Rehabmart.com : Tools for the Job of Living - A blog to help you make better decisions about selecting medical products

Patient Transfer Systems...No Lifting Required!

Tue, 7 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Patient Transfer Systems...No Lifting Required!

When does the caregiver become the patient? When she injures herself in the lifting of a patient. Statistics reveal that nursing personnel are among the leaders in the labor force for lower back injury compensation claims, with most of these injuries linked to patient-lifting tasks. At the same time, the patient being lifted is in danger of arm and brachial plexus types of injuries, along with shoulder and back injuries as well. Now you can leave all of that dangerous heavy lifting in the past, and embrace the innovation and ease of the future with a BeasyTrans Easy Transfer System from Rehabmart.

The BeasyTrans Easy Transfer Systems provide an upright and dignified lateral slide, rather than any type of lift transfer, placing the user on a safe, stable seat. As the seat glides easily across the base of the system, the friction caused by movement is absorbed by the system and not the user's skin, eliminating tissue breakdown. And for caregivers, no-lift transferring means no more lift related injuries. Strains and slipped discs are a thing of the past when you simply guide and glide your patient into place.

The The Original Beasy Transfer System is perfect for car and vehicle transfers, as the longer 40 inch length accommodates transfers in areas where space is not an issue. This model is also very helpful in boosting or repositioning patients while they are in bed.

The BeasyGlyder Transfer System is an ideal solution for those situations when the arm of the wheelchair is not removable, or the wheel is an obstacle. The 32 inch crescent shape also supports the caregiver's natural transferring motion.

The Beasy II Transfer System is great for small areas, especially bathroom transfers. At 27.5 inches, this system is often used for independent transfers, when the attending professional approves. This is also a popular model for boosting patients when they are in bed.

The design of the Original BeasyTrans, the BeasyGlyder and the Beasy II make it possible to apply this gliding transfer technology to a wide range of transfer and therapeutic functions in both the clinical and home environments. For example, a bed to gurney supine transfer of a patient is typically a very difficult and often injury-incurring task. But with strategic placement of the Beasy seat under a draw sheet, a minimum number of caregivers can now easily perform this task, without any lifting. And because the seat rotates a full 360 degrees on the base, these systems can also be used for range-of-motion exercises for the hands and feet, or other body parts as seen appropriate by the medical professional.

All three models are manufactured of ultra strong polymers and among the toughest plastics known to man. These transfer systems have a listed weight capacity of 400 pounds and have been stress tested to over 1,100 pounds in laboratories without breakage. The track guard on the underside of the track helps to keep 'egg crate' and other soft cushioning systems from invading the track and obstructing the movement of the seat. The frictionless, lateral slide of the BeasyTrans Easy Transfer Systems is the ultimate in patient transfer...for both the patient and the caregiver. Say goodbye to the lifting and injury of past transfer systems, and say hello to the ease and comfort of the guide and slide transfer method instead!

Carol Koenigsknecht,
Medical Consumer Editor
Content & Social Media Services
and
Hulet Smith, OT
Rehabmart Team Leader & CEO

Super Bowl Weekend and the Injuries It Leaves Behind

Sun, 5 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Super Bowl Weekend ...and the Injuries It Leaves Behind

We all know what Super Bowl weekend means, a visit to the emergency room of the nearest hospital! This is the long weekend where usually out-of-shape people of all ages, mostly guys, get together at a yearly ritual to eat, drink, and be merry in celebration of the last two teams standing at the pinnacle of competition in the National Football League. Football is one sport that most North American men have played one time or another in their lives, either playing backyard football with some neighborhood friends or with an organized team from school.

Most times when you mix the camaraderie of guys, food and adult beverages, the stimulus of a giant football event, several days of pre-partying, and the hours of extra time on Super Bowl day waiting until the game starts, the result will be a recipe for a momentary lapse of reasoning. Most guys like sports and most have played sports sometime during their lives, and all have had delusions of grandeur of being the best in their sport. Even if this delusion was just for one quick moment, it is something that is always remembered.

Some of the best memories for many men involve sports. A great leaping catch of the football, landing stretched out with only their toes dragging in the field of play as they flopped down in a mud puddle and slid 10 feet to a stop. Or the time when they connected with that ball, feeling the meshing of the ball and bat for a very brief moment when both objects seemed to become one, not feeling the usual jarring vibration of the wooden bat hitting the ball, surprisingly watching the ball take flight over the fence. Or the time during those games when you just knew the ball was going into the net even before it left the tips of your fingers, every time and every way you shot the ball that day it would be nothing but net.

So what happens when these fond memories are combined with adult beverages, hours of time to fill, aging bodies and a party-like football atmosphere? A pre-Super Bowl pick-up football game between the 'Weekend Warriors' and the 'Mid-Life Cruisers' in the backyard between the keg of beer and the grill! As Murphy and his law suggests, something will go wrong and some unlucky couple will end up in the emergency room with some type of injury to the wide-body wide receiver or the rotund runningback of the BYFPL, or the BackYard Football Party League.

After the party has ended, the food put away, the living room cleaned and the walking wounded have returned from the hospital, Rehabmart can help with the healing of the after-party injures. Starting at the bottom of the fragile body of the backyard gridiron star we begin with one of the most injured areas of the out-of-shape sport warrior, the Achilles tendon.

The Bauerfeind AchilloTrain Pro Achilles Tendon Ankle Support is a knitted ankle support with a knobbed viscoelastic insert placed alongside the Achilles tendon. This extremely comfortable ankle support is made with a breathable and lightweight anatomical knit that will not retain heat while the soft, proprioceptive stimulating nodules along the longitudinal grooves massage the upper tendon and muscle-tendon transition to accelerate the healing process.

It has been said that for professional sports athletes, the knees are the first to go. For the non-professional BackYard Football Party League semi-semi-athlete, the knees are sure to go. When this happens, a Hinged Knee with Buttress Pad may come in handy. The 'hinged stay' is to prevent the damaged hyperextended knee from extending anymore so it can help keep the pain to a minimum and heal more quickly. The leather covering the medial and lateral aluminum hinges adds support and protection. The removable interior felt buttress pad with hook attachment helps provide lateral, medial, superior and inferior patellar support.

Trying to go back to recapture the feeling of running a post-pattern and diving in for a touchdown can also presently capture a physical pain in the back. When this happens, the Bauerfeind LordoLoc Back Support may help you get back to the future of a healthier back. This breathable and lightweight elastic back support is designed to help stabilize the spine and relieve lower back pain and the agony of defeat. The four 9 inch flexible, stainless steel stays can be adapted individually to provide the most excellent stabilizing orthosis for the lower spine and the transitional lumbosacral vertebrae.

During the pre-Super Bowl back-yard game, just as sure as the sun will rise and a woodchuck will chew on some wood, some players will hit the ground and when they do they will sometimes throw out their arms so they won't be hitting the surface face first. Good idea but sometimes the best laid plans of mice and football men go awry. When this happens Rehabmart can offer the Liberty Leather D-Ring Wrist and Thumb Splint. This soft, pliable leather splint has inch padding and a soft, fleece-like lining which helps keep the skin dry and comfortable. A wide wrist strap provides additional support to the thumb and wrist while the metal radial thumb stay, the metal removable volar wrist stay and the flexible plastic stay along the dorsal opening will provide greater immobilization.

Playing organized football, a person is taught to tackle by hitting the opponent with the shoulders and wrapping them up with the arms. In back-yard football this should be more of a theory than reality. The Mueller Shoulder Brace can be very helpful for the after-tackle injuries. This brace has a rear attachment that creates a downward pull and backward pressure on the shoulder to help reduce subluxation of the Acromioclavicular joint, or AC joint.

The best thing to do for just about any muscular injury is the application of cold and heat. The Elasto-Gel Therapy Wraps can be used either hot or cold and will retain temperatures for 20-30 minutes. These flexible gel wraps come with a 4-way stretch material which means they can conform to any shape of the body to allow maximum conformity, heat transfer and comfort. This beats having a cold and uncomfortable ice-filled plastic zip-lock bag dripping on you while simultaneously inflicting frostbite on the injured area.

Football is fun. I love watching it and I enjoyed playing it when I was younger, as many guys do too. A problem arises when the male ego is taunted by the multiple hours' of consuming party favors which usually leads to the temporary denial of age and maturity, combined with a primal personal sport memory and a curtailed common sense. This type of thinking can lead to a plethora of injury possibilities. It is often stated that youth is wasted on the young, but during Super Bowl weekend, the wisdom of age is often wasted by trying to be a youth while not being young.

We at Rehabmart hope you enjoyed the Super Bowl and had a great and safe time, but if the ghost of Red Grange called and you felt obligated to play one more time for The Gipper, we are also here to help you recover, if not your dignity, at least from your physical injuries.

Bill Stock
Executive Editor,
Content & Social Media Services
and
Hulet Smith, OT
Rehabmart Team Leader & CEO

February is American Heart Month

Sat, 4 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT

February is American Heart Month

"In acknowledgment of the importance of the ongoing fight against cardiovascular disease, the Congress, by Joint Resolution approved December 30, 1963, as amended (77 Stat. 843; 36 U.S.C. 101), has requested that the President issue an annual proclamation designating February as "American Heart Month." NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim February 2012 as American Heart Month, and I invite all Americans to participate in National Wear Red Day on February 3, 2012. I also invite the Governors of the States, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, officials of other areas subject to the jurisdiction of the United States, and the American people to join me in recognizing and reaffirming our commitment to fighting cardiovascular disease." Presidential Proclamation, January 31, 2012

American Heart Month, sponsored by the American Heart Association, is a time to educate Americans on what we can all do to live heart-healthy lives. Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men and women in the USA. Heart disease kills an estimated 630,000 Americans every year. The most common type of heart disease in the USA is coronary artery disease (CAD), which can lead to a heart attack. Like most heart disease, you can greatly reduce your risk for CAD through lifestyle changes. In some cases, medication might be required.

Although risk factors increase for men 45 or older, and for women 55 or older, many risk factors for heart disease are controllable and preventable. Losing weight, quitting smoking, no, low or moderate alcohol consumption, proper diet, activity and exercise, managing stress and achieving a happier outlook on life can all greatly reduce your risk for developing heart disease, and can enhance a healthier and happier lifestyle all the way around. Getting regular exams at the doctor and 'knowing your numbers' is another great way to keep informed and aware about your own health. High blood pressure and cholesterol levels can cause heart disease, so talk to your doctor about your own numbers to make sure your cardiovascular system is doing well.

One simple way to take a healthier step toward a healthy heart is to pedal instead...without leaving your seat! Whether you're sitting in an armchair or a wheelchair, now you can pedal your way toward cardiovascular fitness with The Pedlar from Rehabmart. Fully assembled right out of the box, this convenient portable exerciser couldn't make it any easier for you to start increasing strength, cardiovascular function, range of motion and endurance.

The smooth and easy pedaling doesn't jar painful arthritic joints while resistance can be adjusted to your own personal comfort and skill level. The changing weather is no concern, you can 'ride' this bike indoors, from the comfort of your own seat! The sturdy steel frame and durable chrome finish will stand up to years of hard and heavy use. Another great feature of The Pedlar is that you can also pedal with your hands and arms to get an upper body workout.

Celebrate American Heart Month by issuing your own proclamation. Proclaim to get yourself in better shape this year by eating healthier, staying happier and exercising more. No matter what blocks to mobility you may have experienced in the past, you can now enjoy a healthier heart and cardiovascular system by bringing more movement into your life and Rehabmart would like to assist you with your healthy heart endeavors with a great selection of cardiovascular exercise equipment at the Cardio Exercise Equipment page.

Carol Koenigsknecht, Medical Consumer Writer
and
Hulet Smith, OT
Rehabmart Team Leader & CEO

Regain Your Mealtime Independence with Freedom Dinnerware

Fri, 3 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Regain Your Mealtime Independence with Freedom Dinnerware

When someone is experiencing a physical or mental health condition that limits movement or mobility, finding ways to be more independent without help becomes very important. A sense of independence helps one to feel stronger, more capable and to find a much more positive outlook on life. Being able to eat and drink independently facilitates a more enjoyable mealtime, and fosters a better sense of autonomy and self-reliance. Adaptive tableware can help all kinds of folks to regain their independence at mealtime, including those with Parkinson's, Huntington's, cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, multiple sclerosis, autism, paralysis, stroke, arthritis, spasticity, tremors and any other conditions that cause uncontrolled movement and disabilities which restrict the hand movement necessary for eating and drinking independently.

While there are many different choices for adaptive tableware on the market, Freedom Dinnerware which is offered by Rehabmart, has definitively become the most popular choice for the disabled and special needs community worldwide. They did the research and testing necessary to insure that their adaptive dishes, plates and cup holders truly do what they were designed to do...stay firmly in place to make mealtime easier for adults and children with disabilities. Their patented vacuum base system has a wider surface area which allows the base to stick to any flat, smooth and clean surface with greater strength, and the dishes simply screw into this base, like putting a lid on a jar, creating a tight, secure and non-slip dish. It won't move until you're ready to move it!

All of the Freedom Dinnerware products are available in a neutral color which will perfectly match any dcor. They are also completely dishwasher and microwave safe, except for the vacuum bases. Additionally, this tableware is offered in different sizes and quantities, so you can mix and match and get exactly what you need for your own individual purposes. Constructed of highly durable plastic, all of the Freedom Dinnerware products are virtually indestructible. Special contours are specifically designed into each bowl, cup or plate to provide just the right angle for easy eating and drinking, and to guard against food slipping out of them.

The Freedom Dinnerware variety includes the four and a half inch Dessert Bowl, the six inch Soup Bowl, and the eight inch Snack Bowl. All come complete with their individual Freedom Vacuum bases. The Dessert Bowl is big enough to accommodate a four ounce container of ice cream, while the Soup bowl can hold a whole fifteen ounce can of soup. The Snack Bowl features high sides that will hold a large variety of your favorite snacks. Hit them! Push them! Bump them! They won't tip over or move, until you're ready to move them.

The Scoop Plate with Suction Pad encourages easier scooping by one edge being deeper than the other. This scoop plate is perfect for soups and foods with liquid content. The Divided Plate with Suction Pad helps keep individual food items separate with its three compartments. This is especially helpful for children (and adults) who don't like their different foods to touch each other.

For ease of drinking at a table, or while stationary, we recommend either the Regular Cupholder with Suction Pad, or the Large Cupholder with Suction Pad. The regular size holds six to sixteen ounces of liquid, while the large size holds sixteen to forty-six ounces. Both cups screw into their suction-vacuum pad to stay firmly in place when in use, and then fold flat for easy storage when not in use. Both are perfect to use on wheelchair trays, over-the-bed tables and any table tops.

For those on the go in wheelchairs, try the Large Cup Holder with Square Wheelchair Attachment, or the Large Cup Holder with Round Wheelchair Attachment. Whether your wheelchair is a square tube chair, or a round tube chair, Freedom Dinnerware has got you covered with a cup holder that will keep your drink held securely in place. This device easily attaches to either kind of chair, without having to use screws in the frame. Simply fold the door down and adjust the arms from sixteen ounces to forty six ounces to open the holder and insert your cup. The patented internal support leg prevents accidental closure, and the door closes flat to only one inch thickness to go through doorways and tight spaces, hassle-free.

