ActiveForever Blog

Medical Supplies - Fitness Equipment - Safety Equipment - Innovative Health Products

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HydroHose Makes Tangles and Kinks a Thing of the Past

If you’re sick and tired of hoses cracking and getting tangled up then the Hydrohose Automatic Rewind Hose is ideal for you. The innovative Hydrohose with Automatic Rewind Reel makes watering the lawn to washing the car a breeze. Hydrohose utilizes flat host technology which means the entire hose is flat which makes it easy to store and use! HydroHose flat design allows it to be easily walked over when in the yard and small to store.

The Super Hydrohose Reel is a unique design that stays clean and kink free so you always get a steady stream of water. Hydrohose utilizes the same technology as professional fire hoses and is ideal for small spaces like boats or recreational vehicles. The rugged nylon outer casing prevents punctures and stays flexible in cold temperatures down to -30 degrees Fahrenheit. The nylon will not freeze if left outside.

The Hydrohose also has a lot of accessories available for purchase to add functionality. The HydroHose 25’ extension hose is an easy and affordable way to add 25 feet to your HydroHose. Also available for purchase is the replacement 75’ hose that is compatible with the HydroHose Automatic Rewind Hose Reel. Another affordable accessory for the HydroHose is the Replacement Spigot Connector Hose. The replacement spigot connector hose even stores inside the reel when not in use.

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Fast and Easy, Natural Headache Cures

There are more than 45 million headache sufferers in America annually! Prescription and over-the-counter medications are a popular solution, but there are many ways to remedy headaches without pills. We’ve taken the top natural headache remedies and posted them here:

The first natural headache remedy you should always try – WATER. Stay away from the drinking frosty, cold water because that can make your headache worse (even if you’re not a fan, stick to drinking room temperature water when you have a headache).

Some people get relief from an ice pack on their head (where the head pain is), but others may find ice too cold. If you’re in the “ice is too cold” group, wrap a thin towel around the cold pack so it feels cool on your head.

I’m on the computer all day, every day so often my headaches happen behind my eyes. Anything cool over your eyes will help, but my favorite remedy for those headaches are TranquilEyes because they’re specifically designed to be cool and comfortable on your eyes.

Another problem with working on the computer all day is poor posture, which leads to slouching, and strain on your neck can cause tension headaches. A heating pad can help relax your neck and back. A friend of mine who suffers from migraines uses ice on her head with a heating pad on her back at the same time.

Massaging your neck and shoulders are great ways to get rid of headaches naturally. If you don’t have someone there to massage you, there are easy ways to massage your own neck (and then you have an excuse to buy this awesome neck massager - Carepeutic Deluxe Neck & Shoulder Massager with Heat).

When I have a headache, sometimes vibrations from portable massagers can make me nauseous (I get motion sickness just thinking of flying, though), so I’m a fan of using peppermint oil (some people prefer lavender oil) to help get rid of headaches. Just rub the oil into your temples (vary pressure to see what feels best) – some people like to keep the oil in the fridge so it is cool on contact for headaches.

These are simple and quick headache remedies to give you pain relief without medications. If your headaches start happening more frequently than usual, keep you from participating in normal activities, or continues to worsen over time you should consult with your doctor. If you have a natural home remedy for headaches that works for you, leave me a comment below. I hope these natural headache cures help you!

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Frozen Shoulder Diagnosis? Know the Treatment Options

Many people suffering from “frozen shoulder” initially think the pain in their shoulder is from something as simple as sleeping on it the wrong way. Unfortunately, their shoulder pain continues for months (often getting worse) before they see their doctor and their shoulder pain is diagnosed as “adhesive capsulitis” (more commonly known as “frozen shoulder”). The two most common questions after diagnosis: What is frozen shoulder and what is the treatment?

Frozen shoulder involves inflammation in the shoulder which causes pain, stiffness, and loss of motion in your shoulder (over time it can become painful to reach behind you or over your head). Doctors aren’t certain what causes this painful shoulder condition, but do know risk factors include shoulder surgery, mastectomy, diabetes, shoulder injury, and open heart surgery.

Baby Boomers beware – frozen shoulder is most likely to occur in people over the age of 40 (and is more common among women).

