Choosing the Best Wheelchair CushionWritten by Maricon Williams
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Thermoplastic urethane honeycomb cushions are most recent development in cushions. These cushions are able to distribute weight evenly but there is no risk of leaking gel or of an air bladder being punctured. The many open spaces in beehive structure of cushion allow air to travel more efficiently. Urethane honeycomb cushions are very light, absorb shock, and a low profile cushion can provide significant support. The latest exploration regarding cushions is use of an air pump to create alternating pressure to those with more severe disabilities who cannot perform their own weight shifts to relieve pressure. Sitting for a long period of time without relief from pressure causes separation of muscle and fatty tissues, as a result, delicate skin layer has closer contact with bone causing more pressure on skin. Lack of air circulation increases temperature between you and cushion. Moisture, on other hand, is trapped against skin. This may further cause sores. An example of alternating pressure solution is ErgoDynamic Seating System from ErgoAir in New Hampshire. It pumps air into and out of alternating portions of cushion. Some of alternating pressure products are heavier because they uses batteries and air pumps and like air floatation cushions, susceptible to puncture. Nonetheless, technology for these innovative systems is likely to advance further in future, as new materials and batteries are developed.
For additional Information about the articles you may visit http://www.wheelchairspower.com
| | Pineapples: The Healing Fruit of the Tropics (includes a recipe for Pina-Banana Orange Smoothie)Written by Monique N. Gilbert, B.Sc.
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To prepare pineapple, you need to peel it, remove eyes (the thorny protrusions within puffy squares of skin) and fibrous center. One way to do this is to remove top of pineapple with a sharp knife. Then cut pineapple lengthwise into 4 wedges (quarter it) and place each pineapple wedge horizontally on a cutting board. Carefully cut fruit from outer skin, and cut out eyes and fibrous center core. Another way is to cut off top and bottom of pineapple, place pineapple vertically (upright) on a cutting board and carefully slice off outer skin. With a sharp paring knife or end if a vegetable peeler, remove eyes. Don't cut too deep, just enough to lift out section that contains eye. Then, slice pineapple crosswise and remove fibrous core individually with a cookie cutter. Once fruit is prepared, it can be diced and eaten fresh, added to salads and entrees for an exotic flavor, or made into tasty tropical drinks and smoothies. To get you started, try Monique N. Gilbert's delicious, nutritious, cholesterol-free smoothie recipe. It's high in bromelain, vitamin C, beta carotene, potassium, thiamin (vitamin B-1), riboflavin (vitamin B-2), iron, fiber, omega-3 fatty acids and soy isoflavones. Pina-Banana Orange Smoothie __________________________________________ 1 frozen banana 1 cup fresh pineapple 1/2 cup soymilk 1/3 cup orange juice 1 tablespoon canned pumpkin 1 tablespoon ground flax seeds 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (optional) __________________________________________ Place all of above ingredients in a food processor or blender. Blend for 1-2 minutes, or until smooth and creamy. Makes about 2-3/4 cups (2 servings) Copyright © Monique N. Gilbert - All Rights Reserved Monique N. Gilbert, B.Sc. is a Health, Nutrition, Weight-Loss & Lifestyle Coach; Certified Personal Trainer/Fitness Counselor; Recipe Developer; Freelance Writer and Author of Virtues of Soy: A Practical Health Guide and Cookbook. She has offered guidance in natural health, nutrition, fitness, weight-loss and stress management since 1989. You can reach Monique at http://www.MoniqueNGilbert.com
Monique N. Gilbert, B.Sc. has received international recognition for helping people get healthy, manage stress, lose weight & keep it off. Through her coaching & writings, Monique motivates and teaches how to improve your well-being, vitality &d longