Seniors

Role of a Wheelchair

What Is The Role of a Wheelchair? Which Ones Are The Best?

The primary purpose of a wheelchair is to allow a user with limited mobility to move both indoors and outdoors. If you are new to the world of wheelchairs or unsure where to begin when buying one do not look any further, ACG Medical Supply got you covered. Although wheelchairs are necessary for various reasons (sickness, accident, or disability), they do not have to be uncomfortable or unsightly. Today’s market is flooded with options for wheelchair users who wish to live their lives to the fullest, ranging from collapsible to ergonomic chairs and everything in between.

Comfort is the Key

It is critical to understand that purchasing a wheelchair is more complicated than simply “purchasing a wheelchair.” Because wheelchairs come in various shapes and sizes and can accommodate almost any body type, finding one that completely meets your needs is the most important thing to do. Comfortable wheelchairs are crucial for your physical health, but they are also important for your emotional health. More comfortable wheelchair users can participate in more activities, than who sit in uncomfortable chairs may tire quickly and lose interest in their events. However, if you can go out without feeling difficulty or discomfort, you are more likely to enjoy what you do. Being able to go out and do things might also assist your mental health. Comfortable wheelchairs might also provide opportunities for exercising.

Aspects to Consider for New Wheelchair Users

There are various types of wheelchairs that are suitable for use in this circumstance of discomfort. Manual Wheelchairs are designed for the person in the chair to navigate independently, these chairs usually feature larger back wheels to help you control and move the chair forward, which could also make the chair big and difficult to transport. Many manual chairs now have quick-release wheels that make them easier to store. Wheelchairs that are light and ultra-light feature stiff frames, which allows for more forward force. Because the chair does not fold and fast-release wheels are more helpful.

Transport Wheelchairs are intended to be pushed by caregivers or companions. Wheelchairs built for transport, on the other hand, often have four small wheels. However, wheelchairs made for manual use typically have two smaller wheels in front and two larger wheels in the back.

A power wheelchair, also known as a powerchair, electric wheelchair, motorized wheelchair, or electric-powered wheelchair (EPW), has a battery-powered motor and is controlled via a joystick. This wheelchair that drives forward with the assistance of an electric motor rather than the user’s muscular power and helps individuals unable to walk short distances or have weaker upper extremities may benefit from them.

The Pride Jazzy Wheelchair provides a variety of real-world mobility solutions. There is a Jazzy Chair to fit everyone’s needs, from conveniently portable power wheelchairs to durable models with ATX Suspension for increased performance across uneven terrain including its structure, unrivaled mobility, and ease of operation, which can be used comfortably.

Promote Mobility and Enhance Quality of Life

There are many options ranging from portable indoor wheelchairs that are good on smooth floors to outdoor chairs with specialized tracks or wheels for uneven terrain.
Wheelchairs have advanced significantly over the years, yet it may still be difficult to locate the ideal wheelchair that meets all your needs. An occupational therapist can assist you in sorting through all your alternatives and can help you in customizing your chair to match your needs.

Other types of equipment you may require include saddlebags for keeping your things, Foam, gel, or air-filled seat Wheelchair Cushions, Headrest, a Power pack for your manual chair, Powerchair battery backup, and Suspension frog legs.

Finding the correct wheelchair can make all the difference, but it takes time, but working with a therapist can assist to reduce the stress associated with wheelchair purchasing.

Best Electric Wheelchair

Find Top-Rated Power Electric Wheelchairs at ACG Medical

Power electric wheelchairs, or electric wheelchairs, are a boon to those who might otherwise be housebound due to disease or accident. These mobility devices have four to six wheels, increasing stability, and rechargeable batteries to offer convenience and travel support. Because of the difficulty of manually propelling a wheelchair, many people find that powered wheelchairs are either a necessity or a welcome aid. The best electric wheelchair models offer performance, are easy to use, and feature lightweight and long-lasting rechargeable batteries. Those considering investing in new motorized wheelchairs can find various options in different price ranges at ACG Medical Supply, a prominent mobility solution provider. With options from numerous top-tier manufacturers, you’re bound to find a product that matches your budget and requirements.

How to choose an electric power wheelchair?