Freedom Dinnerware's non-skid, no-spill suction vacuum pads and extended rims, built-in dividers and special scoop angles provide effective solutions to eating independence. The high quality industrial-grade plastic construction won't crack, chip or break and will stand up to the toughest use. Find the autonomy you've been looking for by liberating yourself at mealtime with the ability to feed yourself. Freedom has never tasted so good!

Carol Koenigsknecht, Medical Consumer Writer
and
Hulet Smith, OT
Rehabmart Team Leader & CEO

KayserBetten Secure Sleep Systems Hospital Beds

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT

KayserBetten Secure Sleep Systems Hospital Beds

Parenting is hard, no question about it. There are many facets of parenting, each one with its own sets and subsets of responsibility and concern. Making sure that a child gets enough restful sleep is one major concern for the health of both the child and parents. If a child cannot sleep throughout the night due to minor ailments or bad dreams, the parents are also usually up and sleep deprived too.

Parents of children with medical conditions such as cerebral palsy sleep even less due to the worry over their child losing control of their body and falling out of bed, or thrashing against the wall. The worry and concern can be exhausting for parents and children, and the lack of restful sleep can snowball and affect the welfare of the entire family structure.

Every parent wants to do what is best for their children and preventing a child from becoming a danger to himself at night due to his medical or psychological condition can become a nerve- wracking experience. In the past parents may have surrounded the child with pillows or cushions, or had the child sleep on a mattress on the floor, or even physically restrained the child with arm and leg restraints. These were the options in 1978 for some friends of Peter Kayser, the creator of the KayserBetten Secure Sleep Systems. The friend asked Peter if he could make a special bed for his son, Robert, who was suffering from cerebral palsy. Robert had become completely out of control, becoming a danger to himself, keeping his parents on edge with concern and fear for his safety due to Robert's cerebral palsy. The KayserBetten team took up the challenge and created a highly durable bed for Robert that was enclosed in high wooden bars and kept Robert safe from major harm to himself, while at the same time giving the caregiver a way to easily remove the bars to tend to Robert. Both Robert and his parents loved the bed and the whole family was now able to sleep through the entire night, creating a more healthy and happy atmosphere.

It all started in the 1960s when Peter Kayser, a timber merchant from Germany, had a notion of making solid wood furniture for children. Most of the children's furniture at that time was made of metal. The warmth, texture, and smoothness of the specially treated wood furniture designed by KayserBetten master carpenters appealed to both parents and children alike. As the years progressed, so did the innovative, safe, and practical designs of KayserBetten, winning many awards including the prestigious "Most Innovative Product of the Year Award" from the Design Center in Stuttgart, Germany. Since the late 1970s, KayserBetten has become a world leader in the design and manufacturing of specialty beds that meet every requirement of children with special needs.

The following safety beds are just a few examples of the KayserBetten Secure Sleep System Hospital beds for the home that are offered by Rehabmart.

The IDA I Safety Bed is a fully electrical, motor driven adjustable hospital bed that raises and lowers the height of the bed and the articulating four section sleeping platform with a handheld remote control. The bed can be raised for the comfort of the caregiver or lowered down to only 12 inches from the floor to allow children with mild restrictions to climb in and out of the bed or into a wheelchair. This hospital bed can be controlled to articulate the head and/or foot section of the mattress to produce more comfort and safety to the child. The two long sides of the bed have four 31-inch high doors which can be opened on both sides to allow easy care by one or more caregivers from each side of the bed. The doors and side panels are a combination of solid wood bars and Plexiglass for good visibility, security, and fresh air circulation.

The included mattress is a Hi-Lo, KR3 with full electric articulation and a 330 pound weight capacity so a parent can lie down with their child to provide added touch and comfort. Padding is offered for the beds with wooden bars and each side can be padded in accordance with the child's needs. The padding material is made of Neopolen in a 15-30 mm thickness and the covering is artificial leather protecting against sweat and saliva, and is fixed with a belt to the bed frame.

TheIDA III Youth Safety Bed has much of the same features of the IDA I hospital bed but differs with the omission of an electric handheld control switch. The sleeping platform is lowered or heightened with a mechanical height adjuster which is operated with a foot pedal. This eliminates the possibility of an accidental operation by the child, has no energy cost and servicing by electrically qualified persons, and produces no electromagnetic pollution which can be important around other medical machinery. Made with solid natural beech wood, as are the other beds, this bed is ideal for the non-ambulatory child or patient who will be kept safe with the safety rail height staying consistent when the bed is either raised or lowered.

The Hannah Safety Bed is an extremely stable bed to meet any child's medical, physical or behavioral needs. This bed was designed for those children with restless motor functions or seriously disruptive behaviors and who are physically ambulatory and need a safe environment to both sleep and play. With the roomy measurement of 39 inches by 79 inches and door height options of 53 inches or 67 inches, this bed can protect almost any active child from harming themself. This fully electrical adjustable sleeping platform with its handheld control has the same safety and comfort features of the other IDA safety beds.

A child's safety is the number one concern for parents who have fear and anguish over the possibility of a child hurting themself at night during the time when visions of sugar plums should be dancing through his head while dreaming. Every parent, and household for that matter, needs the safety and comfort against the slings and arrows of medical or psychological misfortunes with the knowledge that their child is secure in their bed at night, and that what was once a fear of midnight harm is now a dream of safety that has come true.

Go here to view the other KayserBetten Secure Sleep System hospital beds offered by Rehabmart.

Bill Stock
Executive Editor,
Content & Social Media Services
and
Hulet Smith, OT
Rehabmart Team Leader & CEO

February is National Children's Dental Health Month

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT

February is National Children's Dental Health Month

Rehabmart would like to remind everyone that February is National Children's Dental Health Month (NCDHM). This is the perfect time to raise awareness about the importance of oral health and encourage a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums. As many of us older adults know from firsthand experience, taking care of your teeth early on in life gives you a tremendous advantage to healthier teeth in your middle and older age. Developing good oral health habits at an early age and scheduling regular dental visits helps children to have a much higher chance for maintaining those good habits all through their lifetime.

NCDHM materials and messages have reached millions of people in communities across the country, not just in February, but all year long. Whether you're a member of a dental team, a teacher or a parent, the American Dental Association (ADA) has a multitude of free online resources that can help you with oral health presentations, ideas for the classroom, and activity and coloring sheets that can be used as handouts. All of these resources are designed to get kids of all ages excited about taking care of their teeth and your kids will have fun as they learn about the importance of dental health.

The ADA also sponsors Give Kids a Smile (GKAS), an outreach program that provides free oral health care services to children from low-income families across the country. Thousands of the nation's dedicated dentists and their dental team members participate to make this program successful every year. While most will offer these services on the first Friday in February, other dentists sometimes choose different dates that are more convenient for their schedules. GKAS enhances the oral health of large numbers of children in need and also highlights for policy makers the ongoing challenges that disadvantaged families face in finding affordable dental care.

Special needs children can sometimes have special oral health care needs as well. Rehabmart offers many oral health care products for children who may have problems with dry mouth, such as the Lemon and Glycerin Swabsticks. The refreshing and pleasant lemon taste stimulates saliva flow, while the glycerin lubricates and softens oral tissues. For those children who need stimulation and desensitization of oral tissues, Rehabmart recommends the latex-free Rubber Massage Brushes, which are also ideal for oral motor facilitation.

The ACT Anticavity SpongeBob or iCarly Rinses are perfect for any children over 6 years of age, and will help get them excited and involved about their own dental care. These alcohol-free fluoride rinses are proven effective in reducing children's cavities up to 40% more than just brushing with a fluoride toothpaste alone, while they also strengthen teeth. Your kids will love the Ocean Berry and iBerry Blast flavors, too! Rehabmart also carries the ACT Anticavity Mouth Rinses for adults and children in delicious and refreshing flavors of Mint, Cinnamon, or just about every kid's favorite, Bubble Gum. Besides fighting cavities, all of the ACT rinses have been clinically proven to strengthen tooth enamel, protect the roots of adult teeth and to reverse 'white spots' (decalcification) on teeth caused by braces and other orthodontic appliances.

Tell every kid you know to "Rock Your Smile" in February by celebrating National Children's Dental Health Month. The benefits of good oral health and oral hygiene habits are priceless and might save your child from misery and dentures when she gets older. Dental problems often cause serious problems in the rest of the body, too, and can even lead to death. Teach your children now about the importance of taking care of their teeth and you will instill a healthy smile that will last them a lifetime.

Carol Koenigsknecht, Medical Consumer Writer
and
Hulet Smith, OT
Rehabmart Team Leader & CEO

Get Natural with Chi Activate Products

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Get Natural with Chi Activate Products

It seems that we live in an Alice in Medical Wonderland time. Take a pill to lose weight and become smaller. Take a pill to enhance your muscle growth and become larger. Over the past century or so, medicine has advanced by leaps and bounds, preventing or eradicating diseases, easing pain or enhancing quality of life.

Unfortunately, generations of people from the 20th Century have also become addicted to the ease of swallowing a pill to make everything feeling better. Can't sleep? Take a pill. Not enough energy? Take a pill. Too worked up and excited? Take a pill. Have diarrhea? Take a pill. Having trouble with not having a bowel movement? Take a pill. Having stomach problems due to all the medicine you are taking? Take a pill. Having side effects? Go, figure.

The concept of natural healing has been pushed to the side and forgotten due to the powder and pills of the 20th century. There are some experts who believe that many Americans are now more susceptible to diseases because the body has forgotten how to take care of itself. Although pharmaceutical medicines have had wonderful results, maybe an ounce of preventive practice or being proactive in your life, via either natural or alternative methods can be the wiser approach to the goals of daily health than reacting to an illness with artificial means of pills and powders.

Rehabmart offers some products by Chi Activate which specializes in beauty and wellness products in a more natural way. Their Organic Skin Care Products are fabulous examples. One of the best ways to relieve stress and pain from the body is with a foot massage. To be able to massage and probe the acupressure points on the feet is a wonderful way to relieve stress and pain, and to help bring balance to the whole body. A foot massage with Chi Activate Organic Peppermint Foot Cream with Hemp and Arnica will greatly assist the relaxation treatment with its wonderful aromatherapeutic qualities.

Another natural spa treatment way to renew and replenish your skin is with the Freedom Body Cream. Containing a smooth and luxurious formula that can match all skin types, this vitamin rich unscented cream will beautifully hydrate your skin. You can also create your own personal and special fragrance to the body cream just by adding one or two drops of your favorite essential oils.

Having trouble with make-up removal or soap residue? The Facial Toner with high grade essential oils will refresh and refine your pores while stimulating the circulation in your skin.

Another great way to relax is to take a few minutes during the workday to step away from the stress of work and take a break. The ComSoft Heart Shaped Cushion with its innovative and comfy shape can maximize your time of a rest period at work while you lay your head on the cushion for a quick meditation break. When it's time to get back to working, it can be used as a lumbar support for all day relief. Just sit comfortably on the cushion to decrease the pressure on your back with this memory foam support cushion.

Does holding your head at a certain angle all day while on the computer give you a pain in the neck? Do your neck muscles become tight and there is never a Massage therapist around when you need one? Than try the ChiSoft Neck Traction Deluxe. This neck traction device will gently stretch your stiff neck muscles at a pace and level that you are comfortable with. By simply squeezing a bulb, you can slowly inflate and expand this accordion-like device to smoothly stretch the tired and tight muscles, gently realigning the neck back to its natural length and angle.

Can't sleep because you wake yourself up with your snoring? Or maybe someone else's snoring is keeping you from enjoying a much needed sleep? Well, after realizing that placing a pillow over the snorer's face to decrease the buzz saw sound of the snore is not the best option, instead, look into the ChiSnore Stop Snoring Device. This device is worn on the wrist, like a watch, to reduce the sound and fury of the snore. It is designed with a biosensor that detects snoring, and once detected, a gentle electrical pulse will be automatically sent for a five-second duration. The snorer's brain will sense the skin-nerve stimulation, momentarily waking the person up so they will change their sleeping posture and thereby stopping the snore and creating a sound of silence. Wearing the Chi Activate Stop Snoring Device every night will generally produce positive results in one to two weeks.

Once the snoring has stopped, it's time to sleep...or is it? About 80% of people have experienced some insomnia during their life. For many, the reason for not easily falling asleep is the daily stress and on-the-go tense lifestyles that they experience, negatively affecting sleep patterns. With the ChiDream Sleeping Device, the opportunity to sleep is only a dream away. The ChiDream is worn on the wrist and has a vibration motor that gives a micro massage which promotes circulation and reduces stress. Pulse waves are emitted from the ChiDream onto three acupuncture points on the wrist, the Shern-men point, the Day-ling point, and the Vey-Guan point, all which promote circulation. These three points are responsible for calming, stress relief, and inducing sleep. Getting a micro-massage in this 'Golden Triangle' can help calm and de-stress an individual to help them relax and sleep, perchance to dream.

Get back to the future with the body's natural tried and true way of relaxation and healing, allowing it to do what it does best, to create synergy with the world around us. Become and stay healthy naturally. Remember that an apple a day helps keep the doctor away, so eat, sleep, and breathe correctly and naturally now so you don't have to suffer the slings and arrows of the pills and scalpels in the future.

Go to the Chi Activate page for more detailed information.

Bill Stock
Executive Editor,
Content & Social Media Services
and
Hulet Smith, OT
Rehabmart Team Leader & CEO

Pregnancy and Nursing Support Products

Sun, 15 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Pregnancy and Nursing Support Products

Motherhood. It's one of the most beautiful and fulfilling aspects of what a woman can achieve in her lifetime. And while pregnancy is miraculous, amazing and something to be grateful for, not all women have an easy time of it. The female body goes through incredible changes of all kinds when it is pregnant and nursing, and even though these changes are temporary, they can still be hard to deal with at times. Rehabmart can help the expecting or nursing mother to allay some of these 'side effects' of pregnancy with some helpful maternity products.

The Maternity Support With or Without Insert is an extremely helpful pregnancy product that offers maximum support for any expecting mother. This special support compresses the pelvic ring, helping to restore integrity and reduce pain and strain on muscles and ligaments by transferring the weight of the abdomen to the spine. Pressure at the pelvis is reduced as this product lifts and supports the weight of your growing baby. It also helps relieve pressure on the sciatic nerve, and improves circulation in the legs. This support is perfect for women who have pre-existing back conditions, strong pregnancy symptoms, including pregnancy-related back or leg pain, or who are carrying multiple babies. This support also includes a heat-moldable, low temperature removable insert that provides additional support for the lower back.

Another great maternity support product is the LegSpace Reusable Cushion. This pressure relief management solution is designed to fit comfortably between the lower legs, cushioning the ankles and knees with advanced pressure-reducing foam. Featuring soft rounded edges, this high-density foam cushion renders comfortable support while providing optimal pressure redistribution. It stays in place and is wide enough to easily accommodate repositioning of the feet and legs. This special high-density foam is hypo-allergenic, anti-microbial and latex free, while the skin-friendly, moisture proof cover helps reduce shear and friction.

