Exercises for People in Manual Wheelchairs

If you’re living with limited mobility and have been instructed by your physician to get exercise, you may be thinking “yeah right!”

Even though just thinking about exercising may seem exhausting it truly is beneficial to you staying healthy and in the best possible shape you can be in. In terms of exercise, we’re not talking about weight lifting or kick boxing, just simple aerobic exercise can make a huge difference on your health. Aerobic exercise increases your oxygen intake and strengthens your heart and lungs. If you use a manual wheelchair, aerobic exercise can increase upper body strength and stamina.

Here are few aerobic exercises that manual wheelchair users can truly benefit from:
•    Stretching. Simple arm stretches can keep blood flowing properly in your limbs and increase joint flexibility. Try some yoga sun salutations. This involves slowly raising your arms above you head, while keeping them should width apart while stretching your neck and back and breathing deeply.

•    Sitting push-ups. By raising yourself in your chair in sets, you are giving your upper body a really great workout while keeping your cardiovascular endurance up. In addition you're reliving pressure on your lower extremities by distributing muscle mass.

Standing Counts as Exercise!

Last week I wrote about bariatrics, so it follows that this week I’m writing about exercise. It’s long been known that exercise contributes to general wellness. But exactly how and what kind has been undetermined. The body’s goal is to maintain a homeostasis. Recent studies show that moderate-vigorous exercise can increase appetite, which may be good for those undergoing intense chemotherapy or other procedures that can have negative effects on body weight, but is bad news for the heavier crowd.

In burning lots of calories, more calories need to be consumed. This can be bad news for larger people, who exercise with the intent of losing weight. New studies show, however, that low intensity exercise like walking, and even standing can burn energy on a level that doesn’t trigger metabolic action. The basic idea is, avoid a sedentary lifestyle for better overall health. Whether it’s losing weight or staying in shape, walking and standing can keep you healthy and happy.

If you have trouble standing or walking on your own, there are certain items designed to help. Manual wheelchairs, knee walkers, rolling walkers, and even a rolling walker with seat are all great ways to ambulate and burn energy. Standing with the help of rolling walkers, is in itself a great way to exercise. So don't feel the burden to get up and run, just get up!

Products for Large and Small, Top Notch Has Them All

Bariatrics is a field that deals with obesity. It encompasses dieting, exercise, and pharmacotherapy. While much obesity is genetic, other cases of it are due to poor diet. It may be difficult for many people to lsoe weight on their own, however, and this problem is increased by a lack of mobility. Studies have shown that a positive outlook can be very beneficial to helping one lose weight. The road to recovery can be difficult since many ordinary sized beds and chairs do not fit the obese, but Top Notch Care has a special bariatric line.

Bariatric beds, a commode chair and bath aids, as well as bariatric mobility enhancing products like powerchairs, rolling walkers and canes are all available online. There are also a variety of manual wheelchairs from which to choose.

Pediatrics is another line that Top Notch Care supplies. Children that have difficulty walking are especially important to aide. With manual wheelchairs, rolling walkers and standers, your child will be safer and more mobile. Our variety is unparalleled, and will allow for greater ease in transportation and storage of a walker.

For big and small, Top Notch Care has products that assist everyone. From bariatrics to pediatrics, we have all kinds of rolling walkers and manual wheelchairs.

Mobility Increasing Products

The bathroom can be a dangerous place for those with limited mobility. The tiles or flat tub of a shower can be slippery and if there isn’t a guard rail, a fall can be devastating. The toilet itself can be difficult to use also, especially those toilets that are away from aiding countertops and sinks.

A commode chair is a great companion for the bathroom, whether in the shower, or for toilet help. It is rust resistant, lightweight and foldable, making it easy to store and transport.

Rolling walkers are also of great help, especially a rolling walker with seat. Standing on your legs can be tiresome and the option of sitting down is a great one to have.

Knee walkers are also a big help in the home. Those with a small cart attached are perfect for transporting small groceries and increasing mobility. Walking around, even if it is with the help of a rolling walker with seat, or a commode chair, increases self-reliance and general health.

Nothing is worse for one’s health than lying in bed, or stationary sitting all day. The sedentary lifestyle does not promote heart rate and fosters weakness in limbs and muscles. So get a rolling walker with seat today!

