Water Is Good For You

The human body is made up of between 55 and 75 percent water depending on size and composition, according to ShapeFit.

Boost Energy in 5 Easy Steps

1. See your doctor.
Discover any root causes for fatigue: Iron or vitamin deficiency, depression, hyperthyroidism etc.
2. Stay hydrated.
Drink 1/2 your weight in water every day. Add 2 cups water for every coffee.
3. Get more sleep.
Practice a regular routine like a baby. Try for 10-11 pm and 6-7 in the morning.
4. Eat right.
Increase protein (like peanut butter), cut down on carbs (sugars and white, refined foods), increase complex carbs and fibre (like fruit, veggies, nuts, seeds).
5. Exercise.
Increase heart-rate for 1/2 hour 3-5X per week. Things like walking, cardio routines, swimming, dancing...

go to exercises

Tips to Avoid Falls

1. Exercise regularly. Cutting back on activity results in loss of strength, muscle tone, balance, decline in health and often depression. All of which can cause you to fall again.

2. Follow a sensible, balanced diet. Good nutrition means higher energy and stronger bones.

3. Eliminate obvious hazards from your home (poor lighting, throw rugs, clutter). Do you trip on things? Move furniture as necessary. (Especially if you "furniture-walk")--sometimes moving items and closing distances can make a world of difference. Install grab bars, nonslip mats, ramps, thresholds, night lights...

4. Take your time, take care, plan ahead. Pause before standing or moving. Especially in new places.

5. Wear sturdy, low heeled shoes. Rubber for traction is good.

6. Make sure your medication doesn't make you dizzy. Discuss benefits and risks with doctor.

7. Poor vision? Dizziness? Discuss risks with doctor.

8. Analyze your falls. Why did this happen? How could I prevent it?
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Products that Help Out

Some of these have a link, signifying that's where I discovered it at the best price.

My Hand Vac
​
Because sweeping and dustpans are difficult. The dustpan is usually empty by the time I get it to the garbage...

No cord to run over or rewind. Easy to put away.
Brooms and mop handles are too long and very inconvenient.
​Searched for one that could replace my canister Electrolux and do the job...
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​Hides wheelchair/walker scuffs and scratches. These are before/after photos of my 3 doors.

​Found lots of other uses for it.

My appliances-- my stove is probably overkill for someone who cooks so little, however, I really like the self-cleaning feature, knobs on the front, and smooth ceramic top (no more burners to clean and re-assemble). My freezer is upright, has a temperature sensor (in case I leave the door open), and is frost-free (no defrosting)

Slow cooker--have a small 1 1/2 qt one. Less leftovers. Ideal way to cook easily with few dishes and no stove. Was gifted a 3 pot one. Now cook 3 different things at different times and temperatures.

Leave it plugged in. No burners to burn myself on. Cook pasta and rice, so no pans of hot water.

Drawstring Glad garbage bags-- I can get them for my recyclables, too (blue). I have tried cheaper ones, but they don't hold up so well. A volunteer or FCSS takes it out and I don't want to add troubles to their day.

A Rubbermaid Reveal micro fibre mop/sweeper where I can machine wash the cloth and refill with my own solution and no batteries.

My bed rail gives me a "grab bar" in my bed.

My barrier-free apartment has no carpet (great for walkers/wheelchairs), a walk-in 5 ft shower with tub chair and nozzle that can be used hanging or in hand. It also has no ramp (dicey in Canadian winters), handicapped doors, wide 36" doorways throughout. Designed barrier free, it has lower light switches and peephole, longer blind rods, lever handles and faucets and raised toilet. I added longer pulls for ceiling fans. I requested a Canada Post  parcel locker as I can't "pickup" at the depot.

Laundry detergent pods. No aiming, pouring, spilling or over-measuring.

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Fabulous Find!

​Wow! for female wheelchair users,
I found  a cotton (breathable) sleep bra for that I use everyday.

Large plastic snaps for easy front close, wireless, no back seam or hooks, comfortable....

Gifts Ideas for Mobility-Challenged

• ​Clothes that are easy to put on without zippers, buttons. Night clothes that breathe (aka cotton), stretch, dark to hide stains.
• Footwear/boots with velcro or slip-on.
• Slippers/moccasins with rubber soles. Good grip and warmth!
• Handi bus tickets. I have a handy business card pouch that hangs on my wheelchair.
• See "products that help out" in this blog.
• Things that make life easier or safer. Decorations are great to LOOK at, but that's ALL they do.
• Gifts of time, help (asking for help is NEVER easy), dishes, vacuuming, errands, taking trash out...
• Getting the person out, road trip, picnic, shopping excursion...
• Rotating power toothbrush. Just need to apply paste, turn it on and insert in mouth.​​
• Flowers. Lift spirits and gives the recipient something beautiful to look at. There are varieties that are better for allergies.
• Communication Hugs, visits, emails, phone calls, mail... children's drawings  or photos posted in mail