-$25 for a quality umbrella attachment- you bring the umbrella.

Some Sherpa

There is something about sherpa. First, it is super snuggly and comfortable, but it is also durable. Spruce up a cushion or footrest of a wheelchair with sherpa covers, found widely online at variable price points. Sherpa is weather resilient and it can camouflage imperfections that could take away from the aesthetic appeal of your seat.

The first way to honor and observe National Wheelchair Beautification Month in July is to keep your chair or other aids clean. Make sure that accessories are machine washable and wipe the chair down periodically yourself. If you need further tips or tricks for cleaning, check out the information available online or talk to the team at Pacific Mobility to learn more.

Enjoy your Independence Day, but make sure to do so with safety in mind. There are hazards during this time of year that can present danger to seniors or those with physical limitations, particularly. Consider some practical reminders to keep you safe throughout the holiday, and all summer long.

The 4^th of July is one of the most significant and symbolic events for any American- make sure to celebrate it safely. It is estimated that nearly 3,000 accidental deaths occur every July 4^th and most are very preventable. From wearing sunscreen to implementing mobility aids, take strides to stay safe and make the most of this special time of year.

Happy 4^th of July! Here are some tips to enjoy it safely:

Heat

The heat of summer can be a quiet killer. Heat stress and stroke are common when temperatures rise, particularly for seniors or those with physical challenges. Seek shade and limit time spent in the sun- more on that soon! Maintain your air conditioning unit, if applicable, and use fans to circulate the air in the home.

Hey, have you heard about Air Conditioning Appreciation Days? It is a time July 3^rd through August 15^th when people acknowledge and observe the importance of a working AC. Since 1901, air conditioners have been making life cooler for Americans- this holiday is a chance to acknowledge this.

Sun

Too much sun can cause skin and vision damage, as well as certain types of cancers. It hardly comes as a surprise that too much sun can be a bad thing but how can you prevent problems when hanging outside during the 4^th? There are lots of ways, including these tips:

• Cover up with a hat, sunglasses, and long sleeves to prevent nasty burns and the effects of heat stroke.
• Find and take breaks in the shade. Remember that the sun is at its peak between 11 am and 3 pm. Plan your activities accordingly especially if you are particularly sensitive to the sun.
• Wear sunscreen that is at least 15 SPF, and reapply it often, every couple of hours. If you swim, reapply.

Want to learn more? Check out UV Safety Awareness Month online throughout July for information and tips.

Hydration

Are you drinking enough water? Drinking water helps to keep you from becoming dehydrated, which can have devastating effects. Dehydration can cause mood swings, confusion, constipation, and medical distress, none of which you want during your holiday celebration. You need to drink more water when it is hot or if you are physically active or sick.

Water is integral to life:

• Water helps you maintain a normal body temp.
• Water lubricates and provides cushioning to your joints.
• Water helps to protect bodily tissue and protects your spinal cord.
• Water helps to move wastes through the body.

Stay hydrated with these tips for the 4^th:

• Keep a water bottle close at hand throughout your activities and festivities. Refill it often!
• Purposefully order water to drink when eating out plus, it saves money on other beverages!
• Try giving your water some citrus flavor and a shot of Vitamin C with fresh lemon, lime, or orange wedge.
• Infuse water overnight in your refrigerator with fresh fruit, berries, herbs, or veggies, like cucumber, for a refreshing change.

Remember, too, that March 22 is World Water Day, which brings attention to water-related issues across the globe.

Travel

Are you hitting the road for the holiday? Many are venturing out and heading on vacation after being cooped up for far too long. Mobility aids and devices keep you safe when away from home or traveling, like ramps. If you have physical challenges, or if you use a scooter or walker now, ramps make a lot of sense. First, they level out steps or stairs for much easier access, and also, they offer accessibility for mobility equipment like wheelchairs and scooters, wherever you go.

Portable ramps are a cost-friendly option that allows you to take your access on the road with you. These smaller, foldable ramps are easy to implement as needed or when the terrain commands it. From getting around outside to climbing steps or navigating thresholds, portable ramps are a prudent solution for many. Talk to a mobility retail professional to learn more and determine if temporary or permanent ramps are the wisest solution for you this summer.