Once your baby arrives, nurse him in comfort and style with a latex-free Medline Patient Nursing Gowns . Choices include an attractive floral print front-opening gown that provides full coverage for patient comfort, while the knot button at the V-neck opening ensures patient modesty, and a fashionable swirl print gown with a tie-side closure which provides complete coverage in the back. The front-opening gown also features inch sleeves, 52 inch length and a 75 inch sweep, and the back-opening gown features nursing slits, I.V. Sleeves, 49 inch length with a 71 inch sweep, and 7-1/2 inch sleeves. Both gowns are 100% cotton and one size fits most. These are perfect gowns for the nursing mother in the hospital, or at home.

Another very helpful product for the nursing mother on the go is the Purely Yours Professional Breast Pump with Carry All. Now you can pump anywhere, anytime with this breast pump that can be run with an AC adapter, or AA batteries. Features include adjustable suction and cycle settings that mimic your baby's nursing pattern, maximize breast milk production and enhance your personal comfort level. The HygieniKit allows for single or dual pumping and helps prevent contaminants from entering your milk with a unique closed milk collection solution. The pump can be operated within the carry all tote bag for added privacy as well. The Cool' N' Carry insulated tote bag features 3 cooling elements that will keep your breast milk cooled and safely stored for up to 10 hours.

Enjoy your pregnancy and enhance your maternity experience with some helpful products from Rehabmart. This is one of the most beautiful and rewarding times of a woman's life and these products can certainly help alleviate some of the problems and issues that can sometimes occur in pregnancy and with nursing.

Carol Koenigsknecht, Medical Consumer Writer
and
Hulet Smith, OT
Rehabmart Team Leader & CEO

Be Prepared with these Alert Devices

Sat, 14 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Be Prepared with these Alert Devices

There are times in our life when we may be alone in the home or are bedridden for some reason and a reminder might be appreciated, or when some physical assistance is wanted or even emergency help is needed. What do we do? More often than not we might need some way to alert people to help us. Rehabmart can offer some peace of mind with alert indicators to help us in our times of need.

The Reizen Vibrating Five ALarm Pillbox will help you make sure you never forget to take your medicine again. Besides helping you to organize your daily pills, another really cool feature of this pill box is that it also reminds you to take them by producing audible and/or vibrating alarms not once, not twice, but up to five times a day. This round pillbox can easily fit in your purse or pocket and comes with a key-lock function which helps prevent an accidental trigger from a lipstick or change purse hitting the pillbox while sharing room in your purse. It even has a snooze button in case the alarm goes off during a meeting or while in church. To add to the fun, this five alarm pillbox has a large LCD display so you can see what your pulse rate is with its pulse rate monitor.

For those times when a person is bedridden and may need assistance once in a while, the Attendant Call Chime can alert an attendant or family member immediately. Simply press a button when assistance is needed and the receiver will sound, alerting a helper up to 40 feet away. The call button is adapted for use with a capability switch too.

The Flashing Strobe Chime Pager and at a push of a button a bright strobe light and an 85-decibel chime will be set off, alerting assistance when needed. The chime can be turned off for silent strobe operation only.

Everyone hopes that they will never need emergency services, but being prepared for the possibility is always a good idea. The Help at Hand Emergency Telephone Dialer can call the local fire department or police at just one touch of a button. At the harsh and sudden times when the fire department or police are needed, many people become nervous and forgetful and may fumble around with the phone or even forget simple phone numbers, so what can be easier than pushing a call button that is dangling on a pendant around their neck to call for help? Actually, to operate the pendant alarm, the person just has to pull down on the small ring that is attached to the wireless pendant that is around their neck or in their pocket and help will come.

This is a great idea for senior citizens, persons with disabilities or people living alone. Hooking the dialer to the phone is very easy, after which the user will choose the local emergency numbers to be called. No installation fee, no monthly service charges, no extra cost at all!

Another alert device to help you get outside help is the Responsable Personal Alert System. This system works with your phone too, allowing you to program up to four important phone numbers to call by a single push of a button. This too has a pendant call button which is also a speaker phone so the caller can directly talk to the person or emergency assistance that they called. If no one answers, 911 will automatically be dialed. This system can use up to four pendants or wall unit communicators per base station unit which makes it great to use in a large home or medical facility.

Nobody should be alone and helpless. These alert systems can bring comfort in the knowledge that when help is needed, it can be received with just a push of a button. "Be Prepared" is not only a good motto for the Boy Scouts of America, but also for everyone else as well!

To view other alert devices, please go to the Alert Indicators page.

Bill Stock
Executive Editor,
Content & Social Media Services
and
Hulet Smith, OT
Rehabmart Team Leader & CEO

A Wheelchair that Stands Up

Thu, 12 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT

A Wheelchair that Stands Up

To stand or to sit, that is the question. For many of us, this comment is just that, a simple question followed by an act of either standing or sitting. Sounds simple enough but for some people, this is a question which isn't very often uttered or acted upon...until now.

To be able to move your body into different positions is very important both physically and mentally. Being able to get out of the chair once in a while to stand, or to become vertically prone, is very beneficial in many ways. The main benefactor is the circulation system. To be able to circulate blood throughout the whole body, bringing oxygen and nutrients to all parts of the body, is very important to the overall health of the individual. Many times when a person is sitting, or laying in the same position for a long period of time, a decrease in organ and limb function, combined with a lack of skin integrity resulting in bedsores can result.

Being able to stand can relieve the 'pinched' circulatory system, giving the lower body free and full access of circulating blood. With the increased blood flow also comes improved muscle activity, improved bone density and decreased risk of bone fractures, improved digestion, improved kidney and bladder function, and a better mental attitude.

For many people using wheelchairs, standing is something dreams are made out of, sort of like their own personal Maltese Falcon situation. Now a person can combine sitting in a wheelchair and standing up in a wheelchair. Rehabmart can assist the wheelchair bound individuals to be able to achieve a standing posture and a bigger smile with a Stand-Up Wheelchair.

Karman Healthcare offers two Stand-Up Wheelchairs through Rehabmart, a manual wheelchair and a power wheelchair. They both offer a simple push button standing adjustment operation which will transform the wheelchair from a wheelchair to a stander.

The Karman Healthcare Power Stand-Up Manual Wheelchair has a T-6 aircraft aluminum frame and weighs only 56 pounds with the battery. This manual wheelchair has a power motor to maneuver the chair into a standing position and a Denmark-made Linak controller box plus a nickel metal Hydr Battery to give you a total of 250 up/down cycles. The flip-back armrest and side panels, high-grade flame retardant and breathable upholstery combined with detachable rear 24 inch high profile polyurethane tires and 8 inch flat-free front casters makes this a smooth and comfortable ride.

- See the video on the bottom of the page for a better understanding on how the Stand-Up Wheelchair works. -

The Karman Healthcare Stand-Up Power Wheelchair offers the same aircraft-grade frame and a simple push button standing adjustment operation and controller box, in addition to a DC24V. 320W motor that has a maximum speed of 5 mph, but moving more slowly is recommended while in the standing position. Other features on the power chair are an adjustable backrest height and footrest height and angle, a knee support, safety belt, chest support and lap strap. The seat is made with 2 to 3 inch memory foam and breathable nylon upholstery. With 14 inch high strength flat free rear tires and 8 inch flat-free front casters combined with a cruising range of 25 miles between battery charges, this is one fine sitting or standing ride.

Being able to stand and see the world, and to be seen from a different perspective has great psychological benefits and increases self-esteem. These chairs would be great in the kitchen, at work, or school, shopping, etc. and will also improve self-reliance and reduce assistance needs.

With Karman's Stand-Up Wheelchairs, many who couldn't before can now stand up and cheer, give a standing ovation, or just see the world differently while all the time reaping the benefits of better health and energy.

Bill Stock
Executive Editor,
Content & Social Media Services
and
Hulet Smith, OT
Rehabmart Team Leader & CEO

Get Some Comfort with a Professional Spa Table

Wed, 11 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Get Some Comfort with a Professional Spa Table

If you are a medical, aesthetic, healthcare or wellness professional, we know that you seek the highest quality professional equipment available on the market today. Solid durability, comfort, ease of use and the attractive appearance of your health and beauty accouterments all contribute to the success of your practice. The innovative spa tables manufactured by Oakworks and offered by Rehabmart are an excellent step in that successful direction. Oakworks' spa tables, proudly made in the USA, have been selected as the brand standard by leading spas, and are found whenever excellence in construction and comfort is required. American Spa Magazine has chosen Oakworks three years in a row as "The Best Treatment Tables", and Rehabmart is proud to offer these high quality tables to our customers.

The Oakworks ProLuxe Seville Spa Table combines the ease of an electric lift table with the stability of a stationary table all in one piece of equipment that additionally features a wheeled base for portability. Massage therapists and spa professionals of all specialties will appreciate the variety of positioning capabilities and the multitude of various functions and protocols that can be performed with this multi-purpose table. This hardworking, steel-framed lift table has a lift capacity of 550 pounds and features two foot controls to enable the practitioner to make the precise and necessary adjustments to height from either side of the table, customizing the therapeutic experience for each client.

This attractive table, like many of the Oakworks tables that Rehabmart carries, offers four different padding choices. Plush padding is a three inch, multi-layer, super supportive multi-density system for optimal comfort and durability. Its perfect blend of softness and support make this padding ideal for bringing relaxation to clients everywhere. Aero Cel padding offers four inches of more resilient support with a softness that conforms to the body's curves. Relaxing and nurturing, it's an investment that will return many years of "ahhhh's" from your clients. Semi-firm padding is a two and a quarter inch multi-layer, multi-density system for firmer comfort and support along with easier portability, as it makes the whole table lighter. Firm padding is perfect for physical therapy and athletic training needs and features a one and a half inch multi-layer density system that provides the firmest support.

One of the most sophisticated spa tables on the market today, the Oakworks Celesta Gemini Clodagh Spa Table Series Package is an obvious choice for high-end luxury spas and specialty health/aesthetic practices. Strength, durability and versatility combine with uncommon elegance to create the most relaxing and luxurious experience for your clients. Available in a variety of wood stain options and UltraTouch upholstery colors, customize your table to match your dcor for the look and feel of real pampering comfort and professional care for your clients. Beautiful cabinetry features enough space for a hot towel cabinet and other impedimenta, as well as four electrical outlets for more efficient use of space.

For the maximum in style, comfort and luxury, there is no better choice than the Oakworks Maxx Spa Table. Maximize treatment space and patient comfort with this elegant spa table/chair that is perfect for use with roll away pedi-spas, medi-spas, manicures, aesthetic work, massage and multi-function rooms. Like other Oakworks tables, this spa table/chair features a choice of TerraTouch or UltraTouch upholstery colors and a variety of rich wood stains to customize your table to blend beautifully with your dcor. The Signature Dura Top construction means you can relax in the knowledge that you've invested in a table with the strongest top in the industry which is built to last, work hard, and stay safe under even the most demanding conditions. This spa table/chair additionally features a 500 pound lift capacity and foot and hand controls that make it easy to position each client exactly as required for various therapies and treatments. The 20 degree Trendelenburg Tilt creates a zero gravity position, while the fully flat position is perfect for massage.

Many of the fabulous Oakworks' spa tables also offer a variety of options that can be added to enhance your particular therapeutic or aesthetic practice. Head and face rests, manicure arm rests, removable side arm rests, paper towel holders, extra foot controls, table protectors, sheet sets, table extenders and free standing carts and cabinets are just some of the helpful additional options that are available. Customize your table to fit your professional specialty and the needs of your unique clients with a professional Oakworks spa table from Rehabmart.

To view more styles of spa tables, please go to the Spa Table page.

Carol Koenigsknecht, Medical Consumer Writer
and
Hulet Smith, OT
Rehabmart Team Leader & CEO

Rehabmart.com Awarded a U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) Federal Supply Schedule Contract for Patient Mobility Devices

Mon, 9 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Rehabmart.com Awarded a U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) Federal Supply Schedule Contract for Patient Mobility Devices

Elberton, GA (PRWEB) Dec. 03, 2011

Rehabmart.com, an online e-commerce company that sells rehabilitation and medical supplies, has been awarded a U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) Federal Supply Schedule Contract (65IIF Patient Mobility Devices Contract) to supply patient mobility devices such as scooters, walkers, wheelchairs and other products to federal agencies. GSA Schedules are open-ended, multiple award contracts that simplify the purchasing process for federal agencies and the businesses on schedule who serve them.

This five-year contract (# V797P-3250M-dated Sept. 1, 2011 to August 21, 2016) from the federal government demonstrates Rehabmart's expertise in offering a wide variety of quality rehabilitation and medical products. With the GSA Contract awarded under Federal Supply Schedule 797-652F-05-0001-R2, Rehabmart will be able to provide hundreds of mobility products to federal agencies including:

pool access chairs
folding aquatic wheelchairs
shower commode chairs
forearm crutches
quad canes
security poles and grab bars

"We are honored to be able to serve the needs of the VA and other governmental agencies through this award," said Rehabmart founder and CEO Hulet Smith. "We have been supplying high quality patient mobility products to US Governmental Agencies and private buyers since 1998 and this contract will help broaden our reach and allow us to continue providing the best products at competitive prices to our customers."

As a certified HubZone Business, Rehabmart takes pride in its service to government, military, and Veterans Health Administration customers. The Historically Underutilized Business Zones (HUBZone) program helps small businesses in urban and rural communities gain preferential access to federal procurement opportunities.

To learn more about Rehabmart.com's HUBzone status, go Hub Zone Certification

About Rehabmart.com:

As Occupational Therapists, the founders of Rehabmart have the breadth of knowledge and experience necessary to match the needs of its customers with the very latest innovative products in the field of medical supplies and rehabilitation equipment. As parents of special needs children, they have a personal interest in finding the best products to improve the lives of those who are disabled and medically challenged. Rehabmart.com is committed to provide superior customer service, competitive pricing and exceptional product offerings.

About GSA

Established in 1949, the General Services Administration (GSA) helps direct and support the functions of government agencies, including procuring products for government agencies and implementing cost-saving policies. The GSA establishes long-term government-wide contracts with commercial firms to provide access to millions of commercial products and services at volume discount pricing.

Bill Stock
Executive Editor,
Content & Social Media Services
and
Hulet Smith, OT
Rehabmart Team Leader & CEO

Start Your Day with a Bidet

Sat, 7 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Start Your Day with a Bidet

How do I write about a bidet without the snickering going on in the back of the room? Well, let me get started by pointing out that 'bidet' is not French for 'drinking fountain' but actually means 'little saddle pony'. In the 17th century, a small saddle horse was allowed to each trooper or dragoon for carrying his baggage. The 21st century bidet is not a pony but a low basin-like bathroom fixture with spigots used for bathing the genital and perineal areas. Not many places in America have bathrooms which display both a toilet and a bidet, but now they don't have to because Rehabmart offers bidet toilet seats that do the same thing a bidet does, but more.

The history of the bidet is not really something people really need to know about but it's interesting nonetheless and it's great to know for the fun facts.

The washing up after urination and defecation was a prevalent practice for centuries in the Islamic cultures, but the actual bathing bidet device may have been invented by a French furniture maker in the late 17th century. A couple of hundred years later in Europe, a porcelain cleaning device was developed for personal cleaning and during the Victorian era, the bidet came out of the water-closet and went into the home's indoor bathroom. Later during the 1960s, the electronic bidet was invented as an attachment that could be connected onto existing toilets. Since then the bidet has evolved into a cleaning and comfort device commonly found in European and Asian bathrooms and is now slowing making its way into the American culture.

