Crutches vs. Knee Walker – which is more effective?

You may often need to choose between knee walker or crutches after the operation. Though both may appear to be a legitimate option, it is suggested to you choose sensibly. After all, any assistive mobility device will be something which you’re likely to need to learn how to control and move, and of course, dragging around. However, you should not select any of them when you are capable of standing for a long time. There are insurance coverages for knee walkers too. Several companies like Knee Walker Central offer for the insurance on the knee walkers.

Crutches

Enlisted below are the advantages and disadvantages of crutches:

Advantages

If you’ve got adequate upper body strength and freedom, you can normally walk quicker with crutches. This will happen if you can operate them properly. Additionally, walking with crutches will inevitably require a while, and there is nothing wrong with getting some exercise when recovering from an injury or operation. Furthermore, the crutches are rather inexpensive. You can also rent them by a medical provider.

Disadvantages

Crutches can be tricky to maneuver. You risk irritating the spine, not to mention the wear and tear on your wrists, shoulders and lower spine. DO not put all your body weight on crutches, Many people with wounded legs locate crutches too unsteady and dangerous due to their usage. Additionally, whenever your arms and hands are busy clutching your crutches, you’ll have more trouble in using these to open doors, pick up things, and so on. Stairs can be especially tough to navigate with crutches, particularly at the start. At length, crutches are clunky items which are continuously decreasing over and do not necessarily fit through doors, auto doors, and so on.

Knee Walker

Enlisted below are the knee walker advantages and disadvantages:

Advantages

Knee walkers, since they are low to the ground are generally more secure than crutches. They’re padded for comfort with distance. It allows you to break a throw or wounded leg, without needing to set your weight onto it. It is possible to zoom around fairly fast when you receive the steering out, and as soon as you give up, you’ve got both hands free. They are quite easy to use and do not need any upper body power. They are not as clunky than crutches. The potential for slipping on wet or slick surfaces is significantly diminished.

Disadvantages

Knee walkers may be shaky if you lean forward or back to much or too much to one side. Furthermore, they take some time to understand to go right back. They’re slower going than crutches on several surfaces. You can’t go up or down stairs onto a knee walker, and whether the front wheelbase is too broad, you might not be in a position to go through narrow halls or doorways. Knee walkers are somewhat costlier than crutches.

Does Insurance cover the cost of Knee walker?

In today’s world, knee scooter insurance coverage could be Incredibly easy to approach. You would collect your knee submit a photograph of yourself waving and grinning happily in your knee walker. Your insurance carrier would react with a massive thumbs-up along with a wholly coated invoice.

The knee scooter insurance coverage may not happen all of a sudden. There must be a proper way in which they are balanced. Many insurance carriers will cover the Knee walker using a Prescription from your doctor. If you cannot use crutches or have trouble using crutches, insurance providers will cover the usage of a Knee Walker.

How to find knee walker insurance coverage?

You will find insurance companies covering the cost of buying the product as per knee walker insurance coverage. To get your insurance company to ensure your knee walker, You’ll need the next

  • Signed Prescription from Your Physician
  • Documentation of medical necessity (Medical Records)

It is often recommended to contact your insurer right and just asking them if beneath your insurance policy do they ensure knee walkers or knee scooters, and if so will you’ve got to pay anything out of pocket for example copay, coinsurance. As Soon as you have found your insurer will cover your knee walker. You’ll either have to locate a national or local DME Supplier that’s on your insurance network which will charge your insurance company.

If you still face a problem, you can simply take a knee walker on rent. Nowadays there are companies selling health care equipment, and also giving them on rent. We hope you need a knee walker only for the time you need healing. Thus, you can take the product on rent and not pay the entire amount for the walker. It works out well for most people as it saves costs and serves the purpose. Get your knee walker on rent today!

Continue Reading

8 Household Uses of Coconut Oil

There’s a reason why the coconut tree has earned the moniker “tree of life” in different cultures and languages, and that is because the tree is downright useful. Humans have utilized every part of the tree, from its leaves, which are still used as roofing material in some traditional houses in the tropics, to its roots, which is used as a source of dye. Its fruit is the source of edible coconut products like coconut water and coconut cream, which is used in various traditional dishes around the world. But perhaps, the most ubiquitous coconut product is the coconut oil.