If your doctor tells you to “wait it out” or “it will just get better over time” when you ask about treatment options, consider getting a second opinion. It can take approximately 2 years to fully recover from frozen shoulder, but there are numerous treatment options.

Medication. The most common medications taken for frozen shoulder are anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) such as Aspirin, but doctors may prescribe stronger pain medications.

Injections. A common frozen shoulder treatment is steroid/cortisone injections directly into the affected shoulder. Placement is important for maximum pain relief so ask your doctor how they ensure the injection is placed in the correct (specific!) spot.

Physical therapy. Depending on the mobility limitations, physical therapy can be intense and may be needed daily. Some doctors use the injections mentioned above to help patients participate in pt. Physical therapists can teach you stretching exercises to help with shoulder mobility. If you’re interested in a faster recovery, ask your physical therapist to help you use the UE Ranger Movement Health System (the name is quite a mouthful but the results are great). The UE Ranger is a physical therapy device specifically designed to help patients with frozen shoulder increase range of motion, decrease neuromuscular weakness, and offer pain relief. You can read more about it here.

Surgery. If the frozen shoulder treatment options above are used and are not effective, surgery is considered an option. During the surgery scar tissue is removed from the frozen shoulder, and tight ligaments may be cut.

[caption id="attachment_1433" align="aligncenter" width="150"] Physical therapists use the UE Ranger to treat patients with frozen shoulder for faster recovery.[/caption]

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How Safe is Your Bathroom? Carex Bathroom Safety Essentials

Bathroom Safety

The bathroom has become an increasingly dangerous place for the aging population.  More than one third of seniors over the age of 65 fall every year in the United States, and the majority of these falls occur in the bathroom.  The most hazardous bathroom activities for seniors are entering and exiting the bathtub or shower, and bathing. With the AARP’s calculation that people 50 and older will represent 45% of the U.S. population by 2015, the need for bath safety products will only continue to grow.

  As the senior population steadily rises, and the state of the economy remains the same, more seniors are choosing to age independently in their homes, and are doing so on a budget. These seniors are looking for viable ways to make their bathrooms safe without a need for professional installation. According to HGTV.com the national average cost of a minor bathroom renovation is between $2,500 and $3,500, with full bathroom remodels reaching $30,000! The good news for seniors is that there are affordable bathroom safety products that will make the home bathroom safer without the need for any construction.

  Bathroom Safety Essentials:

Below is a partial list of items that can assist seniors and care providers in making the bathroom a safer place:

Non-slip Bath Mats provide safe footing while bathing and entering or exiting the bath or shower.

Bath Chairs and Transfer Benches allow seniors to sit while bathing, preventing falls.

Hand Held Shower Sprayers allow seniors the convenience of bathing while seated

Grab Bars & Bathtub Safety Rails provide stability when entering/exiting the bathtub or shower

Raised Toilet Seats & Toilet Safety Rails provide added security and protection against falls at the toilet.

  Seniors and caregivers can look to Carex Health and ActiveForever.com for all of your bathroom safety needs. The following products are a reliable and affordable way to make your home bathroom safer for your aging family members.

  Carex EZ Bath & Shower Seat with Handles The Carex EZ Bath & Shower Seat with Handles is a sturdy and supportive chair with a stylish and contemporary look designed for use in the bath or shower. Easy to grip handles provide a safer entry and exit from the bath or shower, and the non-slip, adjustable height legs ensure the seat stays securely where it is placed. The EZ Bath & Shower Seat installs in seconds, and then folds (and legs can be removed) for easy portability and convenient storage.

Carex Ultra Grip Pivot Suction Grab Bar The innovative Ultra Grip Pivot Suction Grab Bar pivots in the center, allowing the grab bar to be positioned and secured at any angle desired. Visual indicators let you know the Carex Pivot Grab Bar is firmly fastened, and it can be installed on any flat, non-porous surface. Don’t let the word “installation” intimidate you; the strong suction cups on this grab bar allow for tool-free installation, and it is equally simple to both attach and remove. The compact design makes the Carex Pivot Suction Bar a perfect grab bar for home or travel.