Most Americans have never used a bidet, nor do they really understand how it works, even though it is really quite simple, especially the toilet seat bidet offered by Rehabmart. Water is usually the best way to clean just about anything and anything also includes the area covered by your swimsuit, as my mother used to say. The problem with using nothing but toilet paper is that Americans use about 34 million rolls of toilet paper...every day! The negative issues associated with this are not just the 50 million trees cut down each year to keep up with the demand but also the huge amounts of water, chemicals, energy, and industrial waste it takes to make toilet paper each and every year.

With these toilet bidets that Rehabmart offers, a person can sit on a comfortable heated seat while water provides a soothing and gentle cleaning, all the while taking advantage of the hygienic benefits enjoyed by both male and female, young and old alike. Not only will planet Earth be appreciative of your use of a bidet, so will your family and friends.

The bidet toilet seats below are a few examples of the hygienic and comfortable bidet toilet seats offered by Rehabmart.

The Brondell Swash Ecoseat 100 Bidet has an innovative design that can help make going to the bathroom quite a refreshing experience. This bidet is powered solely by water pressure and features an aerated posterior and feminine wash with sterilized filtered water and self-cleaning nozzles to complete your hygienic experience. Besides being a heck of a conversation piece, this bidet is easy to install and fits most toilets. Due to its hydro-powered nozzles, it needs no electricity or batteries. Also with its simple-turn dial controls, you can adjust the water pressure of the dual retractable front and rear cleaning wands. When you are done with the toilet, the comfortable seat and lid will slowly close on its own.

The Brondell Swash 300 Bidet Toilet Seat offers basically the same things as the 100 Bidet but with additional features such as warm water, a heated seat, and an easy to use remote control, so no more shivering surprises on those cold winter mornings. Besides the warmth and comfort, the Swash 300 also has a 'quick release' for easy seat removal and cleaning, an intelligent body sensor which will tell the seat and lid to gently close, a wireless remote control, a sturdy lid to sit on, and a automatic power saving mode to save energy.

The Brondell Swash 1000 Advance Bidet Toilet Seat is the crme de la crme bidet. This ultimate in bathroom hygiene is packed with so many features that you may never want to leave the bathroom again. The Swash 1000 has twin adjustable stainless steel posterior and feminine warm-water nozzle washes, seat and water temperature settings which comes with an eco-friendly instant ceramic heating system for unlimited warm water use, and water pressure controls. Once you are done with your duty, this bidet also has an adjustable warm air dryer to send you happily on your way and an automatic deodorizer to help the rest of the family to enjoy their bidet experience too.

Other features include a nozzle oscillation massage feature, self cleaning nozzles with a sterilization function, an aerated wash spray with three levels of width adjustment, the intelligent body sensor, a wireless remote control and a gentle closing seat and lid. At the least, with all of these features, the kids should enjoy playing in the bathroom more.

So, a bidet by any other name is little saddle pony, but also a comfortable and hygienic experience in a time and place where good experiences may be few and far between. Be the first person on your block to own a bidet, and your friends and neighbors will be so awed that you just may end up starting a new planet-friendly bathroom fashion trend!

Bill Stock
Executive Editor,
Content & Social Media Services
and
Hulet Smith, OT
Rehabmart Team Leader & CEO

Assist Pediatrics with Assistive Technology

Thu, 5 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Assist Pediatrics with Assistive Technology

Individuals, especially children born with certain disabilities, have specific health care needs that allow them to not just learn but stay at par with other children in terms of education and comprehension. A number of rehabilitative services are being made available to such a segment and Pediatric Assistive Technology is a crucial aspect of it. As some of you may know, assistive technology relates to the development and use of any product that aids in increasing or improving the functional abilities of individuals having disabilities.

Despite the fact that a significant number of advancements have been carried out in assistive technology services, lack of information and awareness prohibits specialized tools to reach the consumers. This is even more appalling considering that the number of people using assistive technology has increased by nearly 50% since the year 1992. Therefore, there is a growing need to make the individuals with disabilities aware of the assistive technology services that are available in the market so that more of them can benefit from these assistive devices.

At Rehabmart, it is our continuous endeavor to ensure the availability of the best assistive technology products as they are developed. The following three products are specifically designed to help individuals make the most of their learning skills.

Bookworm Switch-Adaptable Audiobook Creator: A revolutionary product, Bookworm transforms any book in your library into a switch-adapted audio book. Its most striking feature is that you can lend your voice to the contents of any book which a toddler or child can listen to anytime. In such a fashion, you can create an entire library of audio books. Equipped with a built-in SD memory card, an LCD screen that displays all the functions, a single switch operation, external headphone jack and much more, Bookworm is still one of the most affordable devices in its segment. Not just limited to children with autism, this audio book creator is also great for individuals with other disabilities. So expose your child to limitless possibilities of literary experiences with the Bookworm Switch-Adaptable Audio book Creator.

Hands Free Mouse: This is an alternative to an actual computer mouse that allows complete control over a computer. By naturally moving one's head, a person can accurately left click, right click, double click, and drag. The package includes an On-screen Keyboard which allows you to type on your computer. It also has a double Y jack for using one or two of your own capability switches if needed.

Assistive Technology Adapted Digital Camera: This is a three-in-one device containing photos, movies, and games. This sophisticated camera is mounted on a unique power-driven platform that can tilt up and down and pan left or right to frame your picture before shooting. The motorized platform pedestal has 3 adjustable feet to level the camera. The panning and tilting function is controlled by the 5 inch orange disc on your black controller center. Use the buttons on the control panel to turn the camera on and to take your picture. This camera also takes movies and downloads easily to your PC. It has 2.0 Mega Pixels, 256 MB memory, 2x digital zoom, SD memory card slot for memory expansion, and a photo editing program on CD-Rom. The power-driven platform can be mounted on any size tripod (sold separately) by simply screwing the base on the tripod just like any other camera.

So go ahead and have fun with these Assistive Technology devices that promise to make life easy as well as productive.

To view other Pediatric Assistive Technology, please go to the Pediatric Assistive Technology page.

Amit Pant, Medical Consumer Writer
and
Hulet Smith, OT
Rehabmart Team Leader & CEO

Rehabmart.com Teams up with Showerbuddy to Introduce Innovative Roll-In Shower Chairs to a Broader Consumer Market

Wed, 4 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Rehabmart.com Teams up with Showerbuddy to Introduce Innovative Roll-In Shower Chairs to a Broader Consumer Market

Rehabmart.com, an online e-commerce company that sells rehabilitation and medical supplies, has teamed up with Showerbuddy, a leading-edge manufacturer of bath shower chairs for the disabled, to introduce these roll-in shower chairs to a wider consumer base market. Showerbuddy Global Limited, based in New Zealand, has undergone a significant amount of development since its inception in 2003.

To read futher, go to PRWeb Press Releases.

Switch-adapted Fijit Friends for Special Needs Children

Wed, 4 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Switch-adapted Fijit Friends for Special Needs Children

"PLAYING SHOULD BE FUN! In our great eagerness to teach our children we studiously look for 'educational' toys, games with built-in lessons, books with a "message." Often these 'tools' are less interesting and stimulating than the child's natural curiosity and playfulness. Play is by its very nature educational. And it should be pleasurable. When the fun goes out of play, most often so does the learning."
Joanne E. Oppenheim, Kids and Play

Most of us learn from a very early age to explore our capabilities and our surroundings through the activities and experiences of play. Toys not only teach us to have fun, but also to maintain our curiosity to continue learning. However, for many of our special needs children with limited fine motor skills and low muscle tone, having fun with the latest cool toy may not be an option. Many of these special children cannot interact with battery-operated toys because the power switches are too small, and they may not have the strength and dexterity in their fingers to operate them.

Happily, these toys are now accessible to special needs children through the use of Switch Adapters. A much larger switch can be plugged into the toy and become the toy's new switch, making it easier for the child to operate the toy. Switch-adapted toys help our special needs children to bring play into their daily routine, and parents, therapists and teachers can build on the child's desire to experience fun by integrating these adapted toys into their therapy strategies. Switch-adapted toys often have a very significant positive impact for developing strength, fine motor skills, range of motion, visual focus, cause and effect, and a better sense of control over environment.

Now your special child can enjoy one of the most popular toys of 2011: Fijit Friends! Rehabmart now offers these delightful and interactive Switch Adapted Fijit Friends Toys for children who can't handle regular on/off switches. Intended for girls, Fijit Friends are electronic robots that dance, move, talk and respond to voice and touch. There are four friends; Serafina, Willa, Logan and Sage, all complete with their own color and personality. Fijits stand 8.6 inches tall, weigh about 1.6 pounds, and have a uniquely soft and squishy body that make them the perfect friends to carry, cuddle, hug and tickle! Their bright and colorful faces light up when they're interacting with your child, and the elastic quality of their skin make their movements look natural...and fidgety.

When your child uses her adapted switch, her Fijit Friend comes to life and interacts through voice and touch. When first switched on, the Fijit will ask, "What do you want to do now?" This is called the 'home' mode and indicates she is ready to have fun and interact with your child. Her belly button also lights up when she is in home mode to indicate that she is listening to your child. Being able to respond intuitively to your child is what makes the Fijit Friends so impressive. Fijits can recognize 30 keywords and respond in a way that makes the conversation seem real and natural with over 150 phrases. If your child says, "Do you want to chat?", the Fijit will reply with, "You betcha!". And when your beautiful little princess says, "How do I look?", the Fijit will check her out and then answer, "Looking good!".

Fijit Friends always respond in a supportive and positive manner, helping to teach your child self-esteem and self-worth. Fijits also love telling jokes, interacting with your child on knock-knock jokes and they love to laugh. They were also born to dance! They each have a beat detection and will dance in rhythm to any external music when your child commands, "Dance with me." They can wobble their heads and ears, twist and move in time to the music, even bowing when the music is over. In addition, they love to sing and come with four songs of their own. Your child can ask, "Give me a rap," and her Fijit Friend will start rapping away! Fijits will also go to sleep when commanded, so your child can cuddle with her friend all night long.

Switch-adapted toys allow children with special needs to experience fun while they learn and play. And now they can enjoy all the cool toys that other kids love by using these adaptive switches. Fijit Friends and many of the other toys that Rehabmart sells are permanently adapted, but switches are sold separately. Be sure to check out the large, varied and delightful array of switches available at: Pediatric Assistive Technology Switches.

Carol Koenigsknecht, Medical Consumer Writer
and
Hulet Smith, OT
Rehabmart Team Leader & CEO

Exercise Can Be Fun?

Tue, 3 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Exercise Can Be Fun?

The word 'exercise' comes from the mid-14th century, an Old French noun meaning "condition of being in active operation" which is derived from the Latin 'exercitium', basically meaning to "keep busy, drive on". For many people, at the strike of midnight on January 1st, the word 'exercise' is something that is said with a smile and willful commitment albeit with a flagging discontented niggling at the back of their minds of not really wanting to do it.

And there, ladies and gentlemen, lies the problem. For many people, exercise is something that they just don't want to do. Sure, the reasoning for exercise is strong and sensible, the wanting to feel and look better, younger, and to have more strength and energy is a goal--even the thought of the independent time during exercising is an attractive thought. But alas, the daily effort of achieving the desired goal, doing the means to reach the ends, is just not very much fun.

The benefits of exercising have been known since the time of Marcus Cicero, around 65 B.C. At the time he stated that "It is exercise alone that supports the spirits, and keeps the mind in vigor." But he was probably considered a quack at the time because it wasn't until the mid-20th century that a link between a healthy individual and exercise was discovered by a team of doctors.

In spite of the now common knowledge that exercise is very beneficial for the body, mind, spirit, and white sock industry, many people still see it as a four letter word that is called "pain". It hurts to start exercising. It hurts, it's sweaty, it's disappointing, it hurts, it's time consuming, it can be expensive, it hurts, and it's just not real fun.

But it could be fun. Heck, it should be fun. If you want to, or have to exercise, why not make it enjoyable? If you've got to do it, why not have fun at it? Think about it: The activities that we humans do that are fun are what we enjoy doing. If going to work was not fun, would we do it? Oh, wait, that's not a very good example at all. How about if going bowling wasn't fun, would you do it? How about going out to dinner? If eating in a restaurant was horrific and painful, who would make an effort to dress up, fight the traffic, sit in a building with a lot of other people, eat food, and then pay for it?

The same can be said for exercising. Don't "Just Do It", instead, "Just Have Fun Doing It". Go ahead and dance to the oldies, skip a rope, walk along a country road, play Wii, enjoy a game of softball, throw a ball and roll a hoop. Do anything that moves you both physically and mentally. Exercise is more than a military basic training regime. Exercise is what YOU make it. From rolling a boat to rolling a bowling ball, it doesn't matter, just do it with a smile on your face and a happier, healthier heart in your chest.

Talking about fun, why not make Rehabmart your center for exercise fun? We have hundreds of choices of exercise equipment which can mean hundreds of smiles and pounds lost for the New Years Resolutionists among us. The following are just a few of the many fun exercise products offered by Rehabmart.

A fun way to get lean is with this Personal Rebounder Trampoline. This springy round trampoline has a welded steel frame construction and a standard weight capacity of 175 pounds, but it can hold up to 225 pounds.

The MoonRocker is not David Bowie's 'Major Tom Space Odyssey' but an exercise stepper that is a versatile and strong aerobic stimulator that will help you tone your skin texture, lose weight and burn calories, firm hips, thighs, and strengthen your knees. It also includes a LCD pedometer, a total repetitions counter, will tell you how many calories you burn, and has a workout timer display.

Use some good, good, GOOD vibrations to lose weight! The OSCI Health Vibration Exercise Machine combines the tonic reflex principles of 'Whole Body Vibration' with isometric contraction movements. With 30 different speed settings, the vibrations operate within the optimal frequency parameters which has been proven to improve circulation of blood and lymphatic fluid, stimulate and massage tired muscles, increase bone density, and decrease joint pain while at the same time increasing muscle tone and strength while burning fat.

People who have problems with their legs and have a difficult time standing to exercise can use the P44 Stepper Exercise Machine. This will quickly and easily attach to most chairs or wheelchairs. This machine can provide non-weight bearing, cardio isotonic rehabilitation and exercise of the legs to people who are limited to a recumbent, seated position and who cannot use other types of equipment.

The major benefit of this machine is that the legs are independent of each other, allowing for different stroke lengths, rates, and resistive forces to be set for each leg. The advantage of the stepper compared to a cycle is that it can accommodate a decreased knee range or motion, whereas a cycle demands at least 110 degrees to complete the circle.

Lastly, running, jumping, climbing, and sliding, combined with a child's imagination of damsels in distress while locked in towers, or of barbarians clamoring at the fort gates is some great exercise. Sure, old refrigerator boxes can become a fort until the first heavy rain falls from the sky but a Fort LIvingston Playground Set can be the 'cat's meow' or the 'bee's knees', or whatever the kids are saying these days.