The 4th of July only comes once a year so celebrate it! If you are fortunate enough to live in the USA, observe and enjoy Independence Day this year, and every year to come. Also, consider these tips and stay safe, whether at home or away on vacation this summer. For mobility aids and equipment to keep you safer, talk to the team at Pacific Mobility; they offer quality devices to increase accessibility and improve quality of life. Happy 4^th of July!

Spending time in the great outdoors may prove challenging for individuals with mobility issues or physical limitations. Accessibility may be impeded out in nature which makes mobility aids and equipment viable and safe ways to enjoy it. Consider the many health benefits of the outdoors and your diverse options for overcoming accessibility issues.

There are numerous advantages to spending time outside in nature, but some people may have less opportunity to enjoy it than others. Issues surrounding accessibility and safety can impede those with physical disabilities or mobility issues from enjoying outdoor green spaces. If you want to enhance and increase your access to these natural sites, consider mobility aids that can improve accessibility.

First, a few of the health benefits of spending time in the great outdoors include:

Holistic Health

The vitamins that you get from the sun can help improve immunity to many different illnesses and viruses. Additionally, according to experts, spending time outside is good for your heart, blood pressure, and even eyesight!

Sleep Hygiene

The fresh air and sunshine that you get from being outside can improve your sleep. It’s true; spending time outdoors can help to reset your sleep cycle, so you awake feeling better rested.

Brain Function

Who would think that being outside helps your cognition, but it does! Spending time outside in nature can make you more creative, improve your memory, and make you sharper mentally, which can manifest in better academic performance for students.

Mental Health

Being outside increases the production of dopamine, which makes you feel good, and that contributes to mental health and wellbeing. Experts say that spending time enjoying the outdoors leads to less stress, better memory, helps treat ADHD, and just puts you in a better mood.

Life Quality

Who doesn’t want to improve their quality of life, if possible? Spending the equivalent of two hours outside weekly, walking, sitting, or other, can improve the overall quality of life, according to experts. This time spent outside enhances a sense of well-being, so you feel more satisfied and content with life.

So, how do you take advantage of these perks if you have physical challenges or mobility issues that impede accessibility to outdoor spaces? The answer may lie in mobility solutions to suit your distinct needs. The best way to determine what could be useful is to meet with a qualified mobility professional to learn more.

Use these mobility aids and tools to help you enjoy time outside safely:

Portable Ramps

When you think of the challenges that await outdoors for those with mobility challenges, rough or steep terrain is probably on the list. A ramp is an excellent solution but these are permanent fixtures, so it limits your options.

On the other hand, a portable ramp is an easy and effective tool to keep in the trunk of your vehicle or on your porch to utilize as needed. These can be unfolded and used with ease while also being convenient to transport to other locations that may be difficult to access. Plus, portable ramps are affordable. Talk to a mobility retail professional to learn more!

Pool Lifts

Do you have a pool? Do you get the opportunity to swim? If you have not been able to fully enjoy your pool, a pool lift may be key in making it far more accessible for you to use. Pool lifts raise and lower the user, so they are not at risk of slippery transfers on slick surfaces.

Furthermore, a lift protects and provides safety for anyone giving assistance or aid to the user. That is, the use of a lift of any kind helps to protect caregivers from injury which is a significant risk for individuals in the field. Get back in the water and enjoy the therapeutic benefits of swimming with your own pool lift; talk to your medical providers to find out how.

Vehicle Lifts

So, what about driving? The challenges of driving a vehicle begin with where and how to stow mobility aids like walkers and wheelchairs when you get behind the wheel. Vehicle lifts make simple work of getting in, out, and accessing mobility equipment with ease. These are life-changing aids that can put you back in the driver’s seat and on the road.

There are many other mobility aids that can help you navigate outdoor terrain, and that is quite affordable, too. From wheelchairs and scooters to a wide range of walkers, consumers have a wide range of options to choose from.

If mobility issues or physical challenges are preventing you from getting outside, talk to the team at Pacific Mobility. We offer a wide range of quality mobility aids and equipment to enhance quality of life for anyone who would benefit from mobility assistance. Call or visit today!

