CPAP
The most effective and most common sleep apnea treatment is continuous positive airway pressure therapy or CPAP therapy. As the name suggests this involves continuous airflow in order to keep the airway from collapsing. This is facilitated with a facemask connected to a machine that generates continuous air flow. Many new users find sleeping with a mask uncomfortable and difficult to get used to, however as this is the most effective option one should not give up after a few nights because it may take weeks or even longer to become accustomed to the mask. On the other hand, many users report that CPAP allows them to sleep so well that the mask does not bother them at all. You may go to these pages for more information on CPAP and sleep apnea.

Surgery
There are two surgeries to deal with sleep apnea; the first Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) surgery completely removes the uvula in the esophagus. The other Laser-Assisted Uvulaplasty (LAUP) is a laser surgery on the uvula and is done in several steps. The latter is less invasive but, a relatively new procedure. Patients should explore all options and consult their doctor and a number of sources before undertaking any surgeries.

Lifestyle Changes
-If you are a smoker you increase your chances of developing sleep apnea as smoke cuts off your lung capacity. If you have sleep apnea it is a good idea to quit smoking.

-Avoid alcohol before going to sleep. Alcohol relaxes your breathing reflexes and can seriously worsen apnea.

-Being overweight affects your breathing not only when you sleep but during awake hours as well. When you have apnea and are overweight it can be extremely difficult to lose weight because you will simply lack the necessary energy to exercise. Do what ever you can to lose weight naturally. Exercise is a key to lessening the effects of sleep apnea.

Labels: CPAP, sleep apnea

With so many websites on the internet it is increasingly difficult to find legitimate medical, disability and senior releated information. Orbit Medical has put together a Resource Directory that has categorized listings of quality websites that provide information, services, or products. A few more quality websites that cater to the health of older Americans are below.

The National Institute of Health is a great resource for information. Along with health information you can find research, the latest health news, information on grants, and a directory of other health related institutes. Within this directory I came across the National Institute of Aging. It specializes in research on the biomedical, social, and behavioral aspects of the aging process. Along with the prevention of age related diseases and the promotion of better quality of life for older Americans.

The National Institute of Aging has developed a website called NIH Senior Health. The site has information on many senior health related issues. However, I really appreciate the site because it is very user friendly. The site also incorporates many videos with credible sources giving valid information. Anybody looking for health related information that appreciates simple website navigation and along with quality information will be happy to have found this site.

Labels: disability, health, senior websites, seniors

Wheelchair Maintenance is vital to prolong the life of a power wheelchair. Regularly review this wheelchair maintenance checklist to help your power chair function properly.

General Power Wheelchair Guidelines

• Avoid prolonged exposure to extreme weather. Keep within temperatures of 18 degrees F (-8 C) and 122 degrees F (50 C).


• If your power chair contacts water, thoroughly dry all parts as soon as possible and place chair in a warm, dry area to allow undetectable water to evaporate.


• Avoid bumping the joystick and keep it clean.


• Make sure all wires and connectors are secure.
  

Daily Checks

• Ensure that tires look and function normally.


• With the controller turned off, inspect the joystick for damage. Make sure it returns to the neutral position when released.


• Look over the rubber boot that surrounds the joystick, if you notice any damage consult your owners manual.


• Observe the controller cable, make sure it is intact and no wires are exposed.


• Tighten any loose hardware.
  

Weekly Checks

• Inspect the controller at the power base, look for corrosion.


• If tires are pneumatic check that they are properly inflated, consult your owner’s manual for proper inflation levels.


• If necessary calibrate the joystick.


• Test the brakes and ensure proper functioning.


• Clean wheelchair and the wheelchair cushion
  

Monthly Checks

• Check the tread on the tires for uneven wear.


• Check the caster wheels for wear.


• Check the caster forks and ensure that they are functioning properly.


• Remove debris from the tires and caster wheels, such as hair and dirt.
  

Yearly Checks

• Take the chair to an authorized provider for an annual tune-up.
  
  

*These checks and balances are generalized and not specific to any one wheelchair. It is recommended that wheelchair chair users familiarize themselves with the owner's manual in order to understand problems and take appropriate measures to address such issues.

Labels: electric wheelchairs, Motorized Wheelchairs, Power Wheelchairs, Wheelchair Maintenance

Electric wheelchairs have come a long way in a relatively short amount of time. They are becoming ever more technical with wires, motors, suspensions the list goes on and will continue. While it is easy to assume that technological advances make life easier, and they typically do, they can also give way to more problems. However, problems typically start small but when left unsolved they grow bigger and more expensive.

The single best tool for extending the life of your power wheelchair and dollars is preventative maintenance. It is not necessary to be a wheelchair expert or a certified repair person. However, a general understanding as to how the power wheelchair functions can go a long way when analyzing causes and symptoms. A general understanding will help you to recognize small problems and diagnose them before they become big and expensive.

Being familiar with your power wheelchair is an effective tool for preventative maintenance. If it begins to perform differently or sound differently, may be a sign of problems. Keeping owners manuals nearby and following the manufactures suggested tips for tune-ups or annual services is always a good measure. In addition, a quick daily wipe down so dirt doesn't build on bearings. Properly adjust arm and foot rests and make sure bolts are tight.

Preventative maintenance is key in extending the life of your power wheelchair. Who knows your wheelchair better than you and if something does not seem right, do not doubt your feelings.

Labels: electric wheelchairs, Motorized Wheelchairs, Power Wheelchairs, Wheelchair Maintenance

Asthma can restrict one's ability to function normally in every day activities, and for some, hinder their ability to live a typical lifestyle. Various medications and precautions are available to keep consistent control of asthma. The most common of available medications are inhaled medicines. Medications taken through inhalers, as opposed to pill and liquid forms, have an immediate effect on airways affected by asthma and lowers absorption into the rest of the body. Developing habits of using a peak flow meter to measure how much air you can exhale can warn you of when an attack is coming. One sign that your asthma is acting up is if you are unable to forcibly exhale a certain amount of air. In this case take necessary steps as instructed by a doctor to prevent an attack.

When taking medication for asthma, patients need to check with their doctor to see if other medications will conflict with their asthma and which over-the-counter medicines should be avoided. It is known that aspirin and decongestants can conflict with common asthma medications, and could worsen symptoms. The weather also has an affect on asthma. As temperatures decrease those with asthma need to take extra precautions to always have medicine on hand that provide immediate relief. They also should make sure medications that are meant to be taken regularly are used as prescribed by their doctors. Doing so will help keep control of asthma during winter seasons.

Asthma is controllable and there are various ways to control it. Doctors have numerous tips for stopping and preventing asthma attacks and by following your doctor's advice controlling your asthma is achievable.

Labels: asthma