This playground is made with commercial-grade heavy duty plastic, strong enough for adults to play on but also amazingly lightweight, and can easily be moved. It is very low maintenance and eliminates the problems that are associated with wood playgrounds. It is also a modular system which allows you to start with any size and expand it as the child grows. This Fort Livingston has an 83 inch straight tube crawl tunnel which is 30 inches in diameter. Other features and additions include two decks, 3 feet and 5 feet high, to slides of 6 feet and 10 feet long, plus one 4-crayon tower, one 6-crayon tower, two pyramid roofs, two mouse holes, one slotted panel, a choice of either a periscope panel or a steering wheel panel, molded steps to the 3 foot deck, a short vertical climber from the 3 foot deck to the 5 foot deck, and one fireman's pole to get down from the 5 foot deck. And it won't melt in the rain!

So now is the time of year to follow through with your New Year's 'Exercise Resolution' and enjoy it too! Don't worry, be happy while bouncing on a trampoline, rocking on the moon, shaking and shifting while vibrating, or climbing through a Pirates fort, as long as you have fun doing it and lose weight too!

Bill Stock
Library Editor for Rehabmart
and
Hulet Smith, OT
Rehabmart Team Leader & CEO

January is National Glaucoma Awareness Month

Mon, 2 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT

January is National Glaucoma Awareness Month

January is National Glaucoma Awareness Month, an essential time to spread the word about this sight-stealing disease. As my own sister was just diagnosed with this disease, I can think of no better time to write about it, too. Glaucoma is often referred to as "the sneak thief of sight" because there are virtually no symptoms and once vision is lost, it is permanent. As much as 40% vision loss can occur without a person noticing. As the leading cause of preventable blindness, glaucoma can affect anyone at any time. It is 6 to 8 times more common in African Americans and Hispanics than Caucasians, and risk factors increase greatly for everyone over the age of 60. Other risk factors include diabetes, high blood pressure, severe myopia, a history of eye injuries, smoking and extended steroid use. Currently, over 4 million Americans and nearly 70 million people worldwide have glaucoma, with probably half of them not knowing they have it.

Glaucoma refers to a group of eye diseases that gradually steal sight without warning or symptoms. Although the most common forms primarily affect the middle-aged and elderly, glaucoma can certainly affect people of all ages. Glaucoma is usually, but not always, associated with elevated fluid pressure within the eye. All forms of glaucoma can cause damage to the optic nerve and lead to vision loss and blindness if left untreated. Early detection is crucial to stopping the progress of the disease. Any vision loss that has already occurred cannot be reversed, but there are medications and surgical procedures that can certainly prevent any further vision loss.

Natural approaches for preventing glaucoma, or for preventing damage, include the herbs, bilberry and eyebright. Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus) has long been used in the European cultures to treat night blindness, macular degeneration, cataracts and to help prevent these and other eye health problems. Bilberry contains purple-colored flavonoids called anthocyanidins, which are powerful antioxidants. These substances help prevent collagen damage and reduce capillary fragility, acting as free radical scavengers and circulatory stimulants, especially to peripheral blood vessels and the brain. Eyebright (Euphrasia officinalis) is traditionally used for all kinds of eye imbalances and problems, including glaucoma. Eyebright contains beta-carotenes and tannins that help promote proper eye moisture, helping to strengthen and tighten the mucus membranes of the eye. Additionally, eyebright is very soothing for any eye inflammation or irritation, including conjunctivitis (pink eye), blepharitis, and eye injuries.

Additional natural factors for good eye health and for the prevention of glaucoma include mixed carotenoids from yellow, orange and red vegetables and fruits. These naturally occurring nutrients act as significant antioxidants and help protect the structure and integrity of cells and tissues. Carotenoids include lutein, beta-carotene and zeaxanthin. Bioflavonoids, sometimes referred to as 'vitamin P', are found in the white material just beneath the peel of citrus fruits and also occur naturally in apricots, blackberries, cherries, grapes, plums, prunes and rose hips. Bioflavonoids are essential for the absorption of vitamin C, and the two should be taken together. Since both substances cannot be produced in the body, they must be obtained from the diet and are absolutely necessary for proper eye health and function. Bioflavonoids include hesperidin, quercetrin and rutin. Other nutrients essential for proper eye health include zinc, vitamins A, E and B-complex, taurine and glutathione.

With the ever growing rate of our aging population, we could very well see an epidemic of blindness looming if we don't raise awareness about the importance of regular eye examinations to preserve vision. Glaucoma and other eye disorders are preventable by feeding your eyes (and body) the right nutrition, and by getting plenty of rest, natural sunlight, fresh air, exercise and REGULAR eye exams! Don't forget to manage your stress levels, too. Hanging on to old hurts, resentments and bad feelings certainly doesn't help anyone to achieve and sustain good health.

"We want to stress to everyone that vision can be saved from glaucoma through early diagnosis and treatment," said Hugh R. Parry, president and CEO of Prevent Blindness America. "Please visit our website or call our toll-free number to get all the free information you can to educate yourself on risk factors, treatment options and even Medicare coverage. Let's all commit to make 2012 the year to make our eyes a priority and save our sight!"

At Rehabmart.com, we've got you covered with a huge array of products specifically designed for children and adults with low vision disabilities.

For example, the Keys-U-See Large Print Keyboard is perfect for anyone with low vision. This keyboard features the largest print available on keycaps, so it's easy to see, even in low light. With Internet, multimedia and energy-saver hot keys, along with 'Plug-n-play' for Windows NT, 2000, XP and Vista, you'll enjoy all the advantages of the latest in technology and communications, while appreciating more efficient time spent because of more accurate keystrokes.

For more information about the hundreds of Rehabmart's low-vision products, please go to the Low Vision Products page.

Carol Koenigsknecht, Medical Consumer Writer
and
Hulet Smith, OT
Rehabmart Team Leader & CEO

DISCLAIMER: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are for educational purposes only. These statements are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Rehabmart's Top Ten (Plus One) Medical Product List of 2011!

Sat, 31 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Rehabmart's Top Ten (Plus One) Medical Product List of 2011!

Once again 'Father Time' has marched toward the end of another year, at times dancing across our lawns with lightness, love and laughter, while other times it has trampled through the garden of sorrow, dragging its feet and creating furrows of sadness.

Yet march on it does, and as the new year awaits in diapers and anticipation, the old year is looking over his shoulder at what has been accomplished. Well, let me help old Father Time and remember the most important, the most exciting, and the most long-awaited accomplishments of 2011.

REHABMART'S TOP ELEVEN MEDICAL SUPPLY PRODUCT LIST of 2011!

Sure, there are other top ten lists, full of pretty boring stuff if you ask me, that people like to know about.

For example, Time magazine's top album of 2011? "21" by Adele. "These are songs of solace for the lovelorn, whether you're the dumper or the dumpee." Yawn...doesn't sound like a very fun album to dance to.

Or how about the top toy of 2011? It is Figit Friends. "Your new dance partner is a soft plastic alien." Sounds like some of the old college parties I used to attend back when I was younger.

Or the 2011 top Television series? Louie. "Is it a comedy? Is it a drama?" I wouldn't know, I never watched it. It has the same name of my wife's old boyfriend and he too was a comedy and a drama.

Or how about the best fashion moment of 2011? Beyonc, MTV Video Music Awards. "Beyonc managed to keep her pregnancy under wraps until the grand announcement at the MTV Video Music Awards." Wow, be still my beating heart. Who would have thought that maternity clothes would be the best fashion statement?

Or the 2011 best movie? The Artist. "A movie set in Hollywood's silent era that is virtually wordless: a gimmick? No: a sustained cinematic inspiration." What? Did you say something? Sorry, no matter what volume level I had it on, I can't hear what they're saying. I'd rather go to a museum and look at the real silent artists.

Or my second favorite top ten list, the top newest species in 2011? The Presidential Beetle. "...conservationist, president, Mexican beetle....named after Theodore Roosevelt." Maybe it can also be on the ballot in the Iowa Caucus, heck, it might even win.

But beyond a shadow of a doubt, the most fun, interesting and greatest Top Eleven list of the #1 planet in the Top Ten of planets, Earth, is Rehabmart's Top Eleven Medical Supply Product Sellers of 2011!

Why a Top Eleven list you may ask? Because ours is one better then any other top ten list!

So with great excitement and free balloons to the kids, get ready for the unabashed tears of joy and smiles of delight with the unveiling of THE LIST.

Number 11: Pediatric Abdominal Binder.

This binder gives support to the lower torso that can help in reducing muscle fatigue and strain. Not only do adults get muscle strains but so do kids. This binder can help reduce the musculoskeletal vibration caused by riding, sports, physical labor or from running from Aunt Ann who is known as a serial cheek pincher. This binder can also be used for reinforcing muscles for better respiration to improve aerobic performances.

Number 10: Folding Wall Mounted Shelf.

Heck, this is a lot better then the old floor mounted shelves. This is great for the times when you are standing around, holding your laptop and thinking, "Man, I wish I had a shelf right here to place this laptop on." And now you got it! This is a great idea to have a wall shelf when you need it and then not have one when you don't need it. Just fold it flat up to the wall when not in use and, bada boom, bada bing, a convenient and space saving product. The wall brackets are rated at 110 pounds, too, so if a young child misbehaves, you can have him stand in the corner on top of the shelf for his 'time-out'!

Number 9: High Backed Full Support Swing Seats.

To be able to fly through the air with the greatest of ease as a kid is not a privilege, it is a right! This full support high back swing seat gives just about any child the right to squawk like a bird and laugh like the world is a stage and he is experiencing a great comedy. This seat incorporates a pommel, safety harness, and the rope hardware which allows the seat to be adjusted to a safe height and angle. The seats are made from HDPE, a strong, but soft plastic so there are no sharp edges or future rust. The seat also offers an inch more room around the child and snap buckles to make sure he stays in his seat as he takes off into the wild blue yonder.

Number 8: The Lap Hugger for Desk Arm or Full Arm Wheelchair.

It is said that Happiness is a Hug and I couldn't agree more, so why not be hugged all the time while sitting in a wheelchair? This lap hugger for wheelchairs can facilitate better upper body posture and can help prevent forward leaning. Made of durable foam and covered in wipe-free vinyl, this is both a comfortable and clean hug.

Number 7: Good Grip Utensils.

Unless you are eating hospital food, having a good grip on a spoon and fork is a good idea. These stainless steel utensils have a soft, latex-free material which features flexible ribbing that will adapt to any grip. This is, of course, especially important for dessert. With its unique U.S. patent design, the handle cushioned grips even work great when wet. The forks and spoons have a special 'twist' built into the metal shaft which allows them to be bent to any angle, for either the right hand eater or a southpaw. The special edge of the serrated rocker knife will provide an added stability and ease while cutting into meat or cherry pie. The pediatric spoon is of a smaller version for smaller people and the bowl and handle are specially sized for children. Plus more good news, all of the utensils are institutional dishwasher safe.

Number 6: Posey Fall Management Socks.

A word of caution: If you are a child or like my wife who likes to run and slide along the floor in your socks, it won't work in these socks. These soft terrycloth socks provide both comfort and warmth but wait, there's more! They also offer a slip-resistant tread which provides traction for ambulation and walking on smooth surfaces but will not allow any fun to the floor slider among us. The slip resistant tread is printed on both the top and bottom of the sock so you can put them on in the dark of night and sill not slip when you get out of bed. The larger sock sizes feature a mesh band at the top to comfortably fit swollen ankles and calves.

Number 5: TheraTogs ULTRA Posture and Torso Alignment System PTA.

Although the TheraTogs may look like something an Olympic swimmer may wear or some character in a science fiction movie, they are really a wonderful product that helps with improved posture and core strength to the wearer. The PTA (Posture and Torso Alignment System) is a set of two garments and a small set of straps. This is an expandable and wearable therapy system that is used by clinicians for flexible kyphosis and lordosis, excessive pelvic tilt, sitting balance issues, weak trunk muscles, difficulty maintaining midline and shoulder protraction or scapular abduction. I think it also brightens up a room and sings the Star Spangled Banner. The patients wearing the ULTRA PTA will also achieve improved respiratory capacity and increased sensory awareness, reduced torso deviations between thorax and pelvis, gentle shoulder retraction and gentle scapular stabilization.

Number 4: Hensinger Head Support.

Support the head, the rest will follow. The best way to get ahead of the game is to rely on some support. The Hensinger head support offers a soft foam wrap-around collar that is designed to support the head by using base support areas at both the occiput and jaw line. This head support must be used in conjunction with a chest support which will help to maintain mid-line positioning. The proper head positioning can result in improved breathing, swallowing and simplified feeding while also being more conductive to social interactions and situational awareness.

Number 3: Posey Knitted Heel/Elbow Protectors.

With elbows and knees flying hither and yon, they need protection, especially during the Christmas shopping season. These comfortable sock-like coverings provide protection from friction and shear forces. They also might make a great sock puppet. Made from a latex-free flexible stretch weave material, they additionally feature a cushioned foam pad sewn to the inside to buffer the heel or elbow from bumps. The easily removable expandable sleeve helps keep extremities warm without restricting blood circulation. The soft, open cell foam pad is conveniently located on the bony elbow or heel while allowing ventilation to the skin because there isn't anything worse then a choked-up elbow.

Number 2: Playmaker Soft Protective Helmet.

Besides being a protective helmet, this helmet also looks like something Lady Gaga might wear. This comfortable, lightweight headgear offers maximum protection and is pretty cool looking, too. The unique web shell provides both comfort and safety. It is made with thick EVR rubber foam that absorbs energy and then disperses it throughout the headgear. The EVR rubber also ensures total protection and reduces the chance of serious head injury. The helmet has adjustable laces at the back to allow a custom fit and has a breathable LYCRA lining which can be removed to hand wash and air dry.

And now, the most sought after medical supply product from Rehabmart for the year 2011...(I'm excited and all a 'twitter, aren't you?) ...the Number One product of the Number One Top Eleven list in all the land is:

Number 1: DeRoyal LMB Spring Finger Extension Assist.

Whoa...This is big. I didn't expect something this fabulous and awe-inspiring. The winner of the Flying Fickle Finger Extension Assist of Fate award! Now, as you can see, being number one means that a lot of people have given a spring finger extension to friends and family all year long! This finger extension assist is made of high quality wire-foam construction for customized fits. This versatile model extends the PIP joint with a slight extension effect on the MP joint and is designed for patient comfort with an emphasis on distal pad curvature. Ah, I thought so. Also the tension is adjustable by careful bending with a force of 15 degrees of flexion, or about four pounds of pressure.

So, there you have it, the year 2011 is over and sadly, so is the top ten list but buck up and don't be sad, there will be more and new exciting medical supplies being bought and used the wide world over in 2012!

All joking aside, Rehabmart and its employees are very happy and proud to continue to bring top of the line medical supplies to both home customers and health facilities alike. Striving to continue promoting customer service and product excellence, Rehabmart continues to grow each and every year since its conception in 1999, with over 75,000 satisfied customers. We at Rehabmart would like to thank all of our customers, past, present, and future, and we will continue to offer the best service and solid, dependable medical supplies at a good and fair price in 2012 and beyond. With all the havoc and chaos in today's world, it is nice to know that there is a place to come to receive the type of friendliness and products that you deserve.

Happy and Healthy New Year to All of You from All of Us at Rehabmart!

Bill Stock
Library Editor for Rehabmart
and
Hulet Smith, OT
Rehabmart Team Leader & CEO

New Year's Resolution #1: Lose Weight!