Those purchasing online can find numerous options, but knowing about the types of wheelchairs and features can help make an informed decision. For instance, power wheelchairs come in three variations: rear-wheel, front-wheel, and mid-wheel drive. The main difference among them is the position and size of the drive wheel.

  • Rear-Wheel: Smaller than the front wheels, the rear ones of a power wheelchair are propelled by an electric motor, providing the chair a forward momentum. If you need to drive over a curb or some challenging terrain, this push will come in handy. Many people prefer rear-wheel drive vehicles because of their convenience. They are great at dampening the effects of bumps in the road and coping with incremental changes in elevation, making for a more comfortable ride overall.
  • Front-Wheel: Large front wheels propel front-wheel motorized chairs, offering riders more space to move their feet. The riding quality of front-wheel drive power chairs is comparable to that of their rear-wheel driven counterparts. It usually features four wheels, and users can experience better control and shock absorption when treading a bumpy path.
  • Central or Mid-Wheel: Three pairs of wheels are standard with mid-wheel powered chairs, with the smallest at the front and the largest at the back. These wheelchairs are known to be simple to steer, even in tight quarters.

Understanding the space, travel requirements, weight, and other features can help users find a suitable motorized wheelchair. Explore ACG Medical Supply for top power wheelchair models that offer convenience, accessible transportation, and usage.

1. Golden Compass Sport Power Chair:

Golden Compass Sport Power models feature an advanced Dynamic Load Compensation enabling users to have perfect control over the mobility device. By continuously adjusting for factors like gradients, pace, and rider weight, this cutting-edge system ensures a smooth and comfortable journey regardless of where you are. It is an all-terrain, heavy-duty power chair with a 300lb weight capacity and an improved battery range of 19.5 miles.

2. Pride Jazzy Wheelchair:

This sporty wheelchair is the ultimate in performance and style. With six wheels on the ground, Active-Trac Suspension, and an innovative articulating beam, Pride Jazzy Wheelchair is perfect for those looking for a little more freedom. In addition, the Pride Jazzy series is available in various heavy-duty and lightweight designs. For instance, People with limited mobility may now get around quickly thanks to the Jazzy® Elite HD’s two-motor, front-wheel drive technology and sturdy build.

3. Pride Go Wheelchair:

The Pride Go Wheelchair is a perfect travel companion for someone who needs a lightweight and compact wheelchair. This power wheelchair is easy to fold into five pieces that are lightweight and easy to carry. In addition, it has a small turning circle, so it’s easier to get around in tight spaces. The new Go-Chair is lightweight and portable, yet it can support up to 300 pounds.

4. Merits Regal EZ Go Portable Power Wheelchairs:

The Merits EZ power chairs are lightweight yet durable wheelchairs that are easy to transport. Its effortless disassembly makes it an excellent choice for those who travel a lot. In addition, this lightweight and compact wheelchair are perfect for people who need a secondary wheelchair for travel or for those who need a portable power wheelchair that fits in the trunk of their car.

Summing Up:

Mobility-challenged individuals and the elderly who need to go around town quickly can benefit significantly from using a lightweight electric transport wheelchair. You should use quality, performance, functionality, load capacities, and customer reviews as a baseline when shopping for a power wheelchair. The products we’ve highlighted above appear on the best power wheelchair lists.

ACG Medical Supply specializes in helping people find the perfect motorized wheelchair and other mobility aids for their needs. The online shop provides a wide selection of wheelchair models, detailed descriptions of their construction, intended use, maximum weight, and more.

bath chairs for disabled

Benefits of Bath Chair for Disabled and Elderly

Bathing is not an easy process for people with disabilities. Even though bathing is meant to be soothing, it can occasionally feel downright frightening. This can be a terrifying task because there’s a chance of tripping and getting hurt, waking up in the hospital, or both. A chair made especially for use in a bathroom is known as a shower chair. For the elderly or those with disabilities who require assistance using the restroom, a shower chair is a necessary piece of equipment. Some chairs feature wheels to function as a form of wheelchair, while others have strong, rubber feet to prevent slipping on wet surfaces. They are safe to use in water because they are waterproof and rust-resistant.

