It's not what you push...It's what pushes you!

Monthly Archives: January 2018

Amazing Must Know Tips When Traveling with Your Wheelchair

Amazing Must Know Tips When Traveling with Your WheelchairBeing user of a wheelchair for mobility should not take away your love of traveling. You will be required to plan ahead, that may seem a workload but then the fun and adventures awaiting you are worth the effort. So get ready with your wheelchair stress-free.

Avoid last-minute rush

Be an early bird; book your flights ahead of time to avoid last-minute rushes. Also on the actual day of traveling arrive at the airport early. You do not want to race around the airport knocking people and objects in your wheelchair. Most airports require traveler to be at the airport an hour of departure, keep this in mind. Keep time, it will help you start your journey on a calm note.

Have your Wheelchair Checked Up

Schedule a check-up with your wheelchair technician before you travel. Ensure your wheelchair is in perfect shape for the trip. If you use a battery run wheelchair check the condition of the batteries and replace them if necessary. Continue reading

A Review on the Invacare Tracer IV Cushion Wheelchair Product

Invacare Tracer IV Heavy Duty WheelchairThe Invacare Tracer IV Wheelchair is a heavy duty wheelchair. The reinforced frame is built for strength and durability. If you count yourself active then this is your ideal wheelchair.

The Tracer offers high level roll ability and a streamlined look that gives it a stylish look. Its arms are adjustable, they are detachable.

The Invacare Tracer IV Custom Features

  • Reinforced heavy duty frame for sturdiness and durability
  • Upholstery include heavy duty liners keeps user from stretching
  • Dual Sealed bearings for maximum roll ability
  • Urethane rear tires mounted on no flex wheels gives optimum performance
  • Dual axle positioning enables you to adjust seat-to-floor heights

The Pros and Cons of the Invacare Tracer IV Custom Continue reading

An Ultimate Guide to Walking Stick Handles

Walking Stick HandlesWalking sticks are what carry your weight and help you move around, but their handles are what comes into contact with the palms of your hands and are where all the friction if any and all the sweaty, slippery reality of using the walking stick is found. Walking sticks are basically made of wood or aluminum. the following guidelines will help you make an appropriate choice of a walking stick handle that is best suited for you.

The Swan-Shaped Handle

As the name suggests, this type of walking stick handle is curved in the shape of a swan. The shape ensures that all the weight is kept on the shaft of the walking stick. It increases stability and helps ensure the user maintains a good posture since the stick will be kept straight rather than at an angle.

Straight T Shaped Handle

This is the most known walking stick handle shape. With this in your hand, you have the control. You can easily get a steady grip by wrapping your thumb around the front side of the handle and resting your weight on the top of the walking stick for comfort. It is an ideal choice for you if you are not looking for heavy weight support but rather lightweight support.

Derby Handles

This a more curved version of the T shaped walking stick handle. It gives the same option of gripping and support, the only difference is that it can be hung over the arm when not in use. This allows you to free your hands and dig both hands in other tasks until when you need to move again. A hook in your office or at home will be put to good use whenever you do not need this walking.

Ergonomic and an Atomic Grip Handles

If every step with your walking stick is a painful or deal then you need this kind of walking stick handle. Its shape follows the natural contour of the palm of your hand. It spreads your weight evenly across your hand’s pressure points. Painful wrists, painful stiff arthritic hands should not bother you anymore.

Conclusion

Having to rely on disability aids and products should not be at the expense of your comfort. When making walking stick handle choices consider how often you use them and how comfortable you will be walking or working with them.

Clean your Wheelchair Cushion to Prolong its Lifespan

Clean Wheelchair CushionCleaning and examining your wheelchair cushion is a straightforward process which when performed every week, helps to keep your seat cushion fresh and clean and help to improve its useful lifespan.

Prior to taking out your cushion, make sure you know its precise position and location in the chair to ensure that it could be put back in its correct position. Should you have any concerns for correct cushion placement, consult your therapist.

Wheelchair Cushion Features

The majority of cushions include a cover with either a zipper or a Velcro closure. After the cover is taken off, you should be able to clean it in a washer. Be sure to use a warm/cold and delicate cycle with gentle soap and no bleach. The covers can be air tumble dried to prevent any harm from the heat. Many industrial dryers become too hot for cushion cover material and can result in damage.

Fluid-filled and gel cushionsWash with soap and water. Rinse off. Towel dry.

Stretchy Matrix or Honeycomb Cushions: These are made to be easily cleaned. They come with a washing bag in which they are machine laundered followed by a tumble dry.

Open Cell Foam Cushions: Any kind of liquid can damage these. A number of covers safeguard the foam from dampers, however, if your foam cushion becomes wet, try out the following Continue reading

Invacare Tracer EX2 Deluxe Product – A Critical Review!

Invacare IVC Tracer EX2 Wheelchair - Critical ReviewThe Invacare Tracer EX2 Deluxe is built with a durable frame that makes it a high quality standard chair. It presents unique features not found on any other wheelchair in the market including a hemi seat-to-floor height an ideal feature for those users who prefer propelling with their feet. It also offers a full range of accessories that will enhance your comfort. It basically sets the standard of manual wheelchairs.

The hand rims have 8″ solid rubber casters and the arm pads are padded for optimum comfort. It also has wheel locks which ensure you do not tip over during transfers. the upholstery is easy to clean black vinyl; these combined with the option to adjust the arm rest lengths to either desk length or full length to suit both home and office use make it a standard wheelchair.

The Invacare Tracer has a weight capacity of 250 lbs. You can comfortably ride this chair confident that your weight is perfectly supported. It can be easily folded making it easy to transport.

The Invacare Tracer EX2 Deluxe features include the following;

  • 14-guage cross braces for more strength and durability
  • Dual-embossed upholstery which does not easily stretch and tear
  • 13″ width foldable for travel and easy storage
  • Seat can be adjusted to 17.5″ and has a hemi option
  • Dual axles and adjustable, removable arm rests and leg rests
  • Weight capacity of 250 lbs

The Pros and cons of the Invacare Tracer EX2 Deluxe Continue reading

Fast Ways to Update the Look of Your Wheelchair

Fast Ways to Update the Look of Your WheelchairHave you shopped around for a wheelchair found the perfect wheelchair with amazing features but with only one fault – it has a dull color or does not look pretty enough? You can easily change the look of your chair by decorating it and making it an eye catcher by adding the following simple decorations.

The Color of the Cushions

Choosing colorful fun fabrics for your cushion covers will add color to your wheelchair and brightens your day. A range of fabrics is available in vast colors to chose from. You will be happy riding a wheelchair that is ‘wearing’ your favorite colors all day. It is easy to transform your chair from a gloomy dark look to a bright shining chair.

Stickers and Patches

Get your favorite rock band, sports team or even word stickers on your wheelchair. It will make you enjoy your ride as you look cool. The stickers are readily available in most art and craft stores and stationery stores. Continue reading

A Guide To Weight Loss For Wheelchair Users

A Guide To Weight Loss For Wheelchair UsersWheelchair users often find that it’s difficult to lose weight due to fewer calories expended through physical activity. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 36% of adults with disabilities are overweight, while 22% of children with disabilities are overweight. Physical limitations, pain, and lack of energy are some of the challenges that wheelchair users face which result in weight gain. This is a problem especially for men who would like to build muscle and develop upper body strength for improved strength and mobility. The good news is that there are a few simple things that you can do to help you lose weight even if you’re in a wheelchair full time. Here’s a guide to weight loss for wheelchair users.

Increase your fruit and vegetable intake

Weight loss products can control your weight, but in addition to supplements, you should also increase your fruit and vegetable intake to get rid of fat and be at a healthy weight. As men tend to gain weight around the belly, doing certain changes to improve your diet can help to avoid having a big belly which can be a source of discomfort when you’re in a wheelchair. Some of the most weight-loss friendly foods that you need to consume include leafy greens such as kale and spinach, cruciferous veggies like broccoli and cauliflower, potatoes, beans, and legumes. Fruits such as avocados and grapefruits can also contribute to weight loss and may even help to prevent chronic diseases. Continue reading

Safety Tips when using your Wheelchair

Safety Tips when using your WheelchairSafety should come first for any wheelchair user. It does not matter if you are a pro user or are still a learner, in both instances safety still comes first. Your safety will depend on how you handle your chair and above all how you maintain it.

Slipping

Most of wheelchair accidents are caused by slipping. To avoid slipping ensure that you always inspect your tires. Treat the tires of your wheelchair the same way you treat your car tires. Check your tires treat and replace if they are worn out. Monitor the chair levels and have them filled to the correct amount.

Learn the tricks

Using a wheelchair like a hobby, it gets better with time. A new user is more likely to get an accident as compared to an experienced rider. To stay safe in your chair make sure your caster wheels are facing straight forward when transferring in to your wheelchair.

Cuts and bruises

Wheelchair accidents are not limited to falls from tipping over only. You may sustain cuts or bruises from the edges of your hand rims while propelling the wheelchair. Inspect the edges of the rims for any rough, jagged edges. Protect your hands from the risk of cuts by wearing a protective glove. Continue reading

Increase Your Wheelchair use Independence – Find out How

Wheelchair use IndependenceIt is a fact that wheelchair users find themselves in this situation against their wish. The thought of having to depend on a wheelchair to move may be freaking you out. Depending on assistance to move from one destination to another may be freaking you out even more. Designers of wheelchairs have incorporated accessories and products that will enhance your independence and convenience while using your chair. After finally deciding on the wheelchair to buy, consider buying the following accessories they will make your world a lot more the same as before.

Lifting Devices

Getting up and sitting down is a natural thing for any individual, but not for most wheelchair users. The availability of lifting devices allows you to lift yourself without any assistance. An assist rail is one of the lifting devices that are helpful. It is usually placed on a couch; chair or recliners to enable you to sit and stand easily. There are several types available and all are designed to make it more convenient and easy for you.

Ramp

Most doorways will give you a hard time when riding your wheelchair. Investing in a ramp will guarantee your independence at climbing and descending steps at doorways. You will not have to worry about relying on assistance from a caretaker or even a kind stranger. Continue reading

TiLite TRA Rigid Titanium Wheelchair Product Review

TiLite TRA Rigid Titanium WheelchairAs the name suggests this is a rigid wheelchair built for comfort and performance. A combination of adjustability and its dual tube frame presents a wheelchair that you will find perfect for your mobility needs.

The chair’s frame is curved out of titanium; titanium is one of the  strongest metals that exist on the face of the earth, breaking or bending of this frame is therefore completely out of question. The guarantee of rigidity makes it one of your first choices of wheelchairs to settle for when considering buying a performer.

The TiLite is built for speed and accuracy. Precision has been given priority in the design of this wheelchair. This has been enhanced by the speed loader caster that enables you to adjust the load angle accurately yet fast enough.

The TiLite TRA Rigid Titanium Wheelchair has the following features:

  • Adjustable Rigid Chair
  • Vertical and Horizontal center of gravity adjustment
  • Adjustable camber tube with a standard clamp
  • Forks, Frog leg suspensions also available
  • Standard front frame angles, 70, 80 and 85 degrees
  • Rear wheels 22, 24, 25, 26, 27 inch spoke wheels
  • Adjustable caster angles, rear seat height, back rest, foot rest and camber tube heights.
  • Seat depths and widths are available in one inch increments from 12 to 20 inches.
  • Velcro upholstery adjustable and padded nylon sail clothe
  • Tension strap with adjustable upholstery is optional
  • Combines wheel locks of Uni-lock or under seat scissors lock
  • Rear wheel camber
  • Chair weight of less than 15 pound with wheels

Continue reading