Thu, 29 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT

New Year's Resolution #1: Lose Weight!

It's that time again...the changing of the old year to the new, a traditional time of saying goodbye to the past and embracing the positive promise that a new year always holds at its beginnings. No wonder that this is also a traditional time for New Year's resolutions; as human beings we are constantly striving to be the best that we can be and this is a momentous time to get rid of some old, negative habits and to consciously make some better choices for ourselves. And for a lot of us this means getting into better shape, physically and mentally.

Weight loss is definitely one of the top 5 New Year's resolutions that a lot of us make, but it can also be one of the hardest resolutions to keep. Let Rehabmart help you achieve your weight loss goals this year with their wonderful and diverse selection of exercise and weight loss tools and equipment. By making a weight loss product purchase commitment, you commit yourself that much more strongly to following through with your weight loss resolutions. Exercise will also help your mental health to improve, along with helping your slimming body to be much healthier all the way around.

The Invacare Standard Aerobic Pedal Exerciser is a great exercise product for just about anyone who needs more movement in their lives. Compact and simple, the chrome-plated steel frame construction stands up to years of consistent use. The comfortable plastic pedals feature nylon straps and you can easily adjust pedal resistance with the center knob.

For the ultimate indoor pedaling experience, check out the Body-Solid Endurance B3R Recumbent Bike. DuraFirm padding provides comfortable lumbar support and a cozy seat to make your bike rides relaxed and enjoyable. The Endurance B3R puts you in charge of your daily ride with its 16 levels of smoothly adjustable magnetic resistance, self-generating electronics, contact heart rate and and advanced heart rate control programming. Adjust your workouts to challenge your endurance, maximize cardiovascular benefits, and to meet your weight loss goals. This recumbent bike is also super quiet, so you don't have to worry about bothering other family members when you ride.

If walking is more your speed, and indoor space is minimal, I recommend the Best Fitness Folding Treadmill BFT1 . This state-of-the-art treadmill folds up and down with a gas-spring assist, making it easy to store away when not in use. Multiple programs, quick start features and LED displays offer feedback on incline, speed, heart rate, track, time, distance and calories burned. A treadmill is very effective for burning body fat because you can vary your speed, incline and resistance which will all further your progress in reaching your fitness and weight loss goals.

For those who enjoy medicine ball workouts, the Plyoback Rebounder and Accessories is the perfect equipment for you. Now you don't need a partner for your more advanced exercises with medicine balls, this extremely durable rebounder throws the balls back at you instead. Constructed from 14 gauge, powder-coated steel, the Plyoback stands up to years of heavy and constant use. The friction lock and 5-hole pin adjustment also allows angle settings from 0 to 60 degrees, which enables you to use this rebounder for jogging and balance exercises as well. Textured surfaces on the gel-filled medicine balls make it easier to catch and grip them and they come in weights of 2, 4, 7, 11, and 15 pounds.

Lose weight quickly and get in shape with the fun MMA Dual Pad Kickboxing Station! This Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) equipment features two adjustable foam kicking and punching pads, a heavy coil spring for rapid reflex action, an inflatable speed bag, and an extremely durable and heavy gauge molded plastic base that fills with water or sand. Adjust the height to your personal level with 6 position height adjustments that range from 46" to 56". Improve stamina, speed, strength and coordination with this lively exercise equipment.

If you are looking for all the benefits of a health club in the comfort and convenience of your own home, look no further than the Powerline P2X Gym. This compact and high quality home gym offers an optimum workout by combining both functional and traditional exercises in a versatile design that offers you the free range of motion to get a total body workout in a small space. This gym adds functional pulleys to a standard home gym platform, allowing users to use a variety of exercises that recruit stabilizer muscles to exercise movements, such as pec flys and converging press. Traditional bodybuilding exercises tend to focus on the development of major muscle groups, while functional training facilitates a more synergistic approach to regular exercise routines, focusing on the development of balance, core stability and efficiency of the movements and actions you use in your everyday life.

So say goodbye to the old, out of shape, overweight and unhealthy you of the past, and say hello to a new, strong, slim and healthy you this New Year. Even if you have tried to adhere to exercise programs in the past and have failed, every day provides a new opportunity to try again. And Rehabmart can help you stick with it this time with some great exercise equipment.

Carol Koenigsknecht, Medical Consumer Writer
and
Hulet Smith, OT
Rehabmart Team Leader & CEO

Hold on to Your Independence with a Grab Bar

Wed, 28 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Hold on to Your Independence with a Grab Bar

There are many reasons and situations that cause people to need assistance to get up from a sitting or laying position, and the same can be said for getting down into a sitting or laying position. We all appreciate a helping hand or an arm to lean on, either from a family member, friend or health care worker. And yet, some times and some places a little privacy is wanted, where potential embarrassment overrides the need for assistance. At such times and places the feeling of self-reliance is important to one's psyche, and the need for independence is paramount to the mental health of a person. To be able to function independently at a time of injury, poor health or advanced age is a form of accomplishment and self-fulfillment.

The bathroom or bedroom are usually the places where the final walls of independent self-care crumble and yet most of us want to keep that wall strong and upright for as long as possible. Rehabmart can offer the ways and means to stay safe and independent in the bathroom and bedroom with simplicity itself; a grab bar.

A grab bar is just what the name implies, a sturdy device, a bar or handle, to grab and use to help create mobility and safety. Getting out of bed in the morning can be difficult for some people, as well as lowering and rising from a commode and bathtub. The following types of grab bars are just a few of the many different styles offered by Rehabmart.

The Knurled Grab Bar is a simple, yet very functional grab bar that can be mounted either vertically or horizontally and placed where it will be most effective to assist a person to rise or slowly sit down from a toilet or bathtub. This durable chrome-plated grab bar is both attractive and easy to keep clean. The knurled grab bar has small ridges on the edge surface to provide a no-slip grip, and due to its durability, it has a lifetime warranty.

The Senior Companion is a fall prevention aid that assists a person from getting out of chairs or a bed as well as the commode. For people who are somewhat inactive and need to stretch, just place the Senior Companion over a door and slowly stretch the back muscles. Due to its unique and lightweight design, the Senior Companion is a great traveling addition or it can easily be stored in a closet and taken out when an elderly friend or family member comes to visit.

The Pivot Grip Telescoping Portable Grip Bar is another great product to pack up and take on a vacation. When traveling, many times a person will be using unknown tubs and showers and the fear of slipping or falling is a real concern. The Pivot Grip Grab Bar with its durable commercial grade suction cups that will not damage or deface property is easy to install without any tools or professional assistance. This telescoping grab bar can pivot which combines both safety and flexibility by stretching across a corner of a wall or shower, inside of a bathtub or even across unparalleled surfaces. This is a great idea to use either for home or away, anytime a permanent grab bar is not possible.

If safety with a good looking design is what you are looking for, the HealthCraft Invisia Soap Dish with Integrated Support Rail is what you want. While most grab bars use the standard two-point contact with the wall as their root of support, the Invisia Soap Dish uses up to four points of contact for maximum structural support and safety. Also, the nonporous shatterproof surface of the removable soap dish resists the growth of mold and bacteria. As for the design, the meticulously designed wall interface stems combined with a professional grade construction melds into an elegant look that can beautifully blend into any bathroom environment.

Having trouble getting out of the tub? The HealthCraft Advantage Rail is a floor mounted support rail that assists a person with a pivoting rail that moves with the person, providing support similar to a walker, but it can lock in an instant in case the person loses balance, needs to rest or to take baby steps to get to a seated position. The portability of the HealthCraft Advantage Rail is also a nice option. Just take it with you or simply move it out of the way when it is not needed. The portable model quickly secures and releases from a low profile floor mounted plate.

So don't fear the bathroom or low lying chairs and beds. Stay independent of help from others by using a grab bar or pole to get up and around. As we get older or are injured, many of us need something to lean on and sometimes we might not want others to assist us. Now, you can support yourself with a grab bar or pole.

To view other styles of grab bars, please go to the Grab Bar page.

Bill Stock
Library Editor for Rehabmart
and
Hulet Smith, OT
Rehabmart Team Leader & CEO

Be Prepared for a Professional Business Presentation

Mon, 26 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Be Prepared for a Professional Business Presentation

Technology is supposed to make life easier but sometimes it can just make things more difficult. For example; the added equipment and devices that are needed to give a business or school classroom presentation. In the past, a person needed a podium and a dry erase board, sometimes along with a slide projector for a presentation. Today, there is such a wide array of electronics to use that it is beyond the knowledge of anyone who does not work in the IT or audio visual departments. And far more often than not there never seems to be the right type of table space or height, or a podium large enough to hold the laptop computer, projector, notebooks, and other presentation materials. And trying to find several close electrical wall sockets to plug in all the equipment? Forget about it. After all the time and effort setting up for the presentation, with projectors and laptops scattered about and electrical wires imitating an octopus spreading arms of electrical cords around the floor and walls, the front of the room and presentation area looks unprofessional and messy.

The answer to having a presentation being either helter skelter or stellar is a presentation station. A presentation station is a creative piece of office furniture that offers a place for every item of a presentation. It could be as simple as a podium to hold a laptop, to a compartmentized piece of specifically created office furniture for the professional and modern presentation.

A presentation station is not usually something a company or school can get at the local department store but Rehabmart has a number of different types of presentation stations to choose from and some examples are presented below.

The Tuffy Presentation Station with Cabinet is one such example. No more balancing the slide projector on a pile of books to get the right height. This 42 inch tall, 20-gauge steel station has a level space for a projector and a keyboard tray with a little-thought of but important mouse pad extender. This portable presentation station has a locking cabinet and a recessed chrome handle for easy transport from one place to another. The UL approved 3-outlet electrical assembly is recessed so it doesn't add any door-frame hitting width to the cart and the cable management has an access in a back panel of the cabinet.

Another example of a type of presentation station is the Podium Height Presentation Station. Designed to allow a projection over people seated at a table or in chairs, this 50 inch tall upper surface height is also ideal for podium height presentations. With the choice of ordering either thermoplastic shelves that won't chip, warp, rust, crack, or peel or the locked security cabinets that are made of 20 gauge steel and wood to protect your presentation materials, this station offers a lot of working space. It also looks good with a choice of black cherry, oak, or gray colored laminate sides that will coordinate with most conference, library, or classroom environments. With its 3-outlet UL approved electrical assembly and wire management wrap, plus the six four-inch swivel casters, this presentation station can easily be packed up and moved from one office to another.

This 'Boardroom Series' extra wide work surface of 36 inches by 18 inches is a great platform to launch the perfect presentation. The Large Worksurface Presentation Station has attractive Aspen-look wood inlays and a nickel finish on the cabinets and legs. This station also comes with six 4-inch swivel casters and a 3-outlet, UL approved electrical assembly that has a recessed attachment and wire management system to keep a neat and professional look during meetings and classes.

The final example of the many presentation stations offered by Rehabmart is the Tuffy Ultimate Video Presentation Station. This Cadillac of presentation stations has the look and feel of professionalism oozing from its shelves and drawers. With its retractable keyboard tray with a mouse pad extender, a large security locking slide-out projector platform, two lower cabinets for either DVD/VCR's or amplifiers, and the 20-gauge steel side panels and doors for security, this station can provide years of professional service.

This presentation station also has a large flip-up metal side shelf offering an extended extra work space, ventilated steel side panels which allow sound to emanate from the cabinet and also provide heat ventilation for equipment, four large 5-inch heavy duty casters that will roll over most surfaces, and the cable management in the middle shelf which allows cords to pass through between the upper and lower cabinets.

If first impressions are important in your place of business and professionalism is what you are looking for during a business or classroom presentation, a presentation station can offer you all that you seek. Say goodbye to books propping up projectors, laptops balancing precariously on a table edge, papers and materials spread out in disarray, or power cords tripping up the audience or presenter. Instead, say hello to an all-in-one presentation station to keep the "pro" in professional.

To view more presentation stations, please go to the Presentation Stations page.

Bill Stock
Library Editor for Rehabmart
and
Hulet Smith, OT
Rehabmart Team Leader & CEO

Look at this Kit for the Visually Impaired

Thu, 22 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Look at this Kit for the Visually Impaired

If you are a teacher, parent or caregiver to a visually impaired child, then we know that you are always on the lookout for toys, aids and tools that can help your special child to learn and grow. Assistive technology is essential in today's world to enable children and adults who are blind or visually impaired to participate fully in school, play, work and life. Rehabmart carries a multitude of assistive technology devices for the visually impaired child and adult that is specifically designed to enable enhanced communication and interaction.

The fabulous Kit for the Visually Impaired includes everything you need for your visually impaired child or student. This complete kit also features three of the latest, state-of-the-art communicators created by Enabling Devices.

The Visually Impaired Communicator has an intensive background illumination created by two dimmable fluorescent tubes. The icon holders are transparent, allowing for clear or transparent icons and pictures.

The Portable Communicator for the Visually Impaired also provides an intense background illumination for transparent icons, while offering four scan modes and up to eight fields to work in, allowing the user to increase his abilities as he learns more. Other features include 600 seconds of recording time, a recordable level announcer, an on and off auditory cue, true voice recording quality, two built-in scan switches and an adjustable scanning speed control along with 4 modes of scanning; inverse, automatic, two switch and step. The adjustable and removable carrying strap makes it easy to take this communicator anywhere and everywhere.

The Symbol Communicator for the Blind is another perfect tool for the totally blind or sensory impaired. Lightweight and completely portable, this symbol communicator can store up to 6 messages on 6 different levels for a total of 36 6-second messages. When the user touches one of the 6 removable tactile symbols to activate a message, she will feel a vibration (which can also be turned off). The tactile symbols are part of a graphic language system using concrete or abstract representations that can be tactually discriminated by an individual who is totally blind or dual-sensory impaired. Messages can be recorded and re-recorded as often as desired. This communicator does come complete with a starting kit of 6 tactile symbols; Bathroom, Something Wrong, Drink, I Want, Finished, and Eat.

Another helpful inclusion in the Kit for the Visually Impaired are the High Contrast Icons. Suggested by a parent of a child with cortical blindness and her communication specialist, these icons are highly visible to even the most visually impaired child or adult. This package contains more than 50 photos in two sets of icons, both in printed form and on a CD.

This multi-purpose Musical Light Box now features brighter LED light technology and can be used as a bright back light for tracing, or as a light source for people and children with visual impairments. Music can be turned on or off, depending on the mood and desire of the user.

This Visually Impaired Activity Center is specifically designed with the VI child in mind. Features include a blue tactile plate that vibrates when pressed, a pull-ball that activates a gentle fan, and a textured yellow oval plate which turns on a radio. Young children will have loads of fun with this activity center designed with their special needs in mind.

Our Visually imparied Tic Tac Toe game is a fun version of the classic game for all ages. Just activate your colored switch to light up your chosen colored LED-lit square and you are well on your way to making a Tic Tac Toe in a horizontal, vertical or diagonal pattern. For added delight, music plays and lights flash when you make the winning combination!

The Bright Switch for the Visually Impaired is a flashing blinker light that helps visually impaired individuals to locate the switch. When the switch is activated, the yellow textured lens lights up very brightly while music plays and the switch vibrates. The Adjustable Angle Sequencer with Switch is another new sequencer designed for the visually impaired. The circular-patterned red LED lights give the user the visual cue for targeting and encourage the user to activate the switch.