Carex Ultimate Handheld Shower Massager The convenient and affordable Carex Ultimate Handheld Shower Massager is the ideal addition to any bathroom. Easy to hold (due to the ergonomic grip handle), this Ultimate Shower Massager features 5 different massage and spray options, an extra-long hose for easy use, and a 4” diameter shower head for superior coverage. The non-corrosive chrome Carex Ultimate Shower Massager is simple to install, with an easy on/off switch for flow adjustment (can be done with one-handed ease!).

Carex EZ Lock Raised Toilet Seat with Handles People suffering from bending or sitting difficulties appreciate the easier access provided by the Carex EZ Lock Raised Toilet Seat with Handles. As the name implies, this raised toilet seat provides additional security by locking on to the toilet. Caregivers will appreciate the locking system is easily installed without the need for tools, and the existing toilet seat doesn’t have to be removed in order to use this Carex toilet seat. Padded armrests and the larger than standard toilet seat provide additional comfort for users. EZ Lock Raised Toilet Seat with Handles is easy to clean, lightweight, and conveniently portable.

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The 5 Best Ways to Improve Your Memory

With the large population of Baby Boomers aging into senior citizen status, the demand for anti-aging products and techniques has hit an all-time high; among those anti-aging seekers is a focus on how to improve memory and brain fitness. Research has proven keeping the brain active and enhancing memory can help prevent age-related diseases such as dementia and Alzheimer’s. If you think the only way to have better memory is to slave over a Sunday New York Times crossword, read on to find out the surprisingly easy ways to improve memory naturally. Below are the 5 best ways to improve memory:

1.       Exercise. Lately it may seem science has a bias against couch potatoes, but research has shown physical exercise has numerous brain benefits. When you exercise, increased oxygen goes to the brain which increases the brain’s power and improves memory. Some scientists suggest physical exercise also increases beneficial brain chemicals, and protection of the brain.

[caption id="attachment_1378" align="aligncenter" width="150"] Exercise and socializing are two of the best ways to improve memory.[/caption]

2.       Have fun with friends! There is evidence to support social interactions, having meaningful relationships, and a support system may actually be the best of all cognitive exercise. A Harvard study found “people with the most active social lives had the slowest rate of memory decline” (Smith & Robinson). Even better? Laugh with your friends! Laughing not only makes you feel good emotionally, it also engages different areas across the entire brain.

3.       Relax. We already know stress is bad for the body and it isn’t good for the brain. Studies have found people who meditated for even short periods of time, daily, had improvements in their memory and other cognitive abilities.

4.       Add brain foods to your diet. Antioxidants help protect your brain cells from damage, and are naturally found in fruits and vegetables. Drinking red wine can increase blood flow to the brain (too much alcohol can kill brain cells, so moderation is key). Evidence continues to mount that Omega-3 fatty acids slow brain decline in aging adults. Omega-3s are found in nuts and fish or are readily available in supplements.

5.       Use it or lose it. That’s the tough love way of saying if you don’t continue to actively use your brain (and memory) it will decline. The activities you can do to maintain memory are endless, but they need to contain these 3 key attributes: the activity is new, fun, and challenging. By doing an activity outside of your regular routine that is fun and challenging, your brain creates new connections and pathways.

 

Related Information:

Will the Boomers Generation be the Alzheimer’s Generation? What Boomers Need to Know About Preventing Alzheimer’s

Hidden Causes of Memory Loss

Biofeedback Devices Provide LONG TERM Stress Relief

Stress Relief Massage

How Stress Affects Health

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The Best of Bedridden Bathing - Luxury Bathing in Bed

There are numerous challenges in caring for a bedridden loved one or patient, and one of the most common is bathing a bedridden person. These bedridden bathing solutions can help make bed baths a relaxing and even enjoyable experience for the bedridden person you’re caring for.

The most common way to give a bath to a bedridden person is the “bed bath” or “sponge bath” in which you gently cleanse parts of the body with a wet washcloth, thoroughly drying each body section before moving on to the next, starting with the person’s head.

There are some fantastic products to help you wash hair for anyone who has mobility issues, in particular the bedridden. Inflatable, shampoo basins specially designed to be placed under the head (where the pillow normally is) allow you to give a salon-worthy, splash free shampooing while they’re lying in bed! My personal favorite is the EZ Shampoo Basin, but others prefer the Homecare EZ Shower because the pouring water helps rinse out the shampoo.

I was amazed to learn there is a way for bedridden patients to luxuriate in a FULL BATH! It is called the EZ Bathe Inflatable Tub (sensing the naming trend here?), and it is a fully inflatable tub specifically designed for bedridden patients. The person in bed is rolled on to their side, and the fully deflated tub slides underneath them (so now they’re lying in the deflated tub). The tub inflates quickly, and a shower hose attaches to a water tap (can be up to 25 feet away) – instant bath, all without leaving the bed! The water drains, and the bath deflates just as easily after you’re done.

If you don’t like the idea of putting water on the bed (though those heavy duty products are specially designed with safety as a priority), there are bedridden bathing products that get you just as clean without the need to rinse. Readybath Shampoo Caps are shower caps containing no rinse shampoo and conditioner – put it on, massage, and remove (no cleanup!). There is an entire line of No Rinse products which allow a bedridden patient all the hygienic bonuses of a water bed bath, without the need to rinse. A fun aside – NASA uses No Rinse products to keep astronauts clean in space.

As the baby boomer population ages, no doubt there will be even more innovations in caregiving and medical supplies, though I’ll admit I’m pretty impressed with the products I mentioned here. I remember a time when a sponge bath was the only option for anyone bedridden, and I’ve appreciated these newer bedridden bathing options. To learn about a wide variety of bedridden bathing aids, click here.

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What is Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis? Understanding IPF

Pulmonary fibrosis is a disease in which the tissues in your lungs get scarred, and become thick and stiff over time. As the lungs stiffen, it becomes difficult for oxygen to efficiently be pumped to the brain and other essential organs. Sometimes doctors can find the cause of pulmonary fibrosis, but when they can’t (which is often) the condition is called idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis can be a confusing and overwhelming diagnosis, so we’ve put together some key information to help you understand the frequently asked question: “What is idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis?”

Causes of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis:

By definition, if the cause of IPF was known it wouldn’t be diagnosed as IPF. That said, there are some theories on causes including that IPF is a kind of autoimmune disorder, and there may be genetic and/or environmental factors. The common theory currently is inflammation (in the lungs) happens as a response to a microscopic injury, which leads to scarring.

IPF most commonly affects older adults (50 – 75 years old).

Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis Symptoms:

Unfortunately, IPF symptoms may not appear until the disease has already made some progression. The most common symptom is shortness of breath, also called dyspnea  (some people say “breathlessness”), but many people dismiss this as a result of being out of shape or just part of the aging process. As the disease progresses breathing difficulties can make activities such as dressing and showering difficult. Additional IPF symptoms include rapid weight loss, hacking cough, loss of appetite, fatigue, and chest discomfort.

Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis Treatments:

Currently there is no known cure for IPF. There are currently no FDA-approved therapies to treat IPF, though patients can opt to participate in clinical trials. For some patients, medications can help reduce the inflammation in the lungs. Oxygen therapy, or supplemental oxygen, is often prescribed for people with IPF, and respiratory therapy can be helpful.

Many people live three to five years after being diagnosed with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, and the most common cause of death is respiratory failure. A lung transplant is considered the best option to extend the lives of people with IPF, so it is important to discuss that with your doctor as soon as possible (ideally when the diagnosis is made).

There are also a number of things the individual has control of that can also help those with IPF remain healthier including eating healthy, getting plenty of rest, learning (and practicing!) relaxation techniques, staying active, and connecting with other IPF sufferers. For more information on ways to stay active with IPF, read our blog Staying Active with COPD. Each of these IPF topics can be covered in depth, but my goal here was help you better understand idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.

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DO YOU SELL HANG UPS INVERSION TABLES

We sure do! We actually sell them for the lowest prices around :) ... you can see them here: http://www.activeforever.com/s-285-inversion-tables.aspx

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DO YOU SUPPLY HANG UPS INVERSION TABLES.

Absolutely! We sell a wide variety of inversion tables at the lowest prices (most have FREE SHIPPING too!). Click here: http://www.activeforever.com/s-285-inversion-tables.aspx

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Swim Training Platforms Help Kids Learn to Swim

Summer is here, and nothing says summer quite like the delighted squeals and splashing coming from packed swimming pools all over the country. Signing up for swimming lessons was the official sign of summer for my siblings and me – swimming lessons were a summer tradition throughout our elementary years. The basics of teaching kids to swim haven’t changed much over the decades, but swim training platforms are an innovative way to help kids learn to swim (and one of the best ways to teach toddlers to swim!).

