Wednesday, July 28, 2010

How to Prevent Back Pain?

A lot of us may have experienced back pain which can stop us from all daily activities. It's very painful when back pain comes. Many reasons causes back pain, such as poor posture, lifting and handling incorrectly, poor workplace design, poor physical fitness, smoke, stress, etc. We would like to share some tips of preventing back pain.

1. Lifting Safely.
Safe lifting involves using your legs instead of your back.Don't lift by bending over. Lift an object by bending your hips and knees and then squatting to pick up the object. Keep your back straight. The object should be close to you, ideally right under your body. Avoid twisting your body.


2. Push rather than Pull.
When you have to move a heavy object, to push is always better than to pull. The motion of pulling creates more stress on your back.

3. Stretch Your Body.
If you have to sit at your desk or in the car for long, please break up the time and stretch your body.

4. Keep Your Posture Right.
Sitting puts more pressure on your back than any other position, even more than standing
. To reduce the pressure, sit in chairs with straight back or back support. Even when you're driving, it's good to have a back support or pillow to support your back.


Our Contour Freedom Back Support Cushion is a good option. As you can see it correct your posture and relieve some pressure from your spine.

When Standing, try to maintain good posture. Keep y our ears, shoulders and hips in a straight line with your head up and stomach pulled in. If you have to stand for long, rest one foot on a low stool to relieve pressure on your lower back. Every 5-15 minutes, switch the foot you're resting on the stool. Move around as much as you can.

The best posture to sleep to reduce the pressure on your back is to sleep on your side with your knees bent. Put a pillow under your head to support your neck. It's also good to put a pillow between your knees. To sleep on your back, you should put pillows under your knees and a small pillow under your lower back. Try not to sleep on your stomach unless your put a pillow under your hips. Use a firm mattress will help. If your mattress is too soft, here is a solution for it - Contour Mattress Remedy.




The patented inflatable support bladder sits between your mattress and box spring. The bladder connects to a hose and hand pump. Position the bladder and use the hand pump to adjust the mattress, eliminating any sags or depressions and restoring mattress support.






You can see the difference of your spine.

5. Be Active! Bicycling or walking is very good for your back. Remember to warm up before you start any exercise. Some exercises can help your back, especially yoga. Here are a few yoga poses that you can try. Please note: if it's severe back pain, we suggest that you go to your doctor first.
(1) Pelvic Tilt


If you find it hard to see how to do this pose, you may also take a look at this youtube video.



(2) Supported Bridge Pose






(3) Reclined Big Toe Pose





(4) Supine Spinal Twist




Friday, May 28, 2010

Need a Lift? Handybar Can Help!

The average North American gets in and out his or her car 4 times each day. If you are one of the 35 million over age 65, 60 million suffering from chronic arthritis or temporary injury, or the annual four million pregnant women, a hand to help you in or out of the car may be critical. Handybar® provides that critical security to anyone getting in and out of today’s lower cars and higher SUV’s."



Some people found it hard to get in and out of their cars, especially for elderly, pregnant women, people who just had their surgery or anyone with disabilities. It is very helpful for anyone who needs the extra hold when getting in and out of a vehicle. We know that a lot of time people do look for the handles on the side of cars to assist them getting in and out of their car but not all cars have them.



Handybar is light about 320g/0.7lb and doesn't take a lot of space about
23 cm / 9.1 inches long. It's very easy to take it with you or leave it in the glove compartment in the car. You don't need to worry about stepping in and out of cars if the Handybar is there when you need it. As we know that sitting in the car for a long trip might make your muscle stiff. In the situation like this, Handybar comes handy!



Handybar inserts into the U-shaped striker plate on your vehicle door frame. The U-shaped striker plate is one of the strongest parts of the vehicle and is designed to keep your vehicle door closed in the event of a side-impact collision. Once inserted,Handybar is used to support your weight as you move yourself in and out of your car.


Please don't forget to remove the Handybar before you close the vehicle door.

The Handybar can withstand up to 350 lbs. It fits the majority of vehicles. Check your vehicle for the U shaped door striker. Visit our website AgeComfort.com
and see if it works for your car.

As an added safety bonus, Handybar can be used as a seat belt cutter, and window breaker. It comes with a lifetime warranty.

Beside Handybar, you may also choose to use it with Swivel Cushion Seat.

Transferring out of a car has gotten a whole lot easier with the Handybar and Swivel Cushion Seat. They are safe, easy, and affordable piece of gadgets. We would recommend Handybar for anyone needing extra help moving in and out of cars, or as a great gift for the elderly, pregnant women or the disabled.


Wednesday, March 17, 2010

Bathtub Safety Tips


Spending time in the bathroom, taking baths and relaxing can be a soothing experience. It can be good for your mind, body and soul, however practicing safety is a necessity as we get older. According ot the National Safety Council, each year there are hundreds of injuries in the bathroom due to slips and fall and over 400 people drown in bathtubs each year do to unsafe habits. With falling injuries on the rise with older adults it is important that we remember some important do's and dont' in the bathroom.

The Bathtub

Getting in and out of the bathtub tends to get harder as we age. With this in mind, if you already have some difficulty sitting, standing or getting in/out of the tub, the first thing that should be considered is a Bath tub Safety Rail

There are several styles available to chose from on the market today, so be sure to select the right grip for your needs. You can choose from plastic, chrome, knurled chrome and more. Knurled Chrome Bars seem to be a standout choice simply for durability and extra grip in wet surfaces. As Grab Bars come in a variety of styles, sizes and lengths, they provide an ideal support in the event you begin to fall or slip.