A View From Afar

I’ve got to be honest. I know some of you may think that I’m sick, that I should enjoy being mobile while I can, but seriously, enough of disclaimers: I really admire power wheelchairs. I mean manual wheelchairs are great and all, but for those folks who have difficulty with upper body strength and are in no shape to walk around, those power wheelchairs are pretty, pretty sweet.

I can just imagine it: wind blowing along my scalp, weaving in between pedestrians, maybe even cruising in the bike lane because, let’s face it, when your moving at 10 miles per hour or faster you can’t have old folks with knee walkers and rolling walkers or young whippersnappers with backpacks getting in your way. If you want mobility, and I mean real mobility, then power wheelchairs are the only way to go.

It’s not that I don’t value my own legs; believe me, I do. It’s just that if I am ever at the point where I need a manual wheelchair, I will decline it in favor of a fast moving power wheelchair. That is my ideal way to get around when I am enjoying my golden years.

About the Commode Chair

If you have a loved one who has been in a debilitating accident or is confined to a wheelchair because of a medical condition, you may want to invest in a commode chair. A commode chair is a wheelchair device that has a foot rest and arm rests, along with an open toilet compartment below the seat to facilitate the bathroom process for someone who doesn’t have the ability to get there efficiently.

There are also shower commodes that are constructed of waterproof material that allows the individual to be wheeled into the shower and washed thoroughly, without running the risk of any kind of leakage on the wheelchair. Some shower commode chairs also have the ability to recline, allowing shampoo to be easily rinsed from the individual’s hair. Commode chairs are a comfortable option for individuals confined to the wheelchairs because the toilet seat is padded and they are extremely durable. Generally, they are constructed from fiberglass and/or stainless steel, giving them their strength and waterproof characteristics.  Commode chairs are a highly viable alternative to the bed pan because they’re easier to remove and clean. Because the user can sit rather than lay in a bed, using the restroom in their commode chair is a much better option for the user and the caretaker.

Difference Between Mobility Scooters and Power Wheelchairs

We live in a technologically advanced world these days and there have been many improvements and upgrades in every industry, including wheelchairs. We’ve come a long way from manual wheelchairs and rolling walkers.

Although those items are still beneficial to many people, mobility scooters and power wheelchairs have opened so many doors for so many people and allowed them to go further than they ever have, with less effort. Although they are often used interchangeably, mobility scooters and power wheel chairs are two very different products. Here’s a brief overview of how mobility scooters differ from power wheel chairs.

Mobility scooters are very similar to power wheelchairs, but they differ in one integral way. Scooters generally have a steering bar and require a bit more upper body strength as you have to use your arms and shoulders to turn corners and steer. Power wheel chairs have a joystick that can be easily used, regardless of how strong the user is. In addition power wheelchairs often tilt, recline, have leg elevation, seat elevation, and other handy setting for those with disabilities.

3 of the Best Types of Rolling Walkers

Whether you need one because of a chronic condition or an injury, rolling walkers are the perfect ways to help you get mobile again. By using a rolling walkers you can gain back your independence by being able to move freely. If you’re looking at walkers for the first time, here are our recommendations for the best types of rolling walkers out there today.

Knee Walkers
Knee walkers are great for those with lower leg injuries. These walkers typically have three legs, a cushion to rest the injured knee on, and handlebars to steer. These are a viable option for many who don’t want to use a wheelchair or crutches for their knee or lower leg injury.

Two-Wheel Folding Walkers
These walkers allow smooth motion for those with a normal pace. They feature two front wheels and two rubber pegs on the back for extra support. A basket can easily be placed on the front for storage and it folds up for easy transport.

Four-Wheel Rollators
Four wheels add extra mobility and support. These typically come with a fold down seat which is nice if you need to rest during your walk. Four Wheel walkers also usually feature a basket on the front for storage and soft-touch brakes for optimal control.

Manual Wheelchairs that Recline: The Ultimate in Comfort

My father has been disabled for about 30 years. As a former marine, he’s as tough as ever. He swears he will only use manual wheelchairs and laughs every time my siblings and I suggest he treat himself to a power chair. “Power chair?” he says, “I’ve got power right here,” and points to his bicep. His birthday was coming up, and we wanted to get him something useful, but when you ask him what he needs, he of course, says “nothing”. So we had to do some investigating and figure out what the perfect gift was.

My mom said he had been mentioning how his lower back was sore from sitting up in the same position all day. We took the tip and started to search for manual wheelchairs that recline. We miraculously stumbled upon TopNotchCare.com and found the Drive Medical Central Full Reclining Wheelchair.