Just like coconut cream and milk, coconut oil has earned its place in the kitchen. It is not only used as an ingredient in traditional dishes; it is also a component of various diets, including the currently popular ketogenic or keto diet. However, the uses of coconut oil is not limited to food stuff. Just like the coconut tree as a whole, coconut oil has a variety of uses in the home, not just in the kitchen. Here are just some of the non-edible applications of the humble coconut oil from Philippine-based suppliers:

1. Skin moisturizer – Coconut oil is slowly but surely making its way into various beauty products, particularly lotions and moisturizers for the body. It serves as a natural skin softener and moisturizer, plus it leaves the skin with a cookie-like scent. Aside from that, coconut oil also works as a hair conditioner due to its moisturizing qualities and because it penetrates hair better than most oils.

2. Furniture polish – Coconut oil can also revitalize the appearance of old, scratched up furniture. Use it to polish wooden furniture, or pair it with lemon juice and baking soda if you need to clean the furniture in question. In addition, coconut oil can be used to polish steel appliances like ovens and dishwashers. Clean the surface with vinegar beforehand, then spray the oil and wipe with a soft cloth.

3. Bath cleaner – Cleaning the shower area can be a chore, but it can be an easier chore by using a paste made of coconut oil and baking soda. Wipe the paste over scum and mildew, let sit for 10 to 15 minutes, and wipe off. That simple.

4. Solution to squeaky hinges – Squeaky hinges can be quite an annoyance, but you can easily get rid of it by dabbing a bit of coconut oil over the hinge.

5. Leather restorer – Despite the processes leather has undergone, it’s still prone to drying. To preserve its look, rub a bit of coconut oil on it, let sit for a few minutes, and wipe off the excess oil. Do this for shoes, belts, bags, and other leather articles to make them shine.

6. Cutting board preserver – Cutting boards also need a bit of maintenance to prolong their usefulness. After disinfecting the board using lemon juice or vinegar, wipe a bit of coconut oil over the surface and leave it overnight.

7. Mouthwash – Coconut oil and baking soda are a potent pair when it comes to cleaning things up. You can make a mouthwash out of these two, with a bit of peppermint oil for added flavor. Another practice, called oil pulling, involves swirling coconut oil inside the mouth for about 20 minutes, which helps reduce the number of bacteria in the mouth.

8. Gum remover – Got gum in your hair or clothes? Rub coconut on the spot to remove that sticky mess. The same can be done for jar stickers or sticky tapes that have come in contact with fabrics.

Think of these applications the next time you go shopping for coconut oil. Try using it as a cleaning supply next time and see if it will make the job easier for you.

Continue Reading

Hazards In The Home: How To Make Your House Safer For Your Health

safe-home
Photo Credit

Our homes are our havens – where we retreat from the troubles of the world outside and find our security and stability in life. We expect to be secure and comfortable, and in good health in our own homes. But the truth is, our houses are filled in invisible hazards that can threaten our health and make us ill – and we invite them in all the time. Dangerous chemicals are a threat to the health of our families, and yet they are hiding in innocuous household objects we don’t think twice about using. These substances are things we rub shoulders with every day, and never suspect that they may be the cause of various allergic symptoms that increase our risk of many cancers and birth defects in our children.

The introduction of toxic substances comes in many forms and the worst offenders are hiding in plain sight – from cleaning products to children’s toys and the paint on our walls.

If your home suddenly seems not as safe? Don’t panic. Identify the problem areas outlined below and you’re well on your way to making your home a safer place to live.

The Scent of Danger

We all want our homes to smell pleasant and fresh, so sales of air fresheners, plug-in room deodorizers, and scented candles are at an all-time high – but although they may smell sweet, a lot of them are not so good for you and your family’s health. Most scented candles are made from paraffin wax, which is derived from petroleum. Therefore, it emits carcinogens (or toxic chemicals) such as toluene and benzene. The same is true from sprays and plug-ins, which can also contain formaldehyde and VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) like nitrogen dioxide. So look into more natural ways to scent your home – either source natural beeswax or soy candles or you can use essential oils in many different ways – adding some to a square of muslin and tucking behind the radiator, buying a diffuser or even dabbing some on a lightbulb can all keep your home smelling great without the chemical hit.

