Exercises For You In Your Wheelchair

There are several ways to increase you health by diet and exercise no matter what condition you are in which you find your self (with the exception of paralysis, of course.)
Aging with strength, assuring good oxygen flow and a strong heart, and of course, doing as much exercise as is necessary, are all sure ways to increase your overall quality (not to mention the length) of your life. When you are "stuck" in a wheelchair but you still have some mobility in your arms and legs, you can begin at whatever pace you desire... but there are exercises out there for you. Even if you are bed-ridden, you can still try to keep your muscles from atrophy if you do exercises that your doctor approves and considers safe for your condition.

The great thing about exercise is that it is something that your muscles will remember and therefore, it becomes easier and easier for you. Some people begin at a difficulty level that is just too hard for him or her. This is when it is easy to tell your self that it is too hard. To tell your self that you might as well give up before you hurt yourself. However, some people do the best thing someone can do in his or her situation. The individual must start small and develop the strength to work harder, more difficult exercises in the future. When there is pain, stop. Without question, if you feel like you are over-exerting your self, and especially if your muscles shake - do not continue! You can always wait until tomorrow and try to push your self further, harder, gaining flexibility and strength.

An exceptionally important thing to remember about strengthening the muscles you do have is that you can become more able to prevent accidents and injuries. In other words, you can support your self with the muscles you do use and strengthen to compensate for the muscles you can not use. This will increase your mobility and help you avoid injury due to muscle weakness. It is said that when people grow older, even without a disability, it is important to focus on the muscles that will help maintain balance.

For example: an older woman (or a man) who is susceptible to weakened bone density and will be more likely to break a bone (usually a hip-bone) if (he or) she takes a fall will be less likely to hurt themselves if they have strong muscles to help them keep their balance. For an older man or woman, practicing the "tree position" which is a very popular Yoga pose, is extremely beneficial. The "tree" is a standing position or posture that increases balance through the torso, and also on each leg - which helps especially if someone looses his or her footing. In the "tree" position, you lengthen through the body, push down into the floor with your standing leg and place the other leg against your ankle, knee, or inner thigh (however it feels most comfortable) and hold the position. Basically what you are doing is practicing standing on one leg. You can keep your arm to the side to help with balance, or you can raise them up into the "prayer position" above your head and lengthen through your body. There are many muscle groups engaged in this exercise - which should (as always) be repeated on either side of the body. You will increase strength in your core as well as in your leg muscles - and you will develop excellent balance.

Nonetheless, there are people who are much more disabled than this. But did you know that strengthening whatever muscle groups you can, in addition to all the other benefits, will help you with your balance no matter what your circumstances are? Many people without the use of his or her legs will exercise his or her arms - the strength you can potentially develop in your arms can help you in a surprising capacity. Say you fall out of your wheelchair for some reason, or out of your bed perhaps: with muscle strength in your upper body you can help yourself get back into bed, your chair, into the bath, onto the toilet etcetera. However, if your muscles are too weak you will require assistance. So it is always a great idea to find some kind of exercise or physical therapy treatment, no matter how unhelpful you may believe it will be. Many people have realized not only that they have fallen under this misconception - but also that they will feel so much better when they do, at last make the effort for a better life.

Leg lifts are also possible when you are in a wheelchair. Lift the foot to straighten the leg for a few repetitions on each side and then lift the knee as high as you can for a few repetitions on each side. Increase the number of repetitions as your legs begin to get stronger and stronger. In addition, you can add lifting and lengthening as part of the same exercise, lift your knee as high as you can, extend the leg forward, straightening the knee, and lower. You may want to try moving up to leg pulses - basically lifting the leg as much as you can and then pulsing it upward before you rest, and of course, always repeat on the opposite side.

There are many ways even for someone who is bedridden to do some physical activity to avoid muscle atrophy, bedsores and other complications. When someone exercises on a regular basis - no matter how little, they are steadily improving their physical abilities, their overall health, and their overall quality of life. More mobility means more freedom. If you are disabled, find out what you can do about your life under your particular circumstances - how exercise and diet may be able to help you.

Doing as much as you can is another example of how to improve your mobility. Instead of asking your caregiver to get something for you, if you are able, try to go and get it your self. Simple tasks that you are able to perform are essential for you to try and do to help you maintain muscle strength. If you know you are unable - or if you are not certain - please do not try to do anything that may endanger you. If you know you need help ask for it. Nonetheless, the more you are able to control certain muscle groups of your body the more that these muscle groups can compensate for the lack of mobility elsewhere in your body.

