Since arthritis affects the joints of the body it is a major cause of loss of physical mobility. Exercise for those with arthritis will keep the muscles strong and helps the joints stay flexible. People with arthritis can do simple exercises with periods of rest time in between, like riding a bike or dancing. Water aerobics is also a good way to keep the weight off of the joints and reduce further damage and pain. Make sure to consult with your doctor before starting an exercise program.

Arthritis will usually worsen with age, and so it is important to stay as active as possible to keep the muscles strong. At some point it may be required to use some kind of mobility device to stay active. Mobility devices can help keep you mobile and allow you to be independent. There are many types of mobility devices and assistive technology that can be used to help with arthritis: canes, walkers, wheelchairs, grip tools to grab objects, electric appliances for household use, electric wheelchair lifts and grab bars in the bathtub. Ask your doctor about a mobility device that you feel could improve your life.

Labels: arthritis, assistive technology

Many of us are living with special needs or are sometimes labeled as disabled. Even though we may be a little different than what is considered normal, we are still people - just like everyone else. A person could be deaf, or have a learning disability, or physical disability, but that is not the important thing to look at. It is important not to focus on what is different than other people but to focus on our strengths. Focus on our abilities not our disabilities. Everyone has disabilities and abilities in some way or the other.

There is adaptive equipment to help solve the problems of the disability. The world is becoming more accessible and technology is rapidly advancing. There are wheelchair sports, assistive technology, stair lifts, research, education and groups of people advocating rights for the disabled. Try to use your disability as an ability. If it is impossible to manage a disability alone some sort of assistive technology may be the answer. For more information and links on disabilities please visit the Orbit Medical resource directory.

Labels: assistive technology, disability

Let's face it; at some point in time all of our bodies don't seem to work right. That point in time is different for all of us. As we become less mobile we are often faced with a decision of moving around by ourselves without help, or getting some kind of assistive device to help us. There has been much improvement with assistive technology in resent years which has allowed those with less mobility to still enjoy an active life. Regaining independence in one's life can be an amazing change.

Assistive technology is any type of device or process that adapts and assists body functions, or is used in rehabilitation. Assistive technology devices are designed to help people perform tasks that they previously could not accomplish. These appliances can be anything from text telephones for hearing impaired or motorized wheelchairs for those with mobility difficulties.

If we are born with disabilities or if the need of assistance comes with time, there is probably some sort of assistive technology out there that can help. By using assistive technology in the right situation we can turn disabilities into abilities and continue to live a happy normal life. I encourage you to find out if any sort of assistive technology can help improve your functioning skills and make life a little easier.

Labels: assistive technology