Dignity and autonomy are closely connected to an individual’s quality of life. There are ways to contribute to the self-respect of a senior while allowing them the freedom to age in place. Consider the following suggestions to maintain dignity and quality of life as we age.

We are all getting older. How do we maintain our dignity and quality of life, especially if we live with health or mobility issues, as we age? There are a lot of precautions and suggestions that can contribute to aging in place successfully, from participating in a social network of sorts to using mobility equipment, like a stairlift. Dignity, as you age, is important and connected to quality of life you really can’t have one without the other.

Here is what everyone needs to know about preserving dignity and quality of life as you or someone you love- get older:

Dignity and Respect

Dignity and respect are essential to aging in place with purpose. There are simple ways to show dignity to others as well as to obtain it for yourself. First, do not stand for disrespect.

Here are some ways to show dignity to seniors or individuals that we care for:

• Respect the privacy of those around you. Command privacy for yourself, too. This extends to when you are dressing, bathing, or using the toilet.
• Knock before opening any door that is closed.
• Be discreet when discussing the choices and decisions of your loved one. Do not break confidences.
• If caring for a senior, ask what they care to eat, watch on TV, or do- don’t make assumptions.
• Try to be empathetic and respectful of the choices made by others, even if they are not the ones you would choose for yourself.
• Negotiate solutions when someone under your care makes potentially dangerous choices, like refusing to take medications.
• Offer to accompany seniors to events, activities, or walks so they are not alone but do not insist.
• Listen attentively and ask for others’ opinions.
• Involve seniors in conversations and discussions.
• Never discuss a senior as though they are not present.
• Speak in a respectful and non-condescending way. Do not treat seniors as if they are children; it is offensive.

Treating people with dignity and respect costs nothing. It also does not jeopardize anyone’s well-being. Make it a benchmark of your interactions with any and all seniors.

Quality of Life

Quality of life is closely connected to dignity it is hard to feel satisfied with life when you feel as though those around you are not being respectful or honoring your wishes. Some things that contribute to enhanced quality of life as you get older include these:

Monitor Mood

Seniors over age 65 are susceptible to depression, which can be easily treated. Depression can deteriorate quality of life. Triggers for mood decline could include death or illness. Some warning signs of depression include:

• Changes in behavior, like appetite or sleep
• Engaging in unhealthy coping skills, like drinking or drugs
• Hopelessness
• Fatigue
• Social withdrawal or isolation
• Lack of interest in activities that once gave pleasure
• Poor hygiene

Depression can significantly impact quality of life. If you notice warning signs, talk to your medical provider right away.

Facilitate Mobility

Physical limitations or mobility issues can greatly impact quality of life. It can make it tough to go anywhere, as desired, and it may even compromise your home living situation. To preserve quality of life, make accommodations and facilitate mobility in any way possible. This includes implementing aids like stairlifts, ramps, shower seats, and grab bars in the home to improve accessibility.

Find Purpose

The core of life quality is a sense of purpose. Whatever the responsibility is, it can help provide a greater quality of life to feel needed and useful. This may manifest in volunteer work or adopting a pet, there are many ways to add purpose to the day.

Encourage Movement

Never underestimate the value of a little physical activity and exercise. When you get the blood pumping with a brisk walk, stretches, or deep breathing, it can relieve stress and reduce anxiety. Plus, getting a bit of activity throughout the day helps with sleep and mood, too.

Stimulate the Senses

Stay stimulated and encourage other seniors to also! From mental games and puzzles to sniffing fresh flowers and snuggling a pet, stimulation improves life quality. Plus, pleasant stimuli can release feel-good hormones which provide a sense of wellbeing.

Stay Connected

Seniors that are disconnected or out of touch with informal supports, like friends or family, are at a higher risk of dementia. This social withdrawal may also impact longevity and shorten life expectancy. Stay connected if you care for a senior, keep them connected, too. Check in on them and provide them with the technology and assistance needed to help you monitor wellbeing, as needed.

Quality of life is interconnected with health and wellbeing. Staying healthy is the most vital thing that you can do to preserve your quality of overall living, every day.