“Swim training platforms” sounds a bit intense, but these platforms for learning to swim are easy to use and becoming an essential for anywhere swimming lessons are taught. The swim lesson platforms are a simple, raised platform (portable) that goes into a swimming pool (they’re designed so they stay at the bottom of the pool and won’t float up) and offers a raised stand for children who aren’t tall enough to reach the bottom of the pool.

I have memories of bouncing on the balls of my feet in the shallow end when I wasn’t quite tall enough to stand flat on my feet as a kid (where were these great platforms then?). These learn to swim platforms give kids the confidence they need in the water from the very beginning.

Swimming lesson platforms are great for all ages, actually. Adults learning to swim need the same confidence (if not more) the learn to swim platforms inspire for children, and the platforms can be used as adult seating (in the water) for anyone needing to slowly become comfortable just being in the swimming pool.

Water aerobics instructors stand on the swimming platforms to be more visible to their classes, and it has numerous water exercise uses.

Physical therapists are using swim teaching platforms in aquatic therapy. Many therapists consider these versatile tools essential for any pool used by people with mobility issues and/or disabilities. While the basic design for these pool platforms is the same there are differences in construction materials, durability, weight capacity, and some feature removable rails.

For smaller budgets, I recommend the Economy Swimming Pool Training Platform. For a more versatile model, the Swim Training Platform has a higher weight capacity, removable railings, and a durable build to last through year-round use for many years. Whichever model you choose, the learn to swim platform is an essential pool accessory for all swimming facilities.

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Staying Active with COPD

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) refers to a group of lung diseases which make it increasingly difficult for COPD sufferers to breathe. Some of the hardest things about living with COPD are limited mobility, tiring easily, and shortness of breath, all of which can make many COPD sufferers feel like being less active in their daily lives. The reality is that keeping active helps you manage your condition better, and some activities can even ease COPD symptoms! What you need to know about maintaining an active lifestyle with COPD:

Stay Fit - Exercise and COPD. Exercise, even small amounts, helps keep your lungs and heart in shape; when those are in shape less oxygen is required to do the activities you enjoy doing. We’re more motivated to do activities we enjoy, so pick activities you actually like doing to stay fit. Some options for staying fit with COPD are gardening, yoga, tai chi, taking a walk, walking around a museum or aquarium, light swimming, and even cooking! If you use oxygen during your daily activities, there are numerous portable oxygen concentrators which are lightweight and compact enough (a COPD favorite is the EverGo Portable Oxygen Concentrator) to go anywhere and allow you to do all your favorite activities.

Pace Yourself. Many COPD sufferers tire easily, so in any activity you are doing it is important to pace yourself. Avoid bursts of energy in any activity – with COPD you want to maintain a moderate, steady pace during any activity so you have energy for the duration. If you push yourself, your breathing increases and with COPD that means you might not be able to continue the activity at all.

Listen to Your Body. It is important to know the signs of a COPD flare-up, and immediately stop any activity when those signs or COPD symptoms appear. This goes along with the tip above – you should pay attention to your body and not push yourself beyond your own physical limitations. Always keep your medicine (and oxygen if applicable) nearby. If you’ve become breathless during an activity, your breathing should return to normal a short period of time after you’ve stopped the activity. If it doesn’t you should consult with your doctor.

Connect With Other COPD Sufferers. The emotional and physical aspects of COPD can be isolating and at times even depressing, so it is important to connect with others also suffering from COPD. Socializing is important to everyone’s mental health, and you’re much more likely to stay committed to activities when you’re committed to helping others do the same. A support network is also important to help you on days when you’re struggling with COPD.

There are days when your COPD symptoms may make staying active more difficult, but other COPD sufferers can tell you from experience maintaining an active lifestyle really does make your COPD easier. By following the tips above you’ll be more physically and mentally fit, and better able to manage your COPD. What do you do to maintain an active lifestyle with COPD? Leave us a comment below!

Related Information:

Is There a Difference Between Pulmonary Fibrosis and COPD Lung Diseases?