Colour Me Green

The way we choose to decorate our homes can also mean introducing harmful chemicals into our living environments. Most mass-market paint brands contain VOCs as well. These give qualities such as shelf-life and spreadability to commercial points, but they also keep releasing for up to five years after application, so it’s worth hunting down the increasing numbers of non-VOC paints that you can now buy. Similarly, carpets and rugs are coated with chemical compounds both in the glues and dyes that make up the item and some that are applied after manufacture, such as flame retardants or stain guards. The problem is most acute when they are new, so if you’ve just redecorated, you could have unwittingly introduced chemicals into the environment. Again, it is possible to source carpets and rugs which use natural dyes and are VOC-free. The Green Label Plus scheme shows those carpets and rugs which emit a lesser amount of chemicals. The chemical release is generally worse in the first 72 hours after a carpet is fitted, so if you can, consider letting it air out in an open space for 24 hours prior to fitting. For those rugs already installed, you can actually help prevent the build-up of harmful chemicals and allergens by vacuuming regularly with a cleaner that has a HEPA filter installed. Choose non-toxic rug cleaners – natural substances such as white vinegar, baking soda and cornstarch are really effective ways to get rid of a lot of stains and spills. It’s also wise to have visitors and family remove their shoes before coming into the house, which prevents dirt, pesticides and other nasties from tracking into the house and carpeting.

Your Child’s Toys

It’s not nice to think that the things you give your kids to play with could be harming them, but a lot of plastic toys produced for children are made of a substances called PVC (polyvinyl chloride), which is a known carcinogen, and is often coated in worse offenders such as phthalates to make it flexible. Although some of these compounds have been banned in some countries, forms of them can still be found in some toys, especially those manufactured in places like China. The chemicals can disrupt the natural production of hormones in the body. So try to opt for wooden toys where ever possible, and read labels carefully.

Dangerous Tech

We all know the lessons about letting our children spend too long glues to phones, laptops and tablets, but it seems it’s not just what they’re watching on YouTube that we need to be concerned about. Slowly, electronics manufacturers are trying to phase them out, but some devices still contain various chemical substances such as triphenyl phosphate, which acts as a flame retardant but can release gasses when your device heats up. And if you still have a printer at home, it could be releasing ozone, a substance that can be an irritant for your nose and lungs and trigger conditions such as bronchitis or asthma. The best idea is all around is to limit the use of computers in the home as far as possible, especially at night time, when the blue light they emit can disrupt the hormones that regulate our sleep and give out electromagnetic fields that can also be harmful.

beauty
Photo Credit

The Price of Beauty

When it comes to our beauty products, some of the worst offenders can be found lurking in our makeup bags and bathroom cabinets. They can have far-ranging effects, from causing skin irritation, allergies, hormone disruption, links to some cancers and even neurological problems – and we add them to our skin each and every day. Thankfully, finding natural alternatives has become a lot easier in recent years, as demand has risen for natural, effective alternatives to everyday products. As the options have increased, the price has also lowered, meaning that natural beauty is more viable than ever before. Brands such as Neal’s Yard Remedies and Rahua are producing great products derived from organic and natural ingredients, so there are lots of easy alternatives out there that don’t compromise on the luxury element.

Continue Reading

Avoid These Habits To Keep Your Mental Health In Check

Being vigilant about your mental health is more important than ever because our stressful work lives make it more likely for you to suffer. In the past, mental health issues were considered quite rare but now that we’ve learned to recognize them a lot better, it’s become clear that so many people are suffering. Recent figures suggest that around one quarter of people will experience some kind of mental health problem in their lives. That’s why it’s so important that we live a healthy lifestyle and avoid habits that increase the chances of developing mental health issues. These are some of the habits that can make things a lot worse for you if you’re already struggling with your mental health.

Lack Of Sleep

tired
Source

When you sleep, your body and mind repairs themselves but if you’re not giving it that chance, you’ll end up with a whole host of health problems, both physical and mental. Not having enough sleep saps your motivation and increases your chance of developing problems with anxiety and depression. You need to get into a good routine and try to get to sleep at roughly the same time every night. Avoid using your phone or laptop or the repetidor wifi late at night as well because it makes it harder for you to get to sleep.

Excessive Drinking

beer
Source

People often use alcohol as a stress reliever which can lead to serious problems. Excessive drinking has been linked to depression and people suffering with mental health issues often use alcohol as a way of managing those feelings, creating a vicious cycle. It can quickly sneak up on you and become a problem without you realizing. If you think that your drinking may be out of control, you should consider going to a health recovery centre to deal with it. If you let it spiral out of control, things will get a lot worse.

Too Much Social Media

social media
Source

Comparing yourself to others all the time can make you feel bad about yourself which is why using too much social media can lead to mental health problems. Studies show that it can seriously impact your self esteem and give you unreasonable ideas about what your life should be like. Constantly looking at other people’s posts and convincing yourself that their life is better than yours will only damage your mental wellbeing. But the thing is, people aren’t posting an accurate picture of their lives online, they’re just showing you the best bits and they’ve got all the same problems that you have. The other problem is that, even though you may feel as though you’re connecting with people, you aren’t making valuable human connections. Substituting real human interaction with social media can quickly leave you feeling isolated and make mental health problems a lot worse. You don’t have to swear off social media completely but don’t take everything you see at face value and try not to spend too much time looking at it every day.

Breaking these habits can help you to keep your mental health in check and avoid any serious problems.

Continue Reading

THE BIG C: Can Cancer Be Prevented?

Big-C
Image Source

Statistically, one in every two people will get cancer in their lifetime. This is a shocking and frightening statistic, guaranteed to worry all of us. Understandably, the question ‘can cancer be prevented?’ is something many of us will have asked ourselves. The answer is both ‘yes’ and ‘no,’ which we appreciate is not very helpful, but read on.

Who is likely to develop cancer?

There are some people at higher risk of developing cancer than others. The following groups of people are most susceptible.

  • People who work in a high-risk environment, such as those working with cancer-causing substances, such as asbestos. As you will have seen on the media, there has been a massive demand for the best lawyers for asbestos exposure victims, especially for those who weren’t made aware of the dangers of this deadly substance in their workplace.
  • There is some research to suggest that the gene pool is also an overriding factor in developing the disease. After inheriting damaged DNA from their parents, the risks of cancers such as breast and ovarian have been increased. Despite the added risk, however, scientists have discovered only 2 or 3 people out of every 100 are in danger of cancer because of their faulty genes. There have also been advances in technology designed to alter the genes to make cancer less likely.
  • Lifestyle choices can also increase the risk of cancer. Sun-worshippers are at a higher risk of developing skin cancer because of the sun’s UV rays. Those who smoke tobacco are at risk of developing lung cancer. Then there is the debate around obesity, with some studies suggesting extra body fat and unhealthy eating plays a part in some cancers.

While the above categories place you in a higher risk of getting cancer, there is still the chance of cancer developing in those who aren’t recognized as being ‘high-risk.’ There have been cases of people developing lung cancer, for example, despite never having smoked a cigarette in their lives. So, while there is no cast-iron way to fully prevent cancer, there is still the need to take the appropriate measures to reduce the risk.

Preventative measures

cancer
Image Source

Some of these are common sense, especially when considering some of the points made above. Preventative measures include:

  • Avoiding tobacco completely, be you somebody who smokes or chews the acrid substance. Smoking is a proven factor of lung cancer, and chewing has been linked to mouth and pancreatic cancer. Admittedly, giving up on smoking is difficult, as with any addictive substance, but your doctor or pharmacist should be able to advise you on specific products to help you with your cravings if this is something relevant to you.
  • Change your diet. Some foods have been found to increase the chances of cancer, and so by avoiding these foods, no matter how tempting, you are putting yourself in less danger. Remembering too, that obesity could lead to cancer, it is also important to avoid overeating and foods that are guaranteed to pile on the pounds. Healthier foods should always be the best option then, including fruits and vegetables, while processed foods and even alcohol should be cut down in your weekly shop.
  • Engage in physical activity more often. This is a guaranteed way to beat the dangers of obesity, and specific cancers, such as breast and colon that are prevalent amongst those who don’t exercise enough. Of course, there are all kinds of other health benefits associated with exercise, so we need to cut back on the excuses for not keeping fit on a regular basis.
  • Protect yourself from skin cancer by taking preventative measures when out in the sun. This includes wearing the appropriate level sun lotions, covering exposed areas of the skin with light clothing, and staying in the shade on particularly hot days. You should also be aware of the harmful effects of UV rays from other sources, such as sunlamps and tanning beds. Avoid them or limit the time you spend trying to bronze your skin.
  • See your doctor regularly. Regular screenings can discover the signs of cancer early, making the disease more treatable. Your doctor will also give you advice on your lifestyle choices, answer your questions about the disease, and advise you on preventable tactics. You should also take any immunizations on offer, especially if you are at risk of sexually-transmitted diseases, as STDs have been linked to certain kinds of cancer, such as anal and lung cancer.

The answer to cancer

Can cancer be prevented? Yes and no, but hopefully one day, a cure will be found to eliminate the disease entirely. Until then, your first course of action should be to follow the preventative measures we mentioned to reduce the risk of cancer in your life. Continue your research online and speak to your doctor who will advise you further.

Continue Reading

Treating The Issues You Thought Were Untreatable

genes
Image Source

Genes – what a load of garbage, right? By the way, we are not talking about the denim type here. Okay, so a person’s genetics can be pretty cool when you think about IQ and things of that nature. But, there are plenty of issues, mainly health-related, which come from our parents. Sorry, but mom and dad have not been completely truthful with you! Yep, that receding hairline is the fault of your parents and their parents, and theirs after that. The usual response is to say “well, we can’t change our genes” but it isn’t entirely true. Here are four ways to beat the system.