Enjoy quality of life and dignity through the autonomy and independence that mobility aids provide. Could you use some assistance with activities of daily living? If so, mobility aids and devices may be able to help you maintain your independence. Talk to the team at Pacific Mobility to learn more.

Cancer survivors may find they have mobility issues that endure beyond remission. Cancer and treatments can cause various issues pertaining to pain, gait, and balance that may last, causing long-term physical limitations. Mobility aids and devices can help, restoring mobility and overcoming these obstacles.

Cancer and its treatment course can cause issues related to holistic health, including mobility. It is estimated that around 25%–35% of cancer patients experience problems with limb weakness, gait disturbance, lack of balance, and other mobility issues that can impact everyday activities, like walking. Add to this, fatigue and dizziness often caused by cancer treatments and medications, and patients may be at a significant fall risk. There are some ways to counter these side effects, including the use of mobility aids.

If you are a cancer survivor, here is what you should know:

Cancer and Mobility

Cancer is a word that nobody wants to hear, let alone be diagnosed with. The repercussions of cancer are vast and include long-term issues related to mobility, from very slight to quite severe.

If you are currently a patient diagnosed with some type of cancer, you could be experiencing issues related to your mobility. These may be temporary, or you may find that you struggle for years to come. These side effects stem from pain in the joints or muscles, stiffness, malnourishment, medications, anxiety, and the disease itself, especially if it metastasizes.

Furthermore, your challenges related to mobility could be symptomatic of soft tissue sarcoma, a specific type of Cancer that impacts muscle, fat, blood vessels, nerves, tendons, and joints. When you are immobile, you are at a higher risk for pneumonia and other infections, which could be extremely dangerous for those with compromised immune systems. Immobility also causes blood clots, which can be lethal. Difficulty with mobility can put additional stress and pressure on the spine, resulting in pressure wounds as well as long-term chronic back pain.

It is easy to see why it is so imperative that Cancer patients maintain and preserve their mobility during and after cancer treatments, as much as possible. Mobility aids can help extend physical abilities, support reach, and improve gait so that patients are able to move about safely.

Some specific mobility aids that may help include these:

• Scooters and wheelchairs for smooth and independent transfers.
• Portable ramps that are easy to install, as well as to take with you on the road.
• Reaching tools and grabbers that can extend reach and help to reduce the risk of a nasty fall.
• Grab bars near sinks, doors, and commodes to help provide sturdy support, as needed, whenever needed.
• Shower and bath seats can help take a lot of the worry and risk out of bathing, as most household falls occur in this room of the home.
• Stairlifts can help the user live their life fully, without fear of ascending or descending stairs.

The overriding goal of such aids is to maintain mobility and to help the patient preserve autonomy and freedom of movement as much as possible. There are also devices, including ceiling lifts, that can provide help and support to the caregiver. These aids can protect them from injury as they provide care and assistance to patients.

Treatment-Related Issues

While Cancer wreaks havoc on your body, the treatment used to kill cancerous cells can also come with a slew of side effects and symptoms. Hopefully, most of these issues will decline and subside over time, they can present challenges and difficulties with everyday life. Some of the specific issues caused include:

• Fatigue
• Disturbances or disruptions in sleep
• Chronic pain
• Nerve issues
• Edema, and swelling
• Inflammation
• Hot flashes or chills
• Respiratory issues or difficulty breathing
• Vomiting, nausea, gastrointestinal distress
• Changes and challenges related to appetite
• Infection
• Issues related to bleeding
• Compromised skin and nail health
• Bowel or bladder issues
• Changes in vision
• Changes in hearing
• Difficulty with speech or communication
• Mobility issues or impairment
• Altered physical appearance
• Premature signs of aging
• Seizures

While not all these symptoms are related to mobility, there are some that could be treated and alleviated with the care and discretion of your medical provider. Talk to your practitioner or physician to learn more.

Observe National Cancer Survivor Month in June

National Cancer Survivor Month in June provides a platform for patients and survivors in the US to connect and network, bringing awareness and disseminating information pertaining to this disease. The purpose of the observance is to demonstrate that there is life after a cancer diagnosis.