Fun for all ages, the Penguin Roller Coaster is a fun toy specifically designed for children with visual impairment. Your child will have a great time while learning different colors and how to count by watching these adorable penguins climb to the top of their iceberg and then ride down the slide to the bottom.

Connect Four is another fun, yet educational toy designed with your VI child in mind. This classic vertical checkers game features textured rubber on all the black pieces for tactile identification and easier recognition. Your child tries to build a row of four checkers in any direction while blocking opponents from doing the same.

Communicate with textures with the Totally Tactile Communicator! With the adjustable activation time, your child can feel the plates for the set time without activating the message. Six levels with a total of 36 messages at 7 seconds per message provides lots of variety and fun combinations that will keep your child amused and entertained for hours. This communicator toy is mounted on a lazy susan for ease of use, and has minimal vibration.

Kids and adults of every age will enjoy the colorful spongy and springy fun of the Koosh Switch! Touch the compelling ball of rubber strings and you are instantly rewarded with vibration, music and lights. These lights and music can be turned off when the Koosh is used as a switch.

The Kit for the Visually Impaired includes everything you need for your own visually impaired child or student and is a popular choice among teachers, therapists and parents. For more information about other assistive technology toys and products offered by Rehabmart for the visually impaired child, please go to the Pediatric Visual Stimulation page.

Carol Koenigsknecht, Medical Consumer Writer
and
Hulet Smith, OT
Rehabmart Team Leader & CEO

Get a Lift from a Lift Chair

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Get a Lift from a Lift Chair

If you are among those who have ever suffered a physical problem that impaired your ability to rise from a seated to a standing position, you would understand how difficult it is to enjoy a normal routine or lifestyle. Lift Chairs are a blessing for such patients. Problems such as these are very common and may be a result of a handicap, physical disability, illness, or an accidental injury. With access to a lift chair, the patient can easily lead an independent lifestyle at home rather than be dependent on someone else.

What is a Lift Chair?

A Lift Chair is a specially designed chair that tilts at specific angles so that the patient can easily stand independently without any unnecessary strain to the back. While a Lift Chair makes life much easier for a patient, selecting the right chair can sometimes become a challenge. This is mainly because there are several types of lift chairs and a multitude of different models available in the market. However, if you are clear about which type of chair will work best for you and combine it with some research about how they work, it is not difficult to find the perfect chair for you. It's heartening to note that the manufacturing companies are putting a lot of thought into innovation and using the latest and cutting-edge technologies so that chairs are not only comfortable but also attractive and user-friendly. Most lift chairs have a user-controlled mechanism. It is either a button or a lever that a patient can use to adjust the height as needed.

Two Common Mistakes to Avoid

Usually, when people plan to buy a lift chair, they get so overwhelmed by the range of type, size, or colors that they tend to make two mistakes that can ruin the whole purpose of buying a lift chair altogether. Look out for these two:

1. As common sense as it may seem, most people do not seem to consider beforehand the measurement of the area where the chair will be kept. Be aware that these chairs are much larger in size than the typical chairs. Add to this the fact that they recline at different angles. Combine these two factors and you know that the area in which the chair will be kept must be spacious enough. So decide where the chair will be placed, take the measurements of the area, and then compare it with the measurements of the chair so that you are sure that it will fit well. When you don't do this, you may find that the chair is bigger in size than the area where it needs to be kept.

2. Consider the size of the person who will be using the chair. These chairs come in wide variety of different sizes and angles. Most of the times, this fact has a direct relation to the comfort of the person sitting on it. Wherever possible, take the patient with you when shopping for a lift chair.

Types of Lift Chairs at Rehabmart

Rehabmart has a great deal of variety when it comes to lift chairs. However, the following models are extremely popular among our customers.

Capri Two-Way Lift Chair: The Capri Two-Way Lift Chair by Golden Technologies is one of the most luxurious looking, comfortable, and affordable Lift Chairs in our collection. With a classic Colonial button-back design enhanced by a slightly firmer lumbar support area and arms that offer a wider, more rounded design for extra comfort and stability, this chair has been designed with a view to provide long-lasting comfort, reliability, and style.

Williamsburg Lift Chair: Another one of our fabulous selections, a Williamsburg Lift Chair is a lift/recliner that features a soft colonial design with traditional wings and a deep, plush back cushion. With an attractive and trendy button-back design meant to provide superior comfort and support, this chair livens up not just your lifestyle but also your decor. A Williamsburg Lift Chair is available in many different fabrics such as SofTouch, Crypton, and Brisa Ultra Suede.

Regal Lift Chair: A Regal Lift Chair is designed for patients who want to keep things within their arm's reach. Its marvelous design and dual flip open arms conceal extra storage space, a cup holder and hideaway tray so that you can eat and drink while remaining seated. The luxurious three pillow waterfall back is adjustable allowing for longer hours of relaxation.

Medline Bariatric Lift Recliner Chair: A Medline Bariatric Lift Recliner Chair is a highly sophisticated and modern lift recliner chair that is designed to help heavier patients create their personalized comfort zones. Combining style with luxury, this high-strength recliner has independent back and foot operation with infinite positioning, an extra-wide head rest and easy-to-read hand control.

Buying a lift chair doesn't have to be a nerve racking experience. By doing the research and keeping the tips above in mind,

you will be sure to find just the right lift chair for yourself or your loved one.

To view other lift chairs offered by Rehabmart, please go to the Lift Chair page.

Amit Pant, Medical Consumer Writer
and
Hulet Smith, OT
Rehabmart Team Leader & CEO

Special Medical Tables for Special Medical Procedures

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Special Medical Tables for Special Medical Procedures

Going to a doctor is usually not the most joyful occasion and when a person does go they expect that the doctor provides professional medical equipment, especially if the doctor is a specialist in a particular medical field. For example, a person wouldn't want to go to a urologist who uses a dentist's chair as the exam table and the same can be said about a dentist using a urology table as a dentist's chair.

Rehabmart now has specific medical tables for specific medical specialties. The following three medical tables are specific to x-ray technicians or urologists.

The Oakworks 3-Motion C-Arm Imaging Table is one such table. To better understand the specialty of this table it would be better to understand what the function is of a C-arm. A C-arm, or sometimes called an X-ray image intensifier, is a fluoroscopic imaging system which allows for lower x-ray doses on patients and magnifies the intensity produced in the output image thus allowing the technician or doctor to easily see the structure of the object being imaged. The c-arm, while initially used for general surgery, is now used for orthopedic applications, and as a minimally invasive tool for spinal surgeries, pain management, and other procedures such as cardiac, urology, vascular, and neurovascular applications.

The 3-Motion C-Arm Imaging Table has 3 powered motions: height, Trendelenburg tilt, and lateral tilt. It has 56 inches of metal free imaging area while the adjustable height range of 18 inches is the widest offered in the medical industry. It is available in either an integrated or rectangular carbon fiber top and the table has a 500 pound patient weight capacity. With its 4 inch casters, this table is also easily moved from one room to another.

Another specific medical table is the Oakworks 4-Motion Urology Table which offers four powered motions: height, Trendelenburg tilt, longitudinal travel and lateral travel. This table is used by urologists who specialize in the area of urinary tracts of males and females and on the reproductive system of males. Their specialty would also include areas of the body such as the kidneys, ureters, urinary bladder, and urethra. For this type of specific exam, a patient and doctor would want to be using a specific table.

When going for a urology exam, patient comfort is important and this 500 pound patient weight capacity table can range in height for easy patient transfers from wheelchairs or gurneys onto the 1 inch comfort foam table top pad. The table also has a carbon fiber top, an imaging area of 19 inches by 24 inches (plus three table extensions which allows a 53 inch imaging area), and two controls (a foot device and a hand device) to control all the table motions.

The last sample of a specialized medical table is the Oakworks 4-Motion Lithotripsy Urology Table. This table is used for Lithotripsy which is to fragment and disintegrate kidney stones by high-energy shock waves. Lithotripsy, derived from two Greek root words, litho - 'stone' and trip - 'break', is a shock wave created by using an electromagnetic impulse outside the body which is focused on the bothersome stone. The shock wave will shatter the stone where the smaller pieces of the stone will pass through the urinary system with hopefully as little pain as possible.

This 4 motion Lithotripsy table demonstrates its versatility with the option of being a mobile or stationary table. This table also has the four power motions of height, Trendelenburg tilt, longitudinal travel, and lateral travel. With its easy to use table extension system, it allows over or under, left or right side of the table procedures. The table can also be quickly converted to a full featured urology table for cystoscopies and other urology procedures. The lithotripsy urology table is also patient friendly with a 500 pound patient weight capacity, a 1 inch comfort foam table top pad, varying height range for easy patient transfers, and heavy duty 5 inch casters for a smooth ride.

As with any other profession and more important than most, the right tools for the right job can be critical within the medical field and these specialized tables are the right tools. A table by any other name is not necessary still a table, at least not when it comes to patient comfort and health.

To view other tables and medical supply by Oakworks, please go to the Oakworks Medical Products page.

Bill Stock
Library Editor for Rehabmart
and
Hulet Smith, OT
Rehabmart Team Leader & CEO

Pediatric Tumble Forms for Vestibular Therapy

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Pediatric Tumble Forms for Vestibular Therapy

The vestibular system, which contributes to balance and the sense of spatial orientation in most mammals, is the sensory system that detects movement and gravitational pull, providing information regarding the position of our head in space and the acceleration and deceleration of movement. Considered to be the most influential sensory system we have, our vestibular system has a huge impact on one's ability to function daily. It is the unifying system in our brain that coordinates the information received from other body systems, effectively telling each sensation when and where it should stop or go.

All aspects of spatial coordination such as balance, movement, posture, coordination, attention and other mind/mood behaviors are affected by this system. When the vestibular system is not functioning correctly it can cause a plethora of functional difficulties and symptoms including motion sickness, dizziness, nausea, decreased auditory processing, problems with balance, difficulty with walking or running or going up and down stairs, and the inability to maintain attention or focus. Children affected by poor vestibular processing are often inaccurately perceived as lazy, inattentive, overly anxious or seeking attention. They often have trouble reading or understanding simple math. Performing routine daily tasks, going out into the community, functioning at school or simply getting out of bed in the morning may be extremely difficult for a child with vestibular problems.

Treatment strategies for vestibular dysfunction in children include deluging the sensory systems with a variety of intense sensory input through the use of special kinds of balancing swings, balls, discs and boards. Rehabmart is proud to offer the popular and effective Tumble Forms line of vestibular therapy equipment specifically intended for children who suffer from vestibular problems, balance core stability issues, and sensory integration problems.

One of the simplest tools for helping your child with vestibular dysfunction is the Vestibular Board. This special design creates tilting in a rolling motion and helps your child develop vestibular acuity, coordination and balance control. This board can be used for children who are in the early stages of developing balance, and it can be used in a sitting, kneeling or standing position with the guidance of the parent or therapist. The Vestibular Board can accommodate weight up to 150 pounds, and the legs fold inward for easy and convenient storage.

The Tumble Forms 2 Tortoise Shell Therapy System adds even more dimension to your child's individual or group vestibular therapy programs. This latex free system is ideal for young children in early intervention programs. The colorful tortoise shell can be suspended from the Deluxe Vestibulator II Therapy System (more on that system below) with the Tortoise Shell Suspension Kit, or used by itself for all kinds of sensory activities. Prevent the shell from rocking by using the lid as a recessed base, or on top as a flat surface for vestibular therapy. The Deluxe Tortoise Shell Therapy System also comes complete with a snug fitting net filled with brightly colored bubble balls for buoyancy and sensory feedback

The ultimate option for either home or professional use, the freestanding Tumble Forms 2 Deluxe Vestibular II System offers everything you need for pediatric vestibular, sensory integration and neurodevelopmental therapy. This deluxe system provides a complete range of motion exercises along with vertical stimulation and direct flexion, linear acceleration and rotational experiences. You can enjoy all of the benefits of a ceiling suspension system without the installation costs and safety concerns.

The tough and durable metal frame can accommodate up to 500 pounds, which allows the parent or therapist to work and swing right along with the child! The special height adjustment assembly allows quick and easy changes for different positioning needs, while the mechanism can be fixed in a stable position or set for swinging.

Easily attachable and detachable accessory pieces are lightweight and include the Mat, Flexidisk, Roll Swing, Net Swing with Positioning Seat, Prone Net Swing, Platform Swing and Rope with Ascenders. These pieces are all included with the Deluxe System, but can also be purchased individually depending on your unique child's needs. The frame with rope and ascenders can also be purchased by itself. Build and design your own unique Vestibulator system with these options, or just choose the Deluxe model that includes everything!

A child with dysfunctional vestibular processing, who does not possess gravitational security, tends to be fearful, inflexible and controlling due to the fact that she lacks control over the world around her and how she moves through it. Let Tumble Forms from Rehabmart help inspire your child to move and learn a better sense of balance, sensory integration and spatial acuity. Talk to your child's therapist or doctor about this form of fun therapy and how it might help your child function better physically and mentally. A balanced child is a happy child!

To view other vestibulator therapy products, swing on over to the Pediatric Tumble Forms Vestibulator Therapy page.

Carol Koenigsknecht, Medical Consumer Writer
and
Hulet Smith, OT
Rehabmart Team Leader & CEO

Don't be SAD During the Winter Months

Sat, 10 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Don't be SAD During the Winter Months

"Wherever you go, no matter what the weather, always bring your own sunshine."
- Anthony J. D'Angelo, The College Blue Book

Throughout the millennia, mankind have lived and evolved with the day-night cycle of the earth. Over time, man has synchronized his internal body cycle to the sun and moon, day and night. Most people, like many animals of the world, sleep when it's dark and are awake and alert during the day.

But alas, with the introduction of the modern industrial age there also came the modern industrial behavior of humans. This behavior would lead to an increasing loss of enjoying and receiving the benefits of daylight due to people living in unnaturally darkened housing, working inside buildings and offices beneath candescent and fluorescent lighting or working second and third shifts during night hours, subsequently sleeping during the day. This type of alternate day-night cycle behavior can create daylight deprivation which can manifest as physical and emotional problems, insomnia issues, depressed mood, inability to concentrate, fatigue, and other abnormal conditions.

When some people experience such behaviors during the darkened winter months, they do suffer a real problem. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th ed., (DSM-IV), it "categorizes seasonal affective disorder (SAD) not as a unique mood disorder, but as a specifier of major depression. Thus, patients with SAD experience episodes of major depression that tend to recur at specific times of the year. These seasonal episodes may take the form of major depressive or bipolar disorders."

Not everyone who experiences some symptoms is necessarily charging toward major depression, but people can become sad and anxious due to SAD. When people do start to feel lethargic during the changing of the seasons into the winter months, they may have trouble waking up or wanting to get out of bed or may even crave heavier carbohydrate laden food. This can be a pre-warning that the winter doldrums are starting to set in. As the weeks pass, chronic low mood, not enjoying the usual fun activities, the difficulty of concentrating at work, etc., may increase during January and February. As the sun appears more often and the temperatures start to warm up in May, and as the earth starts to bud and grow again, so will the positive mental outlook of the 10 to 12 million SAD induced individuals.