Even when you travel away from home, there is still a portable solution for you - Quick Suction Rail.

The beauty of this Quick Suction Rail is that it easily attaches to smooth surfaces such as tile, fiberglass and glass without drilling or permanently damaging surfaces. Simply position the rail where needed, push down on each end as you flip down the blue tabs to lock it in place. To remove and move to a new location, just lift the blue levers to break the suction and move. It can be installed at any angle. Great for travel, around the home, when renting or when visitors are over.


Another type of safety device you may consider to use is the Bathtub Safety Rail. It helps you to get in and out of the bathtub easier.

This AquaSense Multi-Adjustable Bathtub Safety Rail allows for both parallel and perpendicular orientation to the bathtub wall, and features four (4) different height settings. It provides a feeling of security, stability and comfort when entering or exiting the bathtub.


It comes with many different kinds of design and material for your needs. Here are a few other Bathtub Safety Rails.




NOTE - Towel Bars are NOT designed to support the full weight of adults and even kids.


Full length Transfer Poles are an ideal solution for the bathroom as well as the bedroom. These poles give full weight support in several areas. With the ability to grab at almost any length, how tall you are is not a worry.



Bathtub Seats and Chairs provide the perfect support for those who have a hard time keeping balance while standing in the shower. Also, they provide a relaxing environment in the bathtub to take a long relaxing shower or bathe without the worry of falling. When choosing the right shower chair or seat, look for stability, ease of use and drainage holes. Also, depending on what you may be looking for, bathtub seats with backrests provide additional support for extended showers.



Transfer Benches

Transfer Benches are ideal for getting from the bathroom into the bathtub and are a popular addition to those who use wheelchairs. Transfer Benches provide extra support and are often padded for extra comfort. They are also used for towel drying and changing after a shower or bath.


General Bathtub Safety Tips for Everyone

Slippery Floors in the bathroom are one of the number one causes of slips and falls while getting in and out of the bathtub! Be sure to always use a shower mat and a weighted shower curtain to avoid tub leaks on the bathroom floor.

Avoid Slippery Tubs! A slippery tub can be an accident waiting to happen even if you are using a bathtub chair or seat. Non-slip treads or a Non-Slip Bath Mat are ideal for eliminating slippery tubs.


Non-slip strips

Non-slip bath mat


Also, people who suffer from Type 2 diabetes and peripheral neuropathy might get burned by the hot water because they have difficulty feeling the heat of the water from their extremities.

Bath Mat with Temperature Indicator has built-in temperature indicator with 9 temperature levels, indicate if bath water is too hot, within your comfort zone or too hot! And it accommodates specialized bath seating without compromising stability.

Take you time! Do not rush yourself or a loved one in the bathroom as this can help cause accidents. Plan for plenty of time which will add to a relaxed and comfortable experience in the shower. At the end of the day, a relaxing shower or bath is just what everyone needs. Make sure that you and loved ones practice safe habits in and around the bathtub.




Remember, life should be this comfortable!

Friday, January 8, 2010

Tips for Buying Adult Diapers & Briefs

Western society has always attached a social stigma to the loss of bladder control and usually linked it to a general loss of bodily control in older age. Although most of people know that incontinence is just a sign of an underlying medical issue, the stigma remains. Therefore, many people who suffer from incontinent problems are often embarrassed about buying adult diapers in the physical store. You might bump into your family or friends or even need to wait in line with your diapers.

Actually, this embarrassment can be avoided nowadays thanks to the internet! Online ordering for the incontinence products is a fantastic alternative. You don’t need to put yourself out there, all the transactions are done online in the privacy of your own home and when you purchase incontinence products from AgeComfort.com, we ship your order to you in a blank box. Privacy and confidentiality is guaranteed.


Tips for Buying Adult Diapers

When you first decide to buy adult diapers, keep the following helpful tips in mind.


Type of Diapers

Chose from cloth diapers or disposable diapers. The major difference in the two is cost. Cloth diapers can be worn and washed over and over, whereas disposable diapers are used once then thrown out. If you do not like to mess of washing, it’s easier and more convenient to buy disposable diapers.


Waist or HipSize

Diaper sizes are measured based on your waist or hip size. Wearing a wrong size diaper can cause you or your loved one to feel uncomfortable or may result in leakage. Know your size or have your waist measured before ordering.


Absorption/Protection Level

No diaper is made the same. Some suffer from light, moderate or even severe incontinence. Purchasing diapers with the right protection level is important since wearing diapers with a lower protection level than what you need may result in an embarrassing situation. If you only have light incontinence needs, then choose your level and don't feel the need to spend more for 'higher' protection.

How to determine what protection level you need?

You could use the Continence Assessment provided by Tranquility Incontinence Products to find out your needs. You can get this pdf file here or by clicking on the image below.

Here are some suggestions of diapers/brief/pads when you are considering protection level.

Light Protection

Tranquility Super Plus Pad


Moderate Protection

AMG Protective Underwear for Men and Women


Tranquility Adjustable Belted Undergarment


Heavy Protection


Whether you are buying 'protection' for yourself or for someone you care for, make sure you stick to the tips above for the best results. Each person is different and there are many choices so knowing yourself or your loved ones needs is important.