PowerLung Helps Those with COPD Improve Lung Capacity

How to Choose the Best Portable Oxygen Concentrator

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Top 5 Urinary Incontinence Myths Exposed

Not having control over your bladder is a topic so taboo in our society many of us won’t even bring it up to our doctors. Due to the taboo nature of loss of bladder control (or “urinary incontinence”), there is a lot of misunderstanding out there so we’re here to set things straight and look at the top 5 myths about urinary incontinence.

Urinary incontinence  is just part of aging. False. Having additional birthdays is an inevitable part of aging, but lack of bladder control (in and of itself) isn’t caused specifically by aging nor is it a “normal part” of aging. This myth may be perpetuated because UI is more common in older adults. Actual causes of urinary incontinence include urinary tract infections, some neurological conditions, pregnancy/childbirth, and some diseases.

Drinking less will improve an over active bladder. False. Urinary incontinence isn’t caused by how much you drink, but decreasing your liquid intake can result in dehydration. Some doctors recommend avoiding caffeine, soda, and juice when you have UI because they irritate the bladder.

Nothing can be done to help treat or cure loss of bladder control. False. Breathe a sigh of relief, because there are treatments for urinary incontinence and surgery isn’t the only option (though it is an option). Potential UI treatments include medication, biofeedback, Kegel exercises, bladder retraining (yes, a real thing), and Botox. Find a doctor who understands this condition and work with them to come up with a treatment plan you feel comfortable with.

Urinary incontinence will go away after a while. False. The old “if I don’t think about it, it doesn’t exist” doesn’t magically rid you of an over active bladder. Whenever you notice changes in your bladder control, you need to see a professional. There are different causes of urinary incontinence, and ignoring your symptoms could lead to more serious medical conditions down the road. If you read the myth above, the treatment options are less intimidating than going to a store and purchasing urinary incontinence products (another reason we love shopping online).

Very few people suffer from loss of bladder control. False. Over active bladder can be a very isolating condition (if you let it) and it isn’t something you hear talked about often so it can make sense that you feel that you’re one of only a few people suffering with UI. The facts: 1 out of 5 people, and 1 out of 3 pregnant women suffer from urinary incontinence. More women than men suffer from UI, but it affects people of every age, race, and gender.

Read this UI myths blog again if you’re still convinced you have to live with urinary incontinence, it is inevitable as you age, and/or you’re in the minority. This is a common, treatable medical condition so don’t wait to go to a doctor, don’t be too embarrassed to tell your doctor your bladder is over active, and work with your doctor to find a successful treatment plan for you. In the meantime, there are numerous urinary incontinence products available on the market to help; you can click here to see a wide variety of urinary incontinence products (at low prices!), and they’ll be shipped discretely to your doorstep.

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Chase and LivingSocial Launch “Mission: Small Business” Grant Program

Chase Bank and LivingSocial are committed to small businesses (Yes, we just snuck in under their definition of a small business). They have instituted a new grant program offering up to $3 million to small business owners nationwide, and awarding $250,000 in grant money to individual businesses. ActiveForever is a big company with a high-touch small business feel. You can Vote for us at www.missionsmallbusiness.com. Please Vote for us! Here's how to do it... Visit https://www.missionsmallbusiness.com Click on "Login & Support" A window will pop-up, asking you to Login to Facebook. Click the Login button. It will say $5 is added, go to the bottom of the page (NOT the Facebook page) to search for the business name "ActiveForever" Choose the State (Arizona) and City (Scottsdale). Click the Blue Vote button next to the address on the right side to finish voting. That's it! It's that simple!

From the BusinessWire Press Release... “Small businesses are the economic engine of this country, and LivingSocial’s goal is to help energize their connections with people seeking new and exciting experiences in their communities,” said Tim O’Shaughnessy, LivingSocial CEO and Co-founder. “We’re proud to be supporting the ‘Mission: Small Business’ program to help small business owners grow and become the next great American success stories.” Grant recipients will be selected by a panel of small business experts who have agreed to participate including:

    Steve Case, entrepreneur and co-founder of AOL; CEO, Revolution LLC

    Candace Nelson, founder of Sprinkles Cupcakes

    Jason Calacanis, CEO, Mahalo.com

    David Chavern, executive vice president and chief operating officer, U.S. Chamber of   Commerce

    Richard Quigley, president, Business Card, Chase

    Tim O’Shaughnessy, CEO and co-founder of LivingSocial

“Small businesses embody the spirit of innovation and they are the lifeblood of our economy,” said David Chavern, U.S. Chamber executive vice president and chief operating officer. “We’re proud to work with Chase and LivingSocial to equip entrepreneurs across the country with valuable tools and resources they need to market and grow their businesses.” We'd love and appreciate your vote! The final day of voting is June 30, 2012.

posted by Barry Johnson

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Baby Boomers In Worse Health Than Their Parents & Previous Generations?