Overstraining is a concern - but so is general weakness or muscle atrophy. So be sure to do what a doctor or other professional who you trust recommends. Be sure you feel comfortable with the suggested plan of action - and then take the leap. Take charge of your life and overall well-being in ways you didn't think you ever could. You will be glad you did.

Anne Clarke writes numerous articles for websites on gardening, parenting, fashion, and home decor. Her background includes teaching, gardening, and fashion. For more of her articles on health and fitness, please visit americanfitness.net, supplier of high quality Cardio Equipment and Exercise Clothes.

Key Differences Between Portable Wheelchair Ramps

Portable wheelchair ramps are of great significance to the wheelchair user. Without it, his life is made increasingly difficult as being able to travel to various locations become a long difficult and tedious process plagued by frustration. By using portable wheelchair ramps in and around your home and van, it cuts down on frustration and also ensures easy convenience.

When purchasing a portable wheelchair ramp you will need to check the style of ramp most suited to your everyday needs. These ramps also need to adhere to a strict building code and mistakes cannot be allowed, as it is extremely dangerous and could result in a fatal accident. Various ramps are available at your nearest wheelchair accessory outlet. There is also an option of purchasing a used wheelchair ramp, but take carefully into consideration the quality of the ramp you wish to purchase. Is it still durable and does it still have a relatively long lifespan? When it comes to the safety precautions involving these ramps the option of purchasing a new ramp as opposed to a second hand one might be the better idea. However if budget is an issue you can always opt for a plastic ramp. It is relatively less expensive than a metal or concrete ramp, although the least expensive of the portable wheelchair ramps would be a wooden portable ramp.

When deciding on purchasing a portable wheelchair ramp you will need to choose what suits your wheelchair. Full width ramps are the most popular kinds of ramps as they are specifically designed to load scooters, power chairs or wheelchairs that work manually. These ramps are relatively easy to store and are generally available in a couple of styles to promote mobility more easily as well as storing them effectively when they are not being used. The width of the whole ramp may very from between 28 to 30 inches. They will also generally come with solid grit to prevent wheelchair from sliding backwards.

Another form of portable wheelchair ramps is called ramps on tracks. They are very different to your standard portable ramp due to the fact that they do not have a driving surface with a full width. Track ramps consist of two sections that need to be aligned perfectly in order to prevent accidents and ensure a safe and easy loading. Choosing the ramp most suited to your needs is an important decision. Full width ramps are usually the most acceptable and user friendly option as it not only provides assistance in the instance of a manual wheelchair but also for power chairs and scooters as well as walkers and are also a lot safer to walk on.

The benefits of a full width ramp are that it is more stable and you do not need to align the width and therefore making it more users friendly. However on the other hand track ramps are lighter in weight and can be adjusted easily.

It is best to contact the company you purchased your wheelchair from and speak to a representative regarding choosing perfectly suited portable wheelchair ramps for your use.

Gavin Cruise was born in New York, his mother encouraged him to write and read and his father was a wealthy business man in real estate. Gavin had the privilege of traveling extensively with his father learning about a wide variety of subjects. He attended Harvard where he majored in English and from the age of 26 Gavin supported himself by freelance writing through all the knowledge gained from traveling. If you would like to read more articles about Gavin Cruise, please visit http://www.wheelchairliftsramps.net/

Electric Powered Wheelchair For Maximum Luxury

Electric mobility chairs are a bit expensive compared to the standard types of chair but is a good deal because of the excellent features it can give you. If you are still in the thought of knowing which equipment to choose, you have the preference of picking out a device that would best fit your needs in everyday living.

Health care professionals are a good source of information regarding your decision in picking out a mobility device. After your consultation with them regarding your current situation they will be able to advocate certain types of mobility device fit for your requirements. More or less suggestions are like procuring an electric powered chair is on the list when the equipment is for long term use.

When you already have a wheelchair but you are thinking of obtaining another due to restrictions in your daily task, then you have to be sure to research first for the best chair available in the market. Make a record of your specifications to avoid unnecessary dilemma in the future. Things that you need to consider are the right specifications, comfort, easiness and speed of movement.

Recommended for individuals on mobility chairs who travel a lot are usually the chairs which have the ability to be folded and kept at small areas at your means of transportation. This type of chair is composed of very light materials that it can also be carried easily by an individual. If you have your own car that is spacious enough, then you can be able to choose other types of chair even those bulky ones. The verdict is really up to you.

For custom made chairs the good thing is you have a precise specification especially made for you. Things such as back rest can be tilted backwards and a diverse kind of sitting area can be chosen from. To make your bottoms cozy and stress free, extra pad for protection against blisters from sitting on your wheelchair for the longest time is a preference. For the trendy type you can also have a wide range of shade to pick from. Anything you can imagine to add-on on your custom made mobility chair for your ease is given a thought.

