Needs of bariatric people for mobilty 25/08/2023 Bariatric clients are those with a high body weight, most of whom will also have a diagnosis of obesity. Since 1998, obesity has been recognised as a chronic disease. (1) This results when the body is consuming less energy than it is taking in, causing an imbalance that leads to an accumulation of excess adipose (fat) tissue. Body mass index (BMI) calculates the relationship between a person's height and weight. It is often used as a starting point to determine whether someone is obese, although it may not be fully accurate. (2) Keep Reading
Boarding Soon: Wheelchairs on Commercial Aircraft 03/01/2023 There have been efforts to make positive changes for flying with a wheelchair with input from consumer groups like the Paralyzed Veterans of America and United Spinal, as well as several airlines, RESNA, in-cabin manufacturers, and governmental agencies. Keep Reading
Who Needs Anterior Head Supports? 23/02/2022 Head supports come in a range of shapes, sizes, and configurations. A well-designed head support provides comfort, stability, and alignment of the head and neck, enabling socialization and communication whilst keeping the airway safe for breathing and swallowing.We are often asked by parents, therapists, teachers, and carers what supports can be used to position the head upright. Anterior head supports may seem like they could work, but I usually try to start with other options to correct posture before considering an anterior head support. Keep Reading
Skin Microclimate and Wheelchair Seating, Part 2 25/06/2020 If you missed it, check out Part 1 of this blog. Part 1 focused on which factors are involved in seating microclimate and who is most at risk, including a difficult clinical lesson in my earlier days so you don't make the same mistake. Keep Reading
Weighing the Options of Transporting a Rigid Ultra Lightweight Wheelchair 25/06/2020 When it comes to the benefits of ultra lightweight wheelchair designs and configurations for active manual wheelchair users, the clinical evidence is strong. An individually designed ultra lightweight wheelchair is intended to serve as an extension of the individual user, so that he/she can independently participate in not only the basic activities of daily living, but also activities of choice. The ability to get out into the community via a personal vehicle or public transportation with their wheelchair is often a must-have when a client creates a list of what is important to take into consideration when getting a new wheelchair. In this blog, we will take a closer look at a couple of elements to consider related to transporting a rigid ultra lightweight wheelchair. Keep Reading