If you are elderly or a person with a disability, here are a few reasons why buying a personal shower chair for you is a smart choice rather than putting your health at risk.

Reasons For Buying A Shower Chair

  • Using a shower chair or bath chair reduces the risk of falling by giving people a secure platform in a slippery shower or bath, which increases safety. For individuals in wheelchairs, seniors, or anybody who finds moving on their own more painful or difficult, shower chairs and bath chairs are very helpful.
  • Limited mobility is only one of the many hardships experienced by those with disabilities or those who are wheelchair-bound. When they can’t do the little things for themselves anymore, they feel like they need other people and start to depend on them, which can have a very bad effect on their quality of life. Being and feeling more autonomous might be facilitated by having a shower or bath chair.
  • It’s supposed to be relaxing to take a shower. But for many, taking a bath each day can be a dreaded or difficult experience. A shower chair can help create a spa-like ambiance that enhances your sense of relaxation. For the benefit of mobility, a shower chair could also be utilized. For instance, if someone has a compound fracture from an accident, they can still take a shower without needing to stand.

Your hygiene and security can significantly improve with the use of a shower chair. Finding the ideal shower chair does not need to be a difficult effort. ACG Medical Supply helps you find the best bath chairs for disabled and elderly people. We deliver necessary medical supplies at affordable prices to those who require them.

Points To Remember When Buying The Bathing Chair

  • Size: Whenever you are buying a bathing chair, always consider the ratio between the space of your bathroom and the space that the bath chair is going to take. You should always choose the chair which not only fits right in your bathroom but also leaves enough space after being placed inside.
  • Height: Just like size, considering height before buying the shower chair also becomes crucial. Always consider buying a chair with a comfortable height. If not, buy a chair that has adjustable legs and a changeable seat height.
  • Weight capacity: Weight capacity becomes an important factor for people who weigh more than 300 lbs. hence, people who weigh more than 300 lbs, might need a bariatric shower chair
  • Support: Always buy bath chairs depending upon your comfort and your living style. Sometimes, shower chairs with arms and backrests make a huge difference in the user’s choice. These choices depend on the sitting habits of the person using the chair. Moreover, some people like using wheelchairs but have more mobility around the house, whereas, some prefer fixed non-slippery chairs in the bathroom.

Having necessary and proper shower accessories is important for the elderly and people with disabilities. Nothing is more important than their safety and comfort and these two factors should be primary when buying a shower chair.

Acg Medical Supply

How To Make A Home More Accessible For Handicapped People?

It is one of the nicest presents you can offer a person who is living with a handicap if you provide them with a living place that is secure, easily accessible, and comfortable. ACG Medical Equipment is the best present you can give to a handicapped person. They should feel comfortable expecting that their unique requirements will be met at home because it is the only location they have any real control over.

To build a house suitable for handicapped people to live in that is both pleasant and easy to access, however, requires a significant amount of work to be done.

The Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Fair Housing Act provide some accessibility criteria, but you will need to go beyond the fundamentals to build the secure and pleasant living area that you desire for your loved one following those standards.

Caregivers and the individuals who are closest to the handicapped person are typically the ones who are in the greatest position to determine what the disabled person’s most urgent needs are in terms of making their house pleasant for them.

However, those who are knowledgeable in the field of renovation will also have some useful suggestions for the things that need to be done.

The following is a list of some of the factors that you should take into account.

● Making doorways and hallways accessible for those using wheelchairs.
● Eliminating potential trip risks.
● The stairwells will have railings installed on them.
● Putting shelves and storage cabinets at a height that a wheelchair user may easily access.
● Putting light switches within easy reach or installing voice-activated technology in both lighting and home appliances.

The following are some of the most frequent remodelling alternatives that are available for people who live with disabilities; however, the sorts of alterations and the amount of modification required will vary from person to person. In addition, this book provides rough cost estimates to assist with financial planning.

Making Landscaping, Entrances, and Walkways Accessible to People with Disabilities

Along the path that leads to the front door—whether it be the driveway or a walkway—there should not be any obstructions, and the surface should be free of cracks. You can also insert patient lifts for home use for disabled patients.

It should also have a rough surface so that those using walkers, wheelchairs, and shoes have a solid grip on the ground while also reducing the buildup of water and snow.