When it comes to maximum luxury, superior maneuverability and discretionary performance electric types of chair is unmatched.

Get more resources and information for electric wheelchairs, visit the #1 wheelchair resource site on the net: http://wheel-chair-center.com

Choosing Accessible Showers

If you have a family member who is handicapped and confined to a wheelchair, you will no doubt need to install an accessible shower. There are numerous styles of handicap showers, but as a general rule, an accessible shower is designed so that the person can enter the shower without the need to get out of their wheelchair. Sometimes referred to as a roll in shower, this style of shower enclosure can provide a handicapped person with a great deal of independence and safety, as compared to other shower styles. However, the term "accessible shower" is also sometimes used to describe any shower that is designed for easy access by a handicapped or elderly individual, even if they are not confined to a wheelchair. For this reason, it is extremely important that you understand the specific features of a shower before you purchase it, to make sure it meets your exact needs.

Important Features to Look for in Accessible Showers

Just as with other handicap showers, you'll want to make sure that there are no sharp edges or glass surfaces that could cause injury if a person slips, falls, or bumps into anything with a wheelchair or their body. The shower must also be designed so that there are no ledges or uneven surfaces on the bottom of the shower that would prevent a wheelchair from rolling freely. Shower pan enclosures that are lower than the entrance of the shower should be avoided, as they can be dangerous or even impossible to negotiate in a wheelchair. They should also be large enough so that the wheelchair can be easily maneuvered in and out of the shower enclosure.

How to Choose an Accessible Shower

In addition to looking for safety and accessibility features, you will need to decide whether to get a commercially manufactured shower or to try and adapt an existing shower to suit a person's needs. In most cases, a commercially manufactured shower is the best solution, as standard showers are often difficult to adapt for wheelchair access. Commercially available shower models are often surprisingly affordable, especially as compared to what you might need to spend to properly adapt an existing shower. These showers are usually mass produced, so that they can be supplied to nursing homes, retirement communities, hospitals and other care centers, so manufacturers can often keep costs affordable. You will find highly accessorized showers in addition to simpler "bare bones" models. In many cases, a simpler shower is the best choice. Not only are they less expensive, but they can give you the opportunity to install features such as grab bars and other features in the location that would work best for your bathroom. Additionally, in the case of an accessible shower, fewer features is often preferable to more, since accessories can cause problems when trying to maneuver a wheelchair. Some accessible showers, especially those which are also designed for those who are not wheelchair-bound, have features such as towel bars and soap racks that could just get in the way when a person is in a wheelchair. Installing only the features that are truly needed by the handicapped person for comfortable and convenient showering is often the best approach.

For more information on an ADA accessible shower or ADA grab bars contact an accessibility expert at BarrierFree.org

What Will Happen to Me If I Don't Exercise?

Proper exercise to the human body is absolutely critical. Most people do not really realize its importance as the time aspect between inactivity and functional decline is so long that the connection is often not linked.

If we do nothing to prevent it we lose precious muscle tissue at the rate of around 5 pounds every decade of our adult life. This rate doubles after the age of fifty and as the result we become weaker and lose our flexibility. Our strength is of vital importance as we get older and many people think they can just stop using their muscles and all will be well.

Hand in hand with loss of muscle are several other problems. One is the decrease in the metabolism (the body's engine) which results in increased body fat. This is a primary risk factor in disease particularly the 'big three' heart disease, cancer and diabetes along with many others. The effects on one's bones though are not so obvious from not doing enough muscle building and maintaining activity.

Your muscles are attached to bones and if you do not use your muscles your bones do not get the muscles pulling on them keeping them strong. The solution - proper exercise. This means low force, high intensity strength training is the only safe and productive means of addressing both loss of muscle and bone mass.

Many of the activities that have been recommended as appropriate exercise by so-called "experts" will do little to nothing to help anyone restore and rebuild lost muscle and bone mass. Repetitive type recreational activities such as walking, jogging, cycling or swimming will not build strong muscles and some of these activities will cause degenerative joint and spinal conditions that may not show for years.

This can mean a person will be forced to become less physically active much earlier in their life that they otherwise would. These conditions can even reduce a person's ability to perform proper strength training exercise further accelerating their loss of muscular strength and functional ability at a time when they need it most.

As 8 out of 10 adults do not perform proper exercise they rationalize it by making excuses about being 'too busy' and not having enough time or being unable to afford a gym membership. But it is easier to budget for some workout clothing and a gym membership or a wheelchair and a nurse?

