Archive for July, 2008
The Amigo Power Operated Vehicle (POV) has been recognized in the mobility industry for 40 years. This brand of scooter has passed the test of time, and has only improved over time. It has been one of the most durable, reliable and sturdy POV’s on the market. The credit for producing this high quality assistive device is Mr. Al Theime, President and Founder of Amigo Mobility International, based in Bridgeport, MI.
This all American company has outgrown it’s current facility, where other companies are laying off and closing doors. Amigo is expanding their headquarters, which in turn provides more jobs to Americans. This speaks highly of the product line, as individuals with mobility challenges are realizing Amigo delivers the ultimate in comfort, safety and durability. End users find these scooters lasting upwards of 10 years. Needless to say, these individuals become avid Amigo customers, as the scooter has been proven to out-last other brands. When investing in a product to enhance our independence, it is always best to go with the brand we know, Amigo!
Heat exhaustion is a state of definite weakness produced by the excess loss of normal fluids and sodium chloride in the form of sweat usually caused by exposure to heat, likely indoors. Some of the symptoms are: Face becomes pale, cool, and moist. The skin is cool, clammy with profuse sweating. The body temperature is below normal. Heart rate is weak, thready and rapid. Breathing becomes shallow and quiet. Muscles are tense and contracted and eyes may become soft.
Heat stroke is a condition or derangement of the heat control centers due to exposure to the rays of the sun or very high temperatures. The body’s ability to cool down is inadequate or absent. Some of the symptoms are: Face becomes red, dry, and hot. The skin is hot, dry and no sweating with an elevated temperature as high as 106° to 110° F. Heart rate is usually full and strong. Breathing becomes labored and sometimes painful. Muscles are tense with possible convulsions and pupils are dilated but equal.
Both conditions can be dangerous and fatal and can be avoided by keeping the body temperature normal and drinking plenty of fluids, preferably water. Avoid constant heat indoors, direct sun light and continuous physical activity in hot envirionments.
If either is suspected, it is recommended to call 911 immediately for instruction. If no phone is available, and the person is awake, encourage resting, keep head elevated, give cold fliuds and remove person from the sun in the case of suspected heat stroke. In the instance of heat exhaustion, keep person quiet, head lowered and keep body warm to prevent the onset of shock.
CMS to Face Legal Threat if Congress Cancels DMEPOS Contracts
The federal government could face a flurry of lawsuits from angry medical equipment suppliers if lawmakers get their way and cancel hundreds of contracts that took effect July 1.
As of July 1, only those suppliers in 10 metropolitan areas that won contracts through a bidding process completed earlier this year are permitted to sell 10 types of medical equipment, such as diabetes test strips, walkers and oxygen tanks, to Medicare beneficiaries.
But despite the fact that those suppliers are already abiding by the terms of their winning bids and have spent thousands of dollars to prepare for the starting date, key lawmakers remain committed to retroactively terminating their contracts, making changes to the program and opening it up for a fresh round of bids to take effect in 2010.
If the legislation is enacted, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) will face an enormous administrative headache, as well as the threat of legal action from suppliers who feel that they played by the rules and deserve the spoils.
The language to delay the program, authored by Rep. Stark (D-CA), became part of a larger Medicare bill that overwhelmingly passed the House, and just passed the Senate.
Stark has expressed particular sympathy to the industry’s complaints that CMS mishandled the implementation of the bidding program by, for example, providing inadequate guidance to bidders about how to file the appropriate paperwork.
CMS has been stalwart in its defense of the program, pointing out that the bid prices are an average 26 percent lower than what the government currently pays and emphasizing that triumphant bidders had to win accreditation that had never before been required to participate in Medicare.
In exchange for agreeing to take up their cause, Stark extracted a heavy price from the medical equipment industry. In order to cover the $3.1 billion, five-year cost, the industry accepted a 9.5 percent cut off their current fees in those 10 geographic areas.
(The Hill, July 8, 2008)
If you are one of many in need of minimal assistance with walking then perhaps a walking cane is what you’ve been prescribed. There is an array of walking canes found on the market. Available are one point canes to four point canes for maximum support. If you are conservative, a more simple design is probably right for you. The metal canes offer additionl durability and support.
But if you have a more “colorful” personality, why not make a statement with a custom cane that is made from wood? You do have many options from which to choose . There are exotic wood carved canes from Coco Bola Rosewood wood to a Teak wood and everything in between. Exotic wood is used to make custom made canes that give you dependable support when you are walking. These bold rich canes are extraordinary as well as exotic. These personalized custom walking canes can help you make any statement you choose.
There are also canes that make a statement through the painting you decide to put on your cane. To make a colorful statement you could add rainbow or candy stripes to your cane. Or maybe you will choose custom walking canes that have a clouds or trees, or even animals painted on them. No matter what your choice is, you can have just the right addition to your cane to make your statement whether it is subtle or flashy. Be creative and stylish. No one said that assistive devices had to be boring. So…….Pimp Your Cane!
On this day of celebrating our national independence, I think it is appropriate to also evaluate where we stand in our personal lives as it relates to being independent. Are your activities of daily living being performed by you, or are you counting on other’s to help meet your basic needs such as getting out of bed, bathing, dressing, and eating? Many people take these simple tasks for granted. It is only when you loose the strength and ability to walk to the bathroom on your own, or bathe yourself the realization of how blessed you have been sets in. Our compassion usually heightens when we experience for ourselves what the physically challenged individuals must face on a daily basis. On a personal note, just having a minor surgery enlightened me to the difficulty of doing something as simple as pulling a T-shirt over my head in my efforts to get dressed for the day. Albeit a temporary condition, it gave me a greater appreciation for those whom face such a challenge each day. There is an array of products to assist with bathing safely, getting dressed, toileting and more. Explore your options to help you remain or reclaim your independence.
While you’re planning a trip, it’s a great idea to find places that will certainly accommodate you if you rely on an electric scooter or wheelchair to get around. Most major airlines will be able to accommodate people in wheelchairs, but some also have stipulations; the same goes for hotels.
This kind of planning can be done with some simple internet research. If you’re going through a travel agency, consult your agent to find out if any special arrangements need to be made (i.e. special cabs, et al.).
An electric wheelchair is a chair powered by a motor. These motorized wheelchairs are ideal for people who need to use a wheelchair all the time. Some power wheelchairs are made for indoor use only and using them outdoors is rather dangerous.
When buying an electric wheelchair, there are a lot of things to consider. You have to find a chair that fits your needs. Some of the features you should look at when purchasing a wheelchair are its weight, whether it is designed for indoor or outdoor use, its weight capacity, the power source etc.
Some electric wheelchairs are designed both for indoor and outdoor use and can be used by someone between 5’0″ and 5’10″ high.
Electric wheel chairs have been out for a while now helping people get where they want and need to go, but when buying one you should take the time to research and test it before you buy. The 30 minutes of research might save you some money.