At least one of the entrances should be made accessible by having a low threshold, a wheelchair ramp, and railings as necessary to ensure that people can go in and out without any problems.

For the sake of both safety and security, it is a smart idea to equip each of these locations with lighting equipped with motion sensors. You must get rid of any carpets, doormats, and runners that can create a tripping hazard or get in the way of a wheelchair ramp.

Every entrance and exit should be spacious enough for wheelchairs to pass through without difficulty. In a perfect world, they should be at least 36 inches wide; nevertheless, an entry measuring 32 inches and outfitted with broad throw hinges or swing-clear hinges would be sufficient.

If certain internal doors aren’t required for reasons of privacy or safety, it’s possible that removing them entirely would be the best course of action. You can do so by installing screens, curtains, or sliding doors in their place.

The placement of door knobs and peepholes that are easily accessible is a further feature that is simple to overlook. To improve the level of safety in a building, the peepholes might need to be moved to a more convenient height or replaced with an intercom system. Automatic doors or doors equipped with levers rather than knobs may be required for those who have difficulties with their movement.

Adaptations to Improve Bathroom Safety for People Who Are Disabled

The adjustments needed in the bathroom are among the most significant that are necessary for disabled living. This is because of the risk they provide since about 230,000 individuals go to emergency rooms each year owing to injuries sustained in the restroom.

Bathrooms have a tendency to be obstacles to movement, which is why the following variety of adaptations could be required.

Raise sinks to a higher level so that individuals who are confined to the wheelchair ramp
may roll up without having to stretch their arms over the edge. Knobs on faucets are more difficult to turn than those with lever handles or touch controls.

Toilet seats are frequently positioned at heights that make it difficult to get in and out of a wheelchair ramp. It’s possible that they need to be raised to make the transfer process simpler and more secure.

Conclusion
There are several products available in the market for disabled patients like Mobility Equipment, patient transfer boards, and patient lifting equipment. It is a significant endeavour, but doing work out of love to make modifications to your house that will make it possible for a disabled family member or friend to live there in safety and comfort is rewarding. Home is the one place where handicapped people should feel safe and cared for, and it should be that place for them. These alterations will assist in delivering that sense and will make the house genuinely seem like it is theirs.

disabled living

Practices to Assist Mobility and Prevent Falls

Aging-related changes may result in troubles with mobility or moving around in your own house. Mobility impairments include uncontrollable shaking while walking, problem getting in and out of a chair, and serious falls. Muscular weakness, joint pain, and neurological issues are all prevalent among the elderly and can actually add to limited mobility.

A fall injury could result in restricted or reduced mobility, or even bed rest, which can apparently aggravate existing ailments and cause new ones. Falls endanger the elderly’s health and limit their ability to remain self-reliant. However, falls do not become unavoidable as you get older. You can lower the chances of slipping and assist a loved one in avoiding falls with the use of bathroom assistance for elderly, folding wheelchair ramp, and other Medical Equipment. Let us now go over a few more tips for avoiding such falls.

Mobility Tips for Caregivers:

  • Promote Physical Exercise

According to researchers, regular physical activity benefits a wide range of health conditions in the population. As we age and put on weight, our mobility begins to deteriorate. Certainly, the right amount of exercise can assist in overcoming mobility issues. To put it another way, we will lose it if we do not use it. Engaging in a specialized, well-balanced aerobic program or flexibility training sessions for the elderly can significantly lower the likelihood of mobility impairment.

  • Balancing Practice

As we age, stability problems may start to develop with time, and it is undoubtedly a difficult situation where the person is unsure of the ground. Do experience imbalance while walking? We must recognize that maintaining a sense of balance is essential for leading a good health, secure, and enjoyable life. Begin by spending time with your elders and practicing a few balancing exercises at home.

  • Adequate Lighting

Lighting is one of the primary and most effective ways of preventing falls in elderly individuals. We should definitely keep their living space well-lit all the time and guide them on how to use touch lamps or Motion Censor lights. Our elders might require additional lighting at any time of the day or night. Increase the number of lights or change the types of lights to improve lighting. Clear vision aids seniors in maintaining body balance and avoiding dangerous risks. You can also use moderate lighting on the stairs to help them identify their next step.