Several years ago research began to emerge (and gain media attention) that the Baby Boomer generation is in worse health than previous generations, and as the American obesity epidemic continues those health trends don’t appear to be changing. Today’s Boomers are more educated than previous generations, so why is the Boomer generation unhealthier than their parents?

Researchers do give credit where it is due, and they’ve found the Boomer generation is more healthy in some ways such as not smoking, but then are also more likely to report having difficulties getting up from chairs, going up stairs, etc.

Research suggests there are several reasons today’s aging population is suffering from health issues at a rate worse than previous generations did:

Boomers are less physically active than their parents. Yes, today’s Boomers own gym memberships en masse, but our average daily activities including sitting at a desk job all day and commuting in the car (for longer periods of time than previous generations) between work and home.

These are generations of processed foods. Previous generations of Americans may have worried less about caloric intake or types of fats, but they ate less processed foods.

STRESS! Yes, aging Americans today face more financial concerns (especially regarding retirement), job insecurity, and the more recent emergence of the Sandwich generation which is responsible for being a caregiver to their parents and their own children. All of these and more add up to a lot of stress for Baby Boomers, and that stress is linked to the increase in heart disease, obesity, and other health concerns.

Obesity isn’t an issue only relevant to Boomers; two thirds of all Americans are overweight. We could write a whole other blog (ok, whole books have been written on it) on the “why” so many of us are obese, but for now let’s just explore the health issues. Everything from diabetes and heart disease to arthritis is affected by obesity (which was less prevalent in previous generations).

Awareness is the first step. With the knowledge of how today’s aging population “stacks up” to those in the past, you also know what you can change to make a positive lifestyle difference that will allow you to age as healthier person. Eating right and exercise are keys to a healthy lifestyle. Baby Boomers can revolt against the current health trend to become a more healthy aging population than their parents.

Related blogs: Are Baby Boomers More Susceptible to Obesity Health Risks?

Written by Kate Harvey

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Balance Exercises to Help Prevent Falls

Did you know that your balance starts to decline at the ripe age of 25, and 1 in 3 people aged 65 years or older fall doing normal daily living activities? When the elderly fall the injuries are usually much more serious (often breaking a hip) and significantly affects their future independence. Despite these grim statistics, all adults can improve their balance through simple exercises and decrease their risk of falls.

In general, “strengthening your buttocks, quadriceps, and hamstrings goes a long way in improving balance” (U.S. News & World Report). If you don’t already have an exercise program, talk with your doctor about your desire to start one to increase your balance, and (with your doctor’s approval) start exercising slowly and gently.

Some of the more common exercises recommended for better balance to prevent falls are seated leg raises and ankle rotations. Weak ankles can significantly increase your risk of falling, according to the American Council on Exercise. Move up to chair squats and balancing while standing on only one foot (closing your eyes increases the difficulty of the exercise). For other ideas on balance exercise, click here.

While yoga can be a great way to improve your balance, research has found Pilates and (especially) tai chi are more effective ways for older adults to improve balance to prevent falls. I have an elderly family member who has been taking tai chi classes at the local VA, and not only has his gait improved he also has been able to decrease the amount of oxygen he needs on a daily basis through his oxygen concentrator (!).

For seniors who aren’t comfortable standing to do balance exercises or tai chi, there is an excellent seated tai chi DVD that adapts traditional standing tai chi poses to chair exercises so anyone can do them. This can be a great way for caregivers or family members to do an activity with an older loved one (there’s no age minimum on tai chi chair exercises). For seniors able to exercise standing, there are numerous places which offer tai chi classes (try your local senior center) and give you the chance to improve your balance while making new friends.