It’s state of the art hydraulic system allows you to recline in any position, even at a full 180 degree angle. The chair was perfect because it had the simplicity of the manual wheelchairs my dad prefers, with new improvement to ensure that he’s comfortable in any and every position.

He loves the chair and said we couldn’t have picked a better gift.

For a great selection of manual wheelchairs and more, check out TopNotchCare.com

Rehab With Top Notch Care

About two years ago, I was in a bad car accident. The lower half of my body was mangled by a sixteen wheeler because my brakes gave out, and I cruised through a red stoplight. I was in a hospital for two months, barely alive. But eventually, after I came out of my coma and started rehabilitation, they told me that I would be able to walk again. At first I used manual wheelchairs to keep my upper body in shape. I was determined to get back on my feet again and wanted to do everything I could. And after about nine more months I left manual wheelchairs for a rolling walker with seat. My legs had a lot of hemorrhaging and easily tired, so it was important to be able to sit on a rolling walker with seat when necessary.

Today, I have moved from manual wheelchairs to rolling walkers with seat to rolling walkers. Rolling walkers are nice because they provide me with the stability that I need, since I’m still regaining strength in my legs. And next month I should be moving off of rolling walkers to a cane, and I am excited to say the least. But over these few years of rehab, I’ve been using Top Notch Care products. Their prices have helped make these transitions easy and affordable.

Assistive Furniture Can Help You Gain Strength And Independence

Folks with incessant bone ailments like arthritis can have their mobility curtailed. Well, That’s a part of life’s cycle and we have to deal with it. We have to keep our bodies working and exercising as much as possible. Now there are a couple of devices that can facilitate movement and help us be more active. They are called mobility aids.

First, we have the roller walker with seat which can help people get around while also functioning as a seat when a place to rest is needed.

Knee walkers are also great mobile helpers. When having knee problems or recovering from knee surgery, this device allows the knee to rest on a pad, seat, cushion or platform while your leg is bent. Your foot is behind you and this device has 3 to 4 wheels and you just propel yourself along. It would seem the knee would tire of being bent for long periods of time but this appears to be safe and smoother than crutches.

Finally, let’s talk about commode chairs. This device is usually made of plastic with an aluminum frame and has sort of a built in bottom bucket or tray into its body. The person sitting on it can relieve himself or herself at any time. The commode tray will store and contain the waste before someone else cleans out the chair and safely disposes the contents.

These are all helpful assistive furniture and if you need more info, just visit us online at www.TopNotchCare.com today!

Knee Walkers Designed to Help You Get Mobile

If you know someone who has had surgery done on their knees, check out some new innovations in our knee walkers section. There are plenty of handy devices designed to help people who have incurred an injury around or below the knee area. The knee walkers have a sturdy pad where the person can comfortably rest the injured knee. It also has a durable metal grip handle and flexible rolling wheels for ease of mobility.

If you know people that have difficulty in getting around you can help them obtain a rolling walker with seat. It is similar to the standard rolling walkers, but offers a padded seat area for resting. In addition to the knee walkers, there are a lot of new medical devices available on the market today to help those individuals that have difficulty in getting around.

No longer are they confined to the use of manual wheelchairs, but have several different styles of walking devices to choose from!

How Should I Maintain My Manual Wheelchairs?

Maintaining manual wheelchairs can be compared to maintaining a car - once in a while they need to be tuned up, checked up on, and cleaned! You can really extend the life of your manual wheelchairs if you simply spend a little time keeping them in good, working shape! One of the things that most experts suggest when it comes to manual wheelchairs, knee walkers and rolling walkers is to check for loose or missing nuts and bolts at least once a month. It's important to remember that this is a piece of equipment that is helping you walk and get around.

If you are missing a nut or a bolt or something is loose, you could end up hurting yourself by not tightening it up or getting someone to do it for you. If it’s under warranty you can always call the support center and find where you can have your item repaired. Next, you should check your axles, tires and wheels under the equipment. Make sure everything glides smoothly and that you don't hear any creaking or clicking noises. If you do, check your Owner’s Manual to see how to fix it.

You also may need to change your tires if you use your mobile product a lot. To clean the chair, simply use a clean damp rag every few weeks to get rid of spots, dirt and dust. These rules can be applied to a rolling walker with seat as well as a commode chair. If the item becomes too dirty you could also try using soap and water.

Wish You Could Get Around Better? Have You Tried Knee Walkers?