The amount of exercise time necessary to significantly improve ones health and physical condition is far less each week than what most people have been led to believe. Just 2-3 sessions of around 40 minutes each week is all that is needed if done correctly. For something so important there are few people, if any, who can not schedule the small outlay of time each week

It is each of our responsibility to make sure we can take care of ourselves for as much of our life span as possible. We should not need to go into a nursing home and have to have someone else dress, feed and bathe us because we no longer possess the necessary strength and functional ability to take care of ourselves.

Other people like family, friends and our communities should not have to pick up the tab for this so make it your mission to keep yourself strong and fit so it never happens to you. Make proper exercise one of your highest priorities.

Do you want to discover the secret to rejuvenating your body, regaining lost vitality and improving the quality of your life? Download my free ebook "I've Found the Fountain of Youth - Let Me Show You Too!" http://www.over50looking30.com

Carolyn Hansen is a certified fitness expert and fitness center owner who in her nearly 30 years of fitness and bodybuilding competition experience she has helped thousands of people start their journey towards losing weight, becoming strong, fit and youthful at any age.

Sign up for her free newsletter on Weight Loss Tips http://FitnessWeightloss.com and get her free report "Discover 'Secrets' That Most People Will Never Know About To Really Lose Weight".

Motorized Wheelchair Or Scooter For The Disabled - What to Choose?

Motorized wheel chairs and handicap scooters are made to make life easier for people with disabilities. They are both helping them to move around the house, go outdoors and visit favorite places. With them even going to shopping on their own is not an impossible task anymore. It would be the best to have both of them. However, if you have to choose between motorized wheelchair and handicap scooter, here are a several tips that can help you to make a decision.

You should always first discuss this matter with a doctor who is following condition of the disabled person. You will probably find the right answer there.

A very important thing that can help you to decide is a control issue. Motorized wheelchairs are controlled by a joystick and a set of buttons that are easily adjustable. On the other hand, handicap scooters are almost like a bicycle. Therefore, depending on body strength and ability to manipulate the controls, that can help you to determine which one is the right one for you.

Also, depending on the lifestyle of the disabled person, you can make a decision between these two. So, if the person is traveling and driving a lot, you should keep in mind that a handicap scooter can be disassembled into pieces and stored into a car's trunk, and for motorized wheelchairs, you need a mini-van for a transport. In some cases you will need a specialized van to transport a power wheelchair.

And for the end, scooters for the disabled are more affordable then motorized wheelchairs, without the add-ons that you may require.

If you want to find out more about Motorized Wheel Chair come and visit us at http://www.motorized-wheel-chair.org

The Easiest Way to Improve Your Health

Everyone knows they couldn't survive without water. However did you also know that the easiest way to improve your health is to drink more water? Many people live in a constant state of dehydration according to many health experts including the Arizona Health Department. They say that a sedentary person in a moderate climate should drink no less than sixty-four ounces or eight large glasses of water a day. Since most of us do not live a sedentary lifestyle, we often need to drink more than this baseline number. However, because of other drink choices such as coffee, many people do not get the amount of water their bodies need, and their health suffers as a result. Here are some of the benefits the proper amount of water can give your body.

Pregnant women know all about water retention. I experienced this phenomenon in my third trimester. Basically, water retention means your body is dehydrated and thus it retains the fluids you do drink as an emergency measure. This causes you to swell, mainly in your legs and feet, but sometimes also in your arms, hands, and face. The solution? Drinking more water so your body won't be in an emergency state and will lose the excess fluid. "The goal is to keep lots of fluid flowing through your body."

Most people know that sweat is your body's way of releasing water to cool off. But did you know that water also plays an important role in your bloodstream? The blood, which is the first to lose water when you start to get dehydrated, uses water to transport oxygen (if you'll remember water is made up of oxygen molecules) to your cells. Water is further used to break down protein and carbohydrates and maintain muscle tone, both important functions when you are considering weight loss. This explains why you must drink more water to lose weight - water "burns" fat by breaking down the proteins and carbs more efficiently.

Lots of women know that water is good for the skin and complexion. But do you know why? In "Reverse Aging", Dr. Sang Whang explains that, "the aging process is basically the accumulation of acidic wastes built up within the body...The body tries its best to get rid of these acidic wastes through urine and perspiration. Unfortunately, our lifestyle, diet and environment prevent our body to get rid of all the wastes that it generates. Gradually, these leftover acidic wastes accumulate somewhere within our body. Since acid coagulates blood, the blood circulation near the waste areas becomes poor, causing all kinds of degenerative diseases to develop."

For more information on the importance of water please visit http://www.centralbasin.org/