  • Using Medical Equipment

Door threshold ramp, recliner shower chairs, walkers, bed railings, stair handrails, and mobility scooters are examples of assistive devices that can be used to help elders and patients move around more easily and freely. Elders who are unable to walk long distances can use a wheelchair to save time and avoid exhaustion. To ensure safety and wellbeing, a variety of disabled equipment is available, ranging from walking sticks and crutches to wheelchairs and stair lifts.

Why is Senior Mobility So Essential?

We are now more concerned about the rising number of falls among the elderly. Seniors who were unable to leave their homes to walk or engage in any physical activity seemed to be concerned about their mobility. In addition, many medical and health care systems have begun to motivate seniors to stay active and participate in physical activities.

We will much better when we are able to move around freely and do the things, we are accustomed to doing in our daily lives. Mobility is a circumstance that not only benefits your overall body health but also stimulates your mind with positive thoughts. Having said that, staying active on the other hand also benefits our bones, heart, emotional, and mental needs.

Conclusion: The problem of disabled living does not have to dissuade you from living your life independently or going around confidently. Fortunately, there seem to be innumerable ways to ensure that you travel conveniently, go on vacations, and meet your friends out. A few simple tips and suggestions can help you move and choose to live thoroughly.

mobility

How to Find the Right Mobility Solution

Nobody likes to be constricted to one space. If you’re feeling too restricted on movement, it’s important that you find the right mobility solution for you to complete daily living activities. There are benefits to each one depending on what kind of mobility you need and the lifestyle you lead. While some of you may be familiar, there are perks to each one that you may have not previously considered.

Wheelchairs

Who?

There are currently 3.6 million people over the age of 15 who use a wheelchair daily. They are intended for individuals who cannot walk or put full weight on their legs. These are great for long distances and for those with severe impairments.

Types:

There are two distinct categories of wheelchairs. Manual and motorized are the two avenues of choice for users. There are many different types of manual wheelchairs to meet a variety of peoples’ needs. Motorized wheelchairs are a wise option for those who do not have the strength to push themselves independently. If you don’t have upper body strength, a motorized wheelchair (or scooter) will be the best choice for you.

Canes

Who?

Canes help those who are unable to put full weight on their legs but are still able to walk if they have assistance. They provide stability and aid in balance. Many older Americans use these every day. In fact, 16.3 percent of older Americans use these. While these help with balance, they can also put stress on the wrist and hands.

Types:

There are so many different types of walking canes that vary from style, and color to actual medical need. The most common kinds of canes are the “C Cane” and “Quad Cane.” The C Cane is very simple in that it is straight with a simple curve at the top. The Quad Cane provides more stability as it has a four-pronged base and a graspable handle.

Walkers

Who?

Walkers are a stable option for those with little strength to walk independently, but still have the use of their legs. There are 11.6 million older Americans who use walkers. They are easy to push forward but are stable enough to not slip.

Types:

There are a few different types of walkers and they often come with accessories, like a basket, to hold items. The two most common types are knee walkers and rollators. Rollators are very common and have a three-piece frame, grip handlebars and a seat if needed. Knee walkers have a rest for the knee that is often used post-surgery or for amputees.

As we age, we find ourselves becoming less and less mobile, and finding it more difficult to get around. If you are looking for a mobility device, take a look at our gallery and give us a call!

scooter mobile

Scooters: A Solution to Stay Mobile

Don’t be limited by your mobility – find a way to maximize it with a mobility scooter. Whatever your diagnosis or limitations are, you don’t have to say goodbye to independence and autonomy. Each scooter is built with a different user in mind, whether you are traveling, in-home or a daily user, there is sure to be a scooter for you! Here are just some of our most popular mobility movers.

Heavy Duty

A heavy duty scooter like our Golden Patriot is up for a challenge on any terrain! If you’re the type of person who doesn’t want to give up their active outdoor lifestyle, this might be the scooter for you. They are great in many different environments. They have a higher weight capacity than other models and are very comfortable so you don’t feel constricted on a smaller scooter.