Bright light therapy is a way to diminish the symptoms of SAD and Delayed Sleep Phase Syndrome (DSPS). Bright light therapy is very simple to administer, just flick a switch. Rehabmart carries such switches that are connected to natural spectrum light lamps. The following lamps and lights are a few of the products offered by Rehabmart to help battle the seasonal affective disorder symptoms.

The Verilux Happy Light 6000 Sunshine Supplement Light System can deliver healthy, sunshine-like light for the improvement of an individual's overall mood, energy, and concentration. This light system offers 6,000 LUX of healthy light which activates the body's natural mood enhancers and our Circadian Rhythm without the harmful UV rays. This and other such lights can be passively used while a person is working on their computer, reading books and newspapers, or even watching television. The beauty of using such lamps and light is the possibility of improving the individual's physical energy and to help create a positive mood naturally without using drugs or other artificial products.

The Verilux HappyLite Deluxe Full Spectrum Light Therapy System is similar to the light system above, but offers a full 10,000 LUX of Full Spectrum light without the harmful UV rays. This light can be conveniently hung on a wall or be situated on a table or kitchen/bathroom counter.

"The sun lay like a friendly arm across her shoulder."
- Margorie Kinnan Rawlings, South Moon Under

The DayLight Bright Light Therapy System also provides a break from SAD with its three 36 watt bulbs which deliver 10,000 LUX from the optimal distance of twelve inches to receive the proper intensity of light therapy. The adjustable legs of the light helps the light source to be angled to mimic outdoor sunlight. The high-impact polycarbonate lens helps filter over 99% of the harmful UV rays while softening the impact of bright glare. This light is also manufactured to eliminate the annoying flicker experienced with most ordinary florescent lights. The two-way switch on the light makes this a three bulb bright light therapy system or a normal two light bulb lamp for other uses.

The last example is the DIA Naturebright Light Therapy that uses a Day-Light Sky Bright Light Therapy System that works as both a therapy light and a regular task light. This therapeutic system features the BrightZone Technology for a maximum 10,000 LUX output that covers a broad field of illumination. This lamp is designed to provide treatment to specific conditions and meets the stringent bright light therapy guidelines which are provided by leading experts in the field of bright light therapy. The size of the Day-Light Sky light is smaller, more discreet and perfect for the home or office.

So you don't have to be sad during the sun-starved months of winter. The use of a bright light therapy system can help alleviate the Winter Blues and help with the anxiety of such stress related times as the holidays. Become a shiny happy person during the darkened moody times of winter with a Bright Light Therapy light from Rehabmart.

To view more bright ideas about light therapy, please go to the Light Therapy page.

Have a happy and bright Christmas!

Bill Stock
Library Editor for Rehabmart
and
Hulet Smith, OT
Rehabmart Team Leader & CEO

DISCLAIMER: These statements are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Have a Seat with Adaptive Chairs for Children

Thu, 8 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Have a Seat with Adaptive Chairs for Children

Children with special needs tend to face a lot of challenges in their young lives. They want to grow and learn, and laugh and play just like any other children. But because of physical and/or mental disabilities, things that would seem simple, such as sitting in a regular chair, can become huge obstacles to the special needs child. And while a wheelchair is certainly important and necessary for mobility, it might not provide the child the right kind of sitting space for a classroom, for therapy activities, nor for rest and relaxation.

Rehabmart offers some fine choices of adaptive chairs created specifically for special needs children. These chairs can be used at home, school, or in any other therapy settings and help to give our special kids a break from their wheelchairs.

The TherAdapt Adjustable Positioning Chairhas so many great features and can adjust in so many ways, it's hard to know where to start! Three sizes of customized seating for the mild, moderate or severely physically challenged user guarantees that you will find the best fit for your own unique child. This chair is very easily adjusted, allowing it to grow along with your child; the largest Primary/Intermediate size can accommodate teenagers and young adults up to 150 pounds.

The TherAdapt seat is height and angle adjustable, allowing a seat-to-back angle range between 80 and 100 degrees to help ensure correct pelvic positioning. The U-shaped side frames angle the chair at 5, 10 or 20 degrees tilted in space, while they also raise and lower the height of the chair. Standard options include a depth-adjustable and removable abduction pommel, and a pelvic positioning belt to help keep your child firmly and safely secured. Customized options include several different kinds of back inserts that allow you to create exactly the right head and/or trunk support that your child requires.

This chair is a very popular seating solution for activities such as eating, schoolwork, tabletop games, therapy and circle-time. The quick and simple adjustability of the TherAdept makes this a great chair to be used in the classroom or therapy clinic by several different children with varying needs. As your child's abilities change, so does this chair. The TherAdapt Mobile Base option also helps you safely transport this chair about the home, clinic or classroom with ease. Four locking casters ensure that this base and chair will stay firmly in place.

When it's time to relax, the Freedom Concepts Chill-Out Chair is the only way to go! Designed with your child in mind, this chair also comes in a wide variety of styles, sizes and colors to suit every unique need and taste out there. One of the best features of this chair is that it allows your child a comfortable, dignified and completely safe seat without restraint. All Chill-Out models feature a comfortable and unique Deep V design with multiple, flame resistant foam densities that won't lose their shape, even after years of use.

An ottoman, included with each model, helps to support the legs as well as reduce edema and improve circulation in the lower extremities. When set on its end, the ottoman provides an ideal position for the caregiver to assist the occupant with activities such as eating, communication, therapy or to give more direct comfort. The ottoman can also be used as a side table for either child or caregiver.

The new Home Rocker model is intended for very young children and provides a gentle and soothing back and forth motion. The Ultra Suede Microfiber Fabric Cover is available in many designer colors to beautifully blend with any dcor. The Ottoman can also be attached to the rocker to provide stability and to keep the chair stationary.

The Designer Series model features Reflex Foam and wood base construction that stands up to tough and repeated use, year after year. Like the Home Rocker, this chair also features the Ultra Suede Microfiber Fabric Cover in many fabulous designer colors. Available in small, medium or large sizes, this chair can accommodate children, teens and young adults with a weight range of 30 to 175 pounds. Casters make this chair easy to transport, with locks that also help keep it firmly in place.

The Original Chill-Out Chair model features a Crypton Fabric Liquid and Stain Resistant Slip Cover and a Medbloc Liquid Resistant Liner. Patented process Crypton Textiles are stain, water and bacteria resistant and are extremely durable, flame resistant and machine-washable. The lightweight Medbloc Liner boasts a smooth knit backing that is soft and flexible with heat-sealed seams to prevent moisture leakage. Durable and washable, this liner helps to maintain the structure and hygienic integrity of the foam.

Think about creating some new seating options for your special child. Adaptive chairs can open up the world in a whole new way for the child with special needs. From helping your child to learn and focus with a TherAdapt Adjustable Positioning Chair in the classroom or clinic, to enhancing relaxation, well-being and sense of calm with a Freedom Concepts Chill-Out Chair at home or in residential care, the positive benefits of using these chairs will reward you and your child for many years to come.

To view more types of adaptive chairs, please go to the Adaptive Chairs page.

Carol Koenigsknecht, Medical Consumer Writer
and
Hulet Smith, OT
Rehabmart Team Leader & CEO

Happiness is Being Warm During the Winter

Tue, 6 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Happiness is Being Warm During the Winter

As we fall into the cold winter months ahead, staying warm becomes a top priority for us all. For those who are 'cold-natured', or for those who suffer from arthritis and other muscular aches and pains, wintertime can often be the most painful time of the year to endure. Cold weather seems to seep directly into our bones, making it that much harder to go about our daily tasks and activities. Every movement can seem painful, and we often injure ourselves further because our bodies and muscles are so tight in their defense against the feelings of coldness and pain.

Heat therapy, also known as thermotherapy, is an important tool for healing anytime, but is especially helpful and therapeutic in the winter months. Commonly used for rehabilitation purposes, the therapeutic effects of heat include decreasing joint stiffness, reducing pain, relieving muscle spasms, reducing inflammation and water retention/edema, and increasing the extensibility of collagen and soft tissues. Heat also increases blood flow to the affected areas of the body, which helps provide proteins, nutrients and oxygen for better healing.

Rehabmart offers a huge selection of heat therapy products, from simple hot/cold packs to professional water pumping systems...you are sure to find just the right selection for your own individual needs and health issues. Here are a few of my favorites:

The fabulous Floor IR/UV Lamps employ high intensity, infrared radiant heat to soothe tired and sore muscles and joints. Infrared radiation (IR) more effectively penetrates and heats the areas of our bodies that need it most, while the vasodilation that occurs in the body from this therapy helps to eliminate carbon dioxide and other metabolic wastes more efficiently. These lamps are adjustable and secured on heavy-duty tripod floor stands so that you can aim the heat exactly where you need it.

For even more flexibility with IR therapy, try the Vibrating Hand Held Infrared Massager. This ergonomically designed and compact IR device provides soothing infrared therapy with vibration to reduce tension and stress, while improving blood flow and hastening healing. This unique heating massager is conveniently portable to take with you wherever you go so you can enjoy the therapy anywhere and everywhere.

If you specifically suffer from cold hands in the wintertime, the Bed Buddy Hand Warmers with Aromatherapy are a perfect fragrant fit for you! Filled with natural, organic grains, these hand warmers are super safe and easy-just heat them up in the microwave for quick and handy warmth. Each set also comes complete with a scent pack of specific essential oils to comfort, calm or revitalize, depending on your mood.

Moist heat therapy is more effective at warming the body's tissues than dry heat because water transfers heat more quickly than air. The Medi Beads Microwave Moist Heat Packs are filled with non-toxic, natural material beads that comfortably conform to the body's natural contours. Extremely durable, these packs are latex-free and contain permanent, anti-microbial agents which inhibit bacteria, mildew and odors. The beads naturally gather moisture from the air and provide deep, penetrating moist heat therapy without the use of any additional water.

Another great and versatile option for moist heat therapy are the Thermophore Automatic Moist Heat Pack. These packs are available in a variety of sizes, including an open-ended Muff style that is perfect for hands, elbows and ankles. The unique flannel cover draws moisture from the air which is then released as moist heat when the pack is turned on. The spring-loaded 'on' switch allows the user to control the heat level for maximum safety; if the user falls asleep, the pack automatically turns off.

For the truly serious heat therapy seeker, I highly recommend the T/Pump Classic System made by SafetySure. Specifically designed for ease of use at home or in any healthcare setting, this system provides both core warming and cooling therapies with precise and regulated temperature control. The T/Pump uses tap water to deliver safe, effective and localized therapy for all kinds of painful body conditions such as acute back pain, muscle strains and spasms, chronic arthritis, tendonitis, neuritis, phlebitis and localized pain.

The three-layer safety system features dual temperature sensors, dual microprocessors and a mechanical thermostat to ensure patient safety at every level. The illuminated LED control panel, translucent water reservoir, built-in hose and cord storage, and comfortable handle all combine to make this system easy to use and convenient to transport.

Enjoy a warmer and more therapeutic winter this year by using some thermotherapy products from Rehabmart. And don't forget to warm the hearts of everyone on your Christmas list with some heat therapy products, too...we all love warmth in the wintertime!

To view more products that can help keep you warm, please go to the Hot and Cold Therapy page.

Carol Koenigsknecht, Medical Consumer Writer
and
Hulet Smith, OT
Rehabmart Team Leader & CEO

Useful and Unusual Christmas Gifts

Thu, 1 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Useful and Unusual Christmas Gifts

Christmas comes once a year but if you combine the gift of health with Christmas, it can be a gift that keeps on giving year after year. Also, wouldn't it be fun to buy an unusual, yet usable gift for someone else? Sure, buying someone a new tie would be nice, but how cool would it be to buy that same person a talking weight scale, or an electrical muscle stimulator, or even a large corner ball pool for the kids?

The most useful and unusual gifts can be found at Rehabmart for that special someone or for that 'person who has everything', as I bet they might not have an elasto-gel therapy mitten or a handybar car assist handle.

The following dozen products offered by Rehabmart are just twelve of thousands of perfect Christmas gifts for that perfect person.

The Reizen Digital Analog Water Resistant Talking Watch can be the talk of the Christmas dinner table. This versatile, water-resistant talking watch offers three ways to tell the time. Simply press a button to have the time announced in a pleasant female voice, or view the time on the LCD, or read it from a traditional analog clock face.

How about muscling up to the Christmas tree with a wrapped up EMS 2000 Electrical Muscle Stimulator? This is a dual channel TENS and EMS device that increases the range of motion, reduces muscle atrophy, and pain. This muscle stimulator can also re-educate damaged muscles, prevent venous thrombosis, and improve blood circulation.

The perfect bath needs the perfect temperature and the best way to achieve the right temperature is with the Grafco Flat Bath Thermometer. This thermometer comes with a dual graduated scale which is fully recessed in a nine inch long smoothly finished wooden housing unit.

The best way to see something is with natural light and now you can bring the sunshine indoors with this Natural Spectrum Deluxe 27 Watt Floor Lamp. This floor lamp brings brighter light with less glare that will help ease eye strain while reading, knitting, or any fine handy work.

After the holiday treats and parties is the time to get back into shape with the Body Solid Best Fitness Spin Style Bike. With the indoor spin style bike, neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night stays the spin style bike rider from the swift completion of their appointed exercise. This spin bike has multiple adjustments and riding positions that duplicate the fit of a real bike.

After some time on the spin bike, the person will need a REIZEN Talking Weight Scale to hear how much weight they are losing. This scale is also great for the visually impaired or blind health-conscious individuals. A friendly female voice will announce, "Hello, I'm Ready" to tell the weight in either pounds or kilograms.

Don't lose any more sleep with the Theratech 5500 Pressure Relief Mattress. This mattress features individually articulating cells throughout the top layer that are sized to match the anatomic shape of the body, with progressively smaller cells that focus on the higher risk areas of the body.

The MTS Handybar Car Assist Handle will help the expectant mothers, people with physical challenges, bad backs or leg problems, cars that are low to the ground or even if someone is trapped in their car. This easy to use and install product features a window breaker and stainless steel seatbelt cutter.

For people who want to learn a 'different' language, try the Pocket Braille Learning Device. This pocket sized Braille cube is especially designed for people who want to master the Braille alphabet.

If someone has a medical history of cold hands or are in need of a cold treatment, the Elasto-Gel Therapy Mitten would be a good fit. Made of a tough, flexible gel that is covered with a four-way stretch material that allows maximum conformity, comfort and heat/cold transfer.

When kids are told to sit in the corner, they can now have fun with the Large Corner Ball Pool. This space-saving ball pool can help children from ages three months to three years to develop gross motor and social interaction skills as well as provide visual and tactile feedback. And it's also a pool full of fun all year 'round!

As the cold winter wind comes whistling down from the North, many people may suffer the slings and arrows of arthritic misfortune. The Therbath PRO Professional Paraffin Bath has been used to provide penetrating heat for relieving the pain of arthritis, joint stiffness, and sports injuries since 1962.

To find many more unusual, fun, and therapeutic Christmas gifts, spend a few minutes shopping the Rehabmart Mall of Health to find that perfect gift.

Bill Stock
Library Editor for Rehabmart
and
Hulet Smith, OT
Rehabmart Team Leader & CEO