A knee walker might be something you have never heard of before, but I think once you begin to realize the benefits this product, you will start to wonder why you didn't buy one sooner! These knee walkers are an extraordinary alternative to using something like crutches. For the most part, crutches are incredibly torturous. Not only do you have to learn to walk with them, but they also hurt your hands, arms and your shoulders - why be in more pain when you are already having enough to deal with as is?!?

These are a scooter-like products in that they can be used either manually like manual wheelchairs, or they can be used with a motor - depending on which one you like better! You simply get on the device like you would a scooter or a wheelchair, and you flex your injured knee onto the padded surface, with your other leg you will "wheel" yourself around. Not only is it more comfortable, but it means you won't have to be on bed rest - which is impossible for some people!

Other products you could try out for better mobility in your house or outside are rolling walkers, rolling walker with seat, and a commode chair.

• The commode chair is actually an excellent device for people that live at home alone, but still want to do things on their own - such as going to the restroom.
• The rolling walkers, are somewhat like the old walkers they used to have in place. These walkers actually "roll" though with tiny little gliders on the bottom of the walkers.

These products make moving around less painful, and give you more mobility! Visit Top Notch Care and try them out today!

Is The Type Of Wheelchair Really Going To Matter?

Thankfully with this day and age you actually have an option when it comes to wheelchairs. The first option are the manual wheelchairs. These are obviously going to demand for you to wheel yourself, these are great if you have use of your arms, but no use of your legs or have a lot of upper body strength to wheel yourself around or have someone else wheel you around. A lot of folks use these at home as well because they come in a regular design as well as a slimmer design as well which is going to be a lot easier for you to get around in your own house without any help from anyone else.

The second option is a power or motorized wheelchair, these are obviously going to have controls so that you won't have to do any work. All you have to do is get on the chair, and turn the "wheel" to turn in different directions. I've seen a lot of older people bring these to places like grocery stores because they can't walk around on their own without any help. These also come in an array of designs and options - some of which even include baskets for your groceries or other items you may need to bring with you, but can't hold on your own.

Other helpful options are also available to you as well besides wheelchairs such as knee walkers, rolling walker with seat and even a commode chair.

The Top Mobility Products And Manual Wheelchairs To Help You Get Around!

It seems like the more products that come out, the better understanding we have about these products. These aren't just for senior citizens, they aren't just for people that have had accidents, and they aren't just for people that have mobility issues from diseases that cause neurological problems - they are for anyone that needs help getting around. This could be getting around your home, or the store, or to work, or anywhere else. Over time these products have become more and more innovative in not only how they are used and what they are made out of, but extra features as well that you probably wished they had added on years ago.

For example, with something like a commode chair, you no longer need a bedpan or other bathroom device. Now you can get up and go it on your own by either using a bedside commode chair, or a chair that actually help you get TO the bathroom. You also have various kinds of manual wheelchairs and auto wheelchairs as well. Some of these are specifically made with you the user in mind. They allow for packages to be carried on the wheelchair, different seat heights and designs, as well as different speeds as well.

If you have a problem and you need to use a walker, you now have rolling walkers, a rolling walker with seat and also knee walkers available to you. These aren't as old school as they seem - in fact, these options will blow your other walker out of the water and across town. They are better to use, easier to use, and will enable you a certain kind of pride because now you can start to do things on your own again instead of always having to lean on someone else.

Need Help Getting Or Going To The Bathroom? Try Commode Chairs

There are really so many different products available nowadays to help better suit people with disabilities. It doesn't matter if you have something like scoliosis, or you simply have joint pain and need help getting around. One of the options you might want to consider to help you get to the bathroom is going to be manual wheelchairs - these are chairs you will need to wheel on your own, but they can be quite the convenience when you have problems with every day things like going to the bathroom. The commode chair is also a great option for you as well.

This is simply a chair that includes a chamber pot. The chamber pot can either be enclosed - such as a commode chair for bedside use which can then be empties out later on, or it can be opened with wheels at the bottom of the chair. The chamber pot is "leveled" so that it's not as low as a regular toilet. This allows for leverage over the toilet, but also uses the wheels to actually get TO the toilet. This is just a really nice option for people that not only can't get to the bathroom on their own, but that also can't get down that low.

Also, available for convenience home items are a rolling walker with seat, rolling walkers without seats, manual wheelchair products and knee walkers all of these products are bound to make your life that much easier, even if you do have a disability.