Are you a Cancer survivor? If you have lasting effects of cancer or its treatment that impact your mobility, talk to the team at Pacific Mobility. They offer reputable, reliable, and quality mobility equipment to suit your needs and to overcome physical limitations that impede everyday living. Call or visit today!

Stairs can present a hazardous and frightening issue for individuals living with dementia. What may have once seemed instinctual, ascending and descending steps, can be worrisome and dangerous. What can you do? Try to understand stairs from the perspective of dementia first to make modifications that help.

June is the time to observe Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month and spread information pertaining to living with dementia. Americans have been honoring and observing this national day since Ronald Reagan initiated it in 1983.

One area of difficulty in the home environment for anyone with dementia is stairs or steps. That is, there are times when the individual may not be able to ascend or descend as safely as they once did. In these living situations, it makes sense to explore the possibility of a stairlift, or other mobility aid to improve access and quality of life.

Some other things to understand about stairs from the dementia perspective include:

• Dementia can affect depth perception and color contrast. This can be a recipe for a nasty fall. It can be hard to determine where one step ends and the next begins when you have these issues.
• Are the steps in the home carpeted? This can also cause difficulty with color contrast, leading to a fall. The challenge for a dementia patient can be distinguishing the riser from the stair tread. Fortunately, this is easily solved. Try putting colored tape along the edge of each step, in a contrasting hue. Make sure the tape is secure and doesn’t present a fall risk.
• Use a thoughtful eye to remove anything from the home environment that could pose the risk of a trip, fall, or injury. Trouble-shoot the entire home, if feasible, and remove any hazards. This is also a good time to de-clutter and spring clean the dwelling to additionally remove potential obstacles.
• How is the lighting in the home? Did you know that poor lighting is to blame for senior falls? Make sure that there is ample lighting, especially around stairs and doors, with easy-to-access switches at both the top and bottom of any stairs. Make the switch stand out with a piece of bright tape or a sticker for easy identification.
• Make sure that the home’s stairs, steps, or inclines have handrails. These need to be sturdy and secure, too. Don’t rely on the wall when you have stairs with a banister on the other side. Install a handrail to prevent problems and make using them easier.
• Dementia can affect mobility in many cases. For instance, some forms of dementia manifest similarly to symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. This results in spasms or tremors that are difficult to control. Another dementia-related issue affecting mobility is stiffness. It may cause rigidity or limping when the individual walks or moves about. Every case, and type of dementia, is different. Discuss symptoms and concerns with your provider or practitioner.  
• Another challenging symptom of dementia affects coordination and balance. This can make the individual feel dizzy or experience a type of vertigo where they have difficulty maintaining balance. It may also make the patient feel nauseous or queasy, though some may have difficulty articulating this. These symptoms can increase the risk of a fall and subsequent injury including fractures or broken bones which can be debilitating for anyone, but perhaps most especially for an older dementia patient.
• Many dementia patients struggle with Apraxia, which occurs when there is a malfunction or breakdown in the message that goes from the brain to the body. For instance, it may manifest in a person being unable to stand when sitting. It can seem like they don’t know how to rise from the position.
• Some experts report that you can trigger them to respond, in this case, stand, by gently touching or nudging them. This sensory stimulus can often help.
• When assessing mobility aid options, there is a chance that individuals with certain types of dementia will not adapt well to stairlifts. This could be the case with those that suffer from Dementia with Lewy Bodies Syndrome. This condition is marked by hallucinations, paranoia, and anxiety surrounding seemingly normal things, and using a stairlift could make them fearful.
• Sadly, as time goes on and these conditions progress, mobility will decrease. People with late-stage Alzheimer’s are not typically mobile, and brain function focuses on critical activities, like respiration. The prognoses will vary. Don’t wait to implement mobility aids that could be ease, reassurance, and autonomy to any individual with dementia.

Do you or someone you love live with dementia symptoms? Now is the time to explore how mobility aids and options can enhance safety in the home- as well as improve the overall quality of life. Talk to the mobility professionals at Pacific Mobility; call or visit today. 

Arthritis comes in many forms, and it is estimated that nearly 60 million Americans live with this condition. Stairlifts can help alleviate some of the stress and strain on joints, like knees, and reduce the risk of a nasty fall. Consider meeting with a mobility equipment professional to discuss all available options.