If you’re not elderly you may not think fall prevention applies to you, but improving your balance is vital at any age. Whatever age you begin balance improvement exercises, continuing to do them as you age will provide you with decreased risks of falls as you age.

Written by Kate Harvey

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What is the Difference Between a Transport Chair and a Wheelchair?

When you enter the world of medical supplies you suddenly encounter a new vocabulary, and attempting to match the variety of products available on the market to the correct terminology can be confusing. We are frequently asked if wheelchairs and transport chairs are the same thing. Both are mobility aids and allow people with limited mobility greater independence but transport chairs and wheelchairs are two different types of medical equipment.

The key difference is that a manual wheelchair can be self-propelled by the user or pushed by a companion, while the only mobility option with a transfer chair is to be pushed by a companion.

A transport chair has smaller wheels, and the wheel size prevents the user from self-propelling the chair. On average, transport chairs weigh less than wheelchairs. Transport chairs are compact and often fold for easy storage and transport. The features of the transport chair make it ideal for travel, occasional use, and short trips (great for use in church, airport, mall, hospital, etc.). If a patient requires close supervision a transport chair is ideal.

A wheelchair has smaller wheels in the front casters and much larger rear wheels. There is a rim around the larger wheels which allows the user to self-propel the manual wheelchair. The larger wheels also offer more stability, and make the wheelchair easier to use on outdoors terrain than a transport chair. Wheelchairs work well for frequent and everyday use. The larger wheels contribute to the wheelchair weighing more than a transport chair, but there are lightweight wheelchairs as well as those that fold for easier transport. Independent users will appreciate that wheelchairs offer more features and sizes for a custom fit (where most transport chairs offer a more universal design).

If you are in a store and the sales person uses “transport chair” and “wheelchair” to explain the same product, ask for clarification about whether the product can be used independently by the user (and you’ll have the added benefit of knowing exactly what you’re talking about!).

  Written by Kate Harvey

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How to Treat Erectile Dysfunction Without Drugs

While not something most men want to discuss, the topic of erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common one and has launched itself into our living rooms with commercials promising Viagra (and other pills) as the ultimate ED treatment. Like any medication, drug treatments for erectile dysfunction have side effects and don’t work at all for approximately 30% of the men who try them. There are several natural ways to treat ED, and treating erectile dysfunction without drugs means you won’t have to worry about the possibility of a painful erection lasting four hours or longer (one of the potential side effects of ED drugs).

Penis pump

Austin Powers movies (and numerous comedy skits) made fun of them, but erectile vacuum devices (the pc name for the penis pump) are one of the most popular natural treatments for erectile dysfunction. An erectile vacuum works by pumping the air out of a tube (that the penis is placed into) to create a “vacuum,” which then brings blood into the penis shaft and causes it to swell into an erection. After removing the penis from the penis pump, a band is placed at the base of the penis to maintain the erection.

Using an erectile vacuum doesn’t allow for spontaneous sex, but creative couples report integrating their penis pumps into sexual foreplay as a fun solution to that “problem.” There are a variety of penis pumps on the market though the Encore erection devices remain the most popular choice of vacuum erection devices for their superior quality and ease of use.

Herbs

Some people disregard herbs for ED as a marketing scam, but clinical research studies have found herbs can help men with impotence issues. Some of the most popular herbs on the market for treating erectile dysfunction are yohimbe and ginkgo biloba. Some ED herbs (such as MD Science Lab Max Size ® Male Enhancement Supplements) can be used in combination with penis pumps. Note that if you take any prescription drug(s), have heart disease, high blood pressure, or another medical issue, you should consult with your doctor before taking herbal supplements for erectile dysfunction.

Acupuncture

When talking about erection issues, the last treatment suggestion men want to hear about is one that involves needles. You’ll be relieved to know the needles (which are small and painless) aren’t placed in the groin area at all, but in other places on your body (often the back and extremities) which eastern medicine says correlate to healing erectile dysfunction. In a study on the effectiveness of acupuncture to treat ED, Australian researchers found it was beneficial (some study participants even reported being “cured”).

Weight Loss

Overweight men may be more prone to erectile dysfunction, and the common explanation is the decrease in testosterone which occurs when a man is overweight. The issue is reversible, and when men lose weight the testosterone production increases again which can help or even end impotence.

Written by Kate Harvey