Folding Scooters

Folding scooters are easier to take with you places, whether it be the store or even around your office. These are also commonly known as travel scooters, because of their lightweight and compactable nature. Our Pride Go-Go Elite Traveler Three Wheeled Electric Scooter will help you get your list of errands completed at a pace that works for you. It even has a front carry basket to hold your personal belongings or shopping items.

Outdoor

With an outdoor scooter, you shouldn’t have to worry too much about the type of terrain it will be on. You should have one powerful enough to get over bumps and through gravel should you choose to take that adventurous route. A great option would be the Drive Ventura 4 Deluxe. This scooter is great from handling rough terrain or just a stroll around town. Outdoor scooters generally have larger tires and are built bigger altogether. Because of their size, they are not the type of scooter you would want to turn around corners in your home. They do require more space in your car, so if you are considering an outdoor scooter, you are going to want to measure the space you have in your vehicle.

Indoor

Indoor scooters are narrow and allow you space to weave through aisles and around corners in your home, office or shopping center. Our Golden Buzzaround EX 3-Wheel Scooter would be a terrific option for you. It is a full-sized scooter but is light and very compatible to have anywhere indoors. It has a very strong battery life so you can get to wherever you want in the day. It also has a basket in the front and the back so you will be less likely to need help from others to carry your things.

When you or your loved one needs help getting around, ACG Medical Supply can help. Take a look at our online shop to see what we have for you today.

Scooter

Keep Your Scooter Like New With This Checklist

We hope that you are able to get great use out of your scooter whether it’s to shop for groceries, attend a family event or explore a nearby nature trail. With all of this use comes the inevitable wear and tear. You can prolong the life of your scooter with some simple maintenance steps. Keep this list handy as you enjoy your scooter so you can take care of it while it takes care of you.

Clean Weekly

Any item that gets used daily should be cleaned weekly. No matter if you have an indoor or outdoor scooter, it can become dirty fast. Aside from looks, it can have a significant impact on the functionality of the device.

Light Dusting: Dust and debris can cause issues with the scooter’s ability to run smoothly. With a rag or duster, be sure to wipe down the entire scooter, especially in the crevices where debris like leaves and crumbs hide. You should not use any wet cleaning products or dusting solution on the scooter.

Light Washing: Keep the device shiny and gunk free! It’s easy for the scooter to need more than a light dusting. Simply spot clean by getting a cloth dampened with water and rub the area. If you must use a cleaning solution, be sure it is mild and never bleach.

Read the Manual

If you’ve used the scooter for a while, you may feel that you already know the ins and outs of the machine. We suggest that you still keep this tip on your list. It’s important to have a thorough understanding of your machine and what it takes to keep it in tip-top shape.

Pay Attention to the Battery

The battery is the heartbeat of the machine. You must do your best to make sure you are taking the proper steps to increase the longevity of your battery. You can do this by charging the scooter appropriately. The battery should be charged for 8-10 hours at a time. So, if you thought giving your 70 percent charged battery a boost was a good idea, it can actually harm the life of the battery. Try to minimize battery usage when you can, such as limiting headlight usage and rough terrain. Additionally, you should always keep an eye out for battery corrosion.

Tire Inspection

This means more than a little kick to see if the tires are full. Just as you would a car, keep an eye on the tread of the tires in addition to how well they are holding air. The tread will be different on each type of scooter, so refer to your manual for tread height recommendations.

Mind the Weather

Sometimes it’s unavoidable, but you should do your best to avoid exposing your scooter to the elements of the weather. Moisture can be particularly damaging as it can cause erosion and rust. Keep it covered whenever possible.

The Yearly Inspection

When it comes down to it, it’s best to have the professionals take a look to see if they notice any issues or potential problems with your scooter. They are able to inspect all aspects of the device to let you know if there are any major concerns. You don’t want to find yourself dealing with a stalled machine while you are out and about. Taking it in yearly to have the brakes and other functionalities tested is a safe choice for you and the scooter.

Keep these tips close by as you enjoy your mobility scooter. As we age, we find ourselves getting less and less mobile, and finding it more difficult to get around. If you are looking for a mobility device, take a look at our gallery and give us a call!

