Happy Father's Day!

Father's Day is celebrated on the third Sunday in June in the United States and many other countries of the world, which means it is almost here.  This special day commemorates all of the wonderful fathers out there who lovingly and unselfishly care for their children.  These dads support their families in whatever ways that they can, often sacrificing greatly to provide the best home life possible for their children.  Thankfully, many of our fathers are now living longer in these days of earlier diagnosis of illness and subsequent earlier care that is saving lives. 

So, seriously...you're not going to give your dad another ugly tie for Father's Day, are you???

I mean that was fine for a while, but now with Dad getting older, a little more creativity might be in order to really show him how thankful you are for everything he has done for you.  For instance, if your dad has high blood pressure or other cardiovascular issues, he might really appreciate the HealthSmart Select Automatic Arm Digital Blood Pressure Monitor from Rehabmart.  This is a simple arm-cuff device that is available in standard or large sizes and allows Dad to keep track of his blood pressure at home, or while traveling.  This monitor also features an extra large backlit LCD display which makes it very easy to read, even for folks with visual problems.  
                        
From library.rehabmart.com

The 2-user memory storage additionally allows Mom to take her own blood pressure readings as this monitor will save and store up to 120 separate readings, while also offering an average of the last 3 readings.  This product conforms to the World Health Organization's (WHO) guidelines for normal, borderline and high blood pressure categories and can also detect irregular heartbeat issues.

Another great gift idea for your father might be the Bierley BM-01 Mobile Telephone.  If your aging parents have been hesitant about getting and using a cell phone, this will change their minds!  This phone has so many "elderly-friendly" features, it's hard to know where to begin.  The large sized keys are easy to see and push and the magnify key turns all of the text to a bigger font for easier viewing.  It is hearing-aid compliant and has a radio with a built-in loudspeaker.  
                        
From library.rehabmart.com

The Bierly BM-10 Mobile Telephone even has a flashlight and an alarm clock, but the best feature of all is the Emergency Call Button.  This feature works even when the phone is switched off.  Just press the button for 3 seconds and the phone will automatically switch on and dial the pre-set emergency number.  This is a great phone for your dad to carry with him as this emergency call button works everywhere...and you'll be giving yourself the gift of "peace of mind" as well.

If your dad is more active and likes to stay in shape, then he would really love the Body Solid Endurance B2.5 U Upright Bike.  This stationary endurance bike offers the same kind of workout that Dad would get at the local gym along with the convenience and privacy of working out at home.  The friendly console has a large, easy-to-read Dot Matrix LED Display, and the heavy gauge welded steel construction can accommodate up to a 400 pound user. 
                
From library.rehabmart.com

This bike features 6 fitness programs and 20 levels of variable magnetic resistance that will help your dad design his own workout program to suit his personal and evolving level of fitness.  He can monitor his progress with heart rate, distance, speed, time, calories burned, and resistance levels attained to keep his workouts interesting and challenging.  The competition-style handlebars and the 10-position touring-style seat with DuraFirm upholstery ensures a comfortable ride, while the 24 pound precision balanced flywheel and super-silent poly-V belt drive system ensures a smooth, quiet ride.  The Body Solid Endurance B2.5U Upright Bike also features convenient front transport wheels which allow your dad to roll it to a corner or out-of-the-way area of his home.

This Father's Day, get into the true spirit of the holiday by getting in touch with your own dad.  Celebrate the unique man who is your father by visiting or calling and telling him how much you love and appreciate him.  Even though our fathers are living longer, they still won't be here forever.  Get in touch, give him a thoughtful gift and a hug and tell him you love him.  Your special dad deserves nothing less.

This article is dedicated to my own special dad,  Martin F. Koenigsknecht...thanks so much for everything, Dad, I love you and miss you every day, and I am so grateful to have been blessed with such a wonderful man as my father.  Rest in Golfing Peace...


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