Hair Loss

As soon as follicles begin to show weakness, it’s a downhill struggle right to the very bottom. Men tend to fight the good fight more than women, yet some ladies have to deal with baldness too. It’s not nice, especially if you don’t have the strength to look yourself in the mirror on a daily basis. Changing genes isn’t an option in this case, which is why a comb-over is ubiquitous the world over. However, hair plugs have advanced to the point where the replacements take and don’t look stupid. Donald Trump is an exception, yet plenty of Hollywood celebs have gone down the same route.

Heart Disease

In the western world, heart disease is one of the top two killers, the other one being a stroke. Sadly, a weak love organ runs in the family as it is genetic. Now, there are two ways to fight back and both are equally as useful. The first is to change the body’s cells with non-viral vectoring. Okay, so the last sentence makes zero sense, so make sure you learn more about PiggyBac Transposon system. Alternatively, you can try and resist the foods and drinks which are notorious for contributing to high cholesterol. Veganism is skyrocketing for a reason.

Cancer

For the most part, cancer isn’t genetic and doesn’t depend on family history. However, and ladies should take note, there are hereditary forms of breast cancer. The gene involved can pass on from female to female, and males, too, and increase the chances of contracting the disease. No doctor will treat an illness that isn’t showing, which is why eating superfoods such as spinach and kale help. Or, there is the Angelina Jolie example, the actress famously having a preemptive mastectomy to contain the problem.

Diabetes

There is a lot of debate surrounding the topic of diabetes, but it’s worth mentioning because of its rise. Approximately ten percent of the population of the USA has to deal with the disease on a daily basis. The key is to spot the signs as soon as they begin to form, such as going to the bathroom and fatigue. Then, it is about being proactive. Visiting the doctor and getting a medical diagnosis is essential, as is listening to and following their advice. Cutting out alcohol, for example, is a necessary evil.

How do you feel now? Are you happier that there are ways to deal with your genes?

Continue Reading

Are You Avoiding the Issue of Mental Health Problems?

Mental health has a negative stigma in today’s society. If you’re diagnosed with having a mental health issue then it shouldn’t come as a surprise if people start to treat you negatively or discriminate you. This only adds to the problem and the source is usually people that don’t understand or respect mental health issues. There’s a good chance that they haven’t experienced mental health issues or had any friends or family members that have suffered from them.

But what about your own understanding? Do you feel like you’re avoiding your personal mental health issues for one reason or another? Is there a possibility that you are indeed suffering, yet ignoring the problem? To help you out, we’ve put together a list of signals that you should be wary of regarding mental health issues.

mental-health
Source: Pexels

You constantly look for ways to numb your mood

Whether it’s alcohol, drugs, fighting or even video games, if you’re constantly looking for an escape then there’s a chance that you might be suffering from a mental disorder. It’s important to visit a reputable clinic such as Compass Health Center if you believe that you’re trying to avoid certain feelings or find yourself seeking comfort in activities that are bad for your health and overall well-being. Leaving this for too long can easily result in permanent damage to your body, so make sure you seek assistance as soon as possible.

You feel like you’re impulsive and have mood swings

Many mental disorders come with mood swings and impulsive behavior. For example, if you feel like something can quickly trigger you to become violent, angry or even depressed, then there’s a chance that you might suffer from a borderline personality disorder. Changes associated with BPD are usually very sudden, so if you feel like your mood swings happen over longer periods of time, then you might be suffering from bipolar disorder instead. Either way, constant mood swings is a sign that should be taken seriously.

You’ve been feeling down and sad lately

If you’ve been feeling hopeless recently then it’s a red flag for depression. It’s a disorder that affects a large number of people in the world, making it an incredibly common mental health problem. Other symptoms may include a lack of concentration, a lack of energy, constantly feeling fatigued and even a lack of concentration. Failing to deal with these thoughts could lead to darker feelings such as contemplating suicide or socially isolating yourself from the rest of the world.

Final Words

Just keep in mind that mental health issues can affect everyone. Having a mental health problem doesn’t mean that you should have a lower quality of life and it doesn’t mean that you’re lesser than other people. If you want to become the best version of yourself, then it’s important to face these issues head-on and deal with them properly. Assuming you can get the right assistance and surround yourself with supportive people, you’d be surprised at just how easy it can be to cope with mental health problems at all stages of their severity.

Continue Reading