Do you live with Arthritis? Around 59 million adults have some kind of Arthritis in this country and around 26 million are limited in what they can do because of this condition. Arthritis doesn’t have a cure, but for many, symptoms are manageable with lifestyle changes and/or medical treatment. Since Arthritis sufferers typically have chronic pain in their joints, it may impact daily living and overall quality of life.

There are some ways to combat the symptoms and progression of Arthritis including mobility aids that may help overcome issues of accessibility. A stairlift can reduce the strain and stress that you put on your joints, like your knees and hips, every time that you choose to go up or down stairs in the home environment. Furthermore, it reduces the chance that you could experience a fall and subsequent injury from using stairs. There are many compelling reasons to consider mobility options; talk to your provider about whether a stairlift is a viable option for your home environment.

Here is what you should know:

Arthritis

Arthritis is basically a medical condition where your joints swell and become tender or sore. The prime symptoms of Arthritis are stiffness and pain, which, unfortunately, get worse over time. There are numerous types of Arthritis, but the most common are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Some other types of arthritis include these:

• Gout
• Juvenile idiopathic arthritis
• Osteoarthritis
• Psoriatic arthritis
• Reactive arthritis
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Septic arthritis

Treatment will vary depending on the type of Arthritis that you suffer from. Arthritis is not curable so your treatment will focus on reducing the severity and frequency of your symptoms.

Symptoms of Arthritis

The most common symptom of Arthritis is stiffness, particularly in the joints, and pain. Depending on the type of Arthritis that you have, some of the symptoms may include:

• Pain
• Stiffness
• Swelling
• Redness
• Decreased range of motion

A stairlift can help! Consider these symptoms and how the gentle support and reassurance of a stairlift in the home can facilitate autonomy.

Arthritis and Stairlifts

So, what can you do about living with chronic pain and physical limitation caused by Arthritis? There are treatments available that may minimize the severity and frequency of your symptoms, depending on the kind of Arthritis you suffer from. Talk to your doctor about the best treatment plan and how to move forward.

Mobility aids make sense for anyone who is limited by what they can do physically- including going up and down stairs. Some may be able to ascend or descend, but it takes a toll. Make life easier and conserve your strength with a stairlift.

Stairlifts remove the immense stress and strain that steps put on knees, hips, ankles, and other joints. Be proactive in your treatment and care, after all, you can reduce the severity of symptoms with simple changes. Don’t let Arthritis rob you of your quality of life; talk to a mobility professional to find out more.

Are you at risk?

Risk factors for Arthritis include the following:

• Your genetics and family history play a part in whether you will have Arthritis. There are some kinds of this condition that are hereditary.
• Your age also puts you at risk for Arthritis. You are more likely to have some form of Arthritis as you get older.
• Women more often have Rheumatoid Arthritis, while men are more inclined to contract gout. It is safe to say that gender also puts you at a higher risk for this condition.
• If you have previously injured a joint, like a knee, you are more likely to later have Arthritis in that same joint. Athletes that repeatedly injure their joints have a high risk of Arthritis.
• Obesity also puts you at higher risk of Arthritis in your joints.

Over time, severe Arthritis can be debilitating and impact your ability to complete ADLs, or activities of daily living. Consider how a stairlift may help you preserve your independence and autonomy if you live with this condition.

Arthritis Awareness

World Autoimmune Arthritis Day is Friday, May 20, 2022, and May has been set aside as Arthritis Awareness Month. These observances are organized to raise awareness of autoimmune diseases that cause pain and inflammation. 

Want to learn more about a stairlift for your home? Talk to the mobility experts at Pacific Mobility; they can discuss the advantages of mobility aids, as well as provide more information regarding your available options. Call or visit today!

When it comes to Fibromyalgia, the symptoms can wax, wane, and be quite unpredictable. Severe fatigue, nerve pain, and mood disorder are common among those that suffer from this chronic condition. Fibromyalgia can reduce your quality of life; here are some things that you can do about that.

About 5 million people in this country are diagnosed with Fibromyalgia. Fibromyalgia, or Fibro, is a debilitating and chronic pain condition, often referred to as a disorder of the individual’s pain perception. Those suffering from this condition experience persistent, recurrent, widespread, and, often, intolerable pain. The sufferer is sometimes misunderstood by those around them and was treated as a psychological issue with psychotropic medications.

Fortunately, what researchers have discovered about Fibromyalgia has changed much of the public’s perception of this mysterious disease. Furthermore, efforts including Fibromyalgia Education and Awareness Month strive to spread information and debunk the myths. When Fibro impacts your mobility, you can turn to mobility aids; but what else can you do?

Fibromyalgia reduces your quality of life, here is what you can do about it:

Chronic Pain

Fibromyalgia is characterized by chronic and varying levels of pain. This pain primarily impacts the back, so it seems to radiate and affect both upper and lower body regions. Some things you can do to reduce chronic Fibro pain include regular physical activity, maintaining a healthy weight, and using deep breathing techniques to relax and reduce anxiety brought on by pain.  

Mood Disorder

Depression and anxiety often accompany Fibro pain. This condition also contributes to lower levels of serotonin. Some things to do include spending time outside getting sunlight and fresh air. A brisk, 20-minute walk can have antidepressant effects. Also, consider talk therapy with a counselor, therapist, or trusted friend.

Fatigue

Those that live with Fibromyalgia report abnormal sleep cycles and difficulty getting good rest. Altered or insufficient sleep leads to chronic fatigue and headaches. Create a sanctuary for sleep in your bedroom and avoid other tasks and activities that are not sleep-related, like work or folding laundry, in your bed. Set yourself a sleep schedule and try to go to bed and wake up at the same time each day.

Brain Fog

Did you know that Fibro can cause cognitive problems? It’s true; Fibromyalgia affects memory, focus, and concentration. Some patients may notice symptoms when they are trying to go about their normal routine tasks, such as at work. In fact, cognitive impairment caused by Fibromyalgia is a leading cause of sick days and disability for workers in other countries.

Some reputable sources recommend that keeping the brain active is key in preventing cognitive problems associated with fibro. Also, sleep is imperative as insufficient rest can contribute to brain fog.

Tips to Help You Feel Better

Try some suggestions from industry experts that may lessen and improve the symptoms of this chronic condition. Consider these tips to help you feel better:

• Grasp a good understanding of Fibro- and educate yourself about the disease. There are many, many studies available that may shed light on your symptoms- and help you alleviate them successfully.  
• Lifestyle changes, like eating well and getting exercise, should not be underestimated. Managing your weight can help with the chronic fatigue and pain associated with this disease.  
• If your symptoms are severe, talk with your provider about medications. While there are no meds available for all side effects of Fibro, you may be able to gain some relief and results by targeting specific symptoms.
• It has been shown that regular, consistent exercise can reduce the pain of Fibromyalgia, while also helping with weight management and control. Include brisk activity and stretching for optimal results.
• Cut down on caffeine, preservatives, and alcohol to help reduce the severity of Fibro symptoms. Prepackaged, preservative-dense foods can trigger symptoms causing inflammation and increased pain. Read labels and try to avoid artificial flavorings, colors, or sweeteners, too.
• The best diet for anyone diagnosed with Fibro is one that is balanced and rich in protein, unsaturated fats, and carbs- plus plenty of dark leafy vegetables.
• Mobility aids and equipment can improve accessibility to those that have their mobility compromised by Fibro but even more importantly, these devices may be able to help reduce your risk of taking a fall. Fibro affects mental, physical, and emotional health and wellbeing. Mobility aids provide support, stability, and peace of mind.
• There is no cure for Fibromyalgia, but symptoms can be managed. Talk to your medical provider to learn more.

Make sure to observe and honor Fibromyalgia Education and Awareness Month in May. In fact, Fibromyalgia Awareness Day is May 12^th show your support by wearing purple! Dedicate May to spreading information and awareness about Fibro.

Sticking to treatment recommendations may help many individuals cope and live with the symptoms of Fibromyalgia. Everyone’s experience is different; if Fibro impacts your mobility, talk to the team at Pacific Mobility to learn more.