Nurse

Thank a Nurse: National Nurses Week

It’s National Nurses Week! We have all been impacted by a nurse in some way or another during our lifetime, whether it be the moment we are born as they checked our vitals or the caring touch received throughout every procedure. To honor them this week, here are some of the ways they touch lives every day.

Advocating for Patients

Unfortunately, many of us don’t get a lot of time with our physicians. Nurses fill in the gap by being our advocate. They spend the most time with the patients and are able to monitor every part of your health. This puts them in a strong position to be able to advocate for our needs. They are best suited to provide recommendations about our health to other healthcare professionals.

Providing Emotional Support

Nurses have seen it all, yet they do not lose their caring touch. They hold our hands as we hear bad news and comfort us emotionally while we are in pain. They are on the frontlines of every good and bad thing that happens to us in healthcare.

Teaching All

Nurses are often our translators for medical jargon we didn’t understand from the doctor. This means they also need to stay up-to-date on the latest advancements in medicine. They have learned how to communicate complex medical situations to us in a way we can understand and digest. They help us feel capable of being an active participant in our own health.

Caring for Loved Ones

It’s not easy for our loved ones to see us vulnerable. It’s emotionally draining and physically exhausting. Nurses not only take care of us but make sure our loved ones have everything they need as well. Whether it be a blanket or a reassuring smile, they take care of us all.

How can I help an at-home nurse?

Although not expected, nurses would appreciate any items you have around the home to make taking care of you easier. Some of these items include: a pill splitter, disposable washcloths and bath chairs.

National Nurses Week is a week of recognition and appreciation for all of the nurses out there. If you are close to a nurse, not only this week but any time, thank them! ACG Medical Supply has the medical equipment to improve not only your lives but also make their jobs easier. See how we can help today!

Arthritis

Arthritis by the Numbers

Arthritis impacts millions of people every day. Likely, someone you know is impacted by arthritis. May is Arthritis Awareness Month. Join us as we recognize the prevalence of arthritis in the US and how ACG can help those who have arthritis manage their daily lives with less pain.

What is Arthritis?

In a broad definition, arthritis is inflammation and stiffness of the joints. However, there are over 100 different kinds of arthritis. It can be extremely painful and debilitating to everyday life. The most common types of arthritis are: rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, gout and osteoarthritis. It is the leading cause of disability in the nation.

Who does arthritis impact?

It is commonly misunderstood that arthritis mainly impacts the aging. However, ⅔ of arthritis sufferers are under the age of 65. It is more common in women than in men but is especially prevalent in obese persons.

Children

In 2018, juvenile arthritis has been diagnosed in more than 300,000 children. Many do not expect a child to have arthritis, so they dismiss the symptoms. It often manifests as swollen joints, a fever or even a rash.

Young Adults

Often, young people may be impacted by arthritis because of an autoimmune problem. Specifically, rheumatoid arthritis can impact 1 in 714 women and 1 in 2,778 men. This is often a hereditary condition, but it can also be brought on by smoking cigarettes.

Adults

The most common form of arthritis in this age bracket is osteoarthritis. As of 2015, 54.4 million adults have been diagnosed with some form of arthritis. However, those who are physically active have a significantly lower risk of developing arthritis, according to the CDC.

Older Adults

Many of those over 65 suffer from some form of arthritis. It can impact any part of the body, at any time and for any duration. Gout is commonly found in those within this age group. If you find yourself or a loved one suffering from joint pain for more than two weeks, it’s time to see a doctor.

How can we help?

Although some over-the-counter pain relievers can help alleviate pain, there are some items that can help you with your daily activities to lessen or prevent further pain.

Braces: We have items like gloves and joint braces. These help reduce swelling as well as provide a calming heat to the area because of the specialized material. It’s more than a brace to hold your joints in place, it soothes the muscles, aids in circulation and improves joint mobility.

Eating Utensils: These tools will help you feed yourself. It makes holding silverware comfortable because of its ability to bend at any angle.

Hand Therapy Equipment: These exercise balls are helpful in both strengthening and therapy due to their variety of stress levels and the ability to be heated or chilled.

It is predicted that in the next 20 years, nearly 80 million people will be diagnosed with arthritis. There is no better time than now to spread awareness! If you currently suffer from arthritis, check out these helpful products or contact us with any questions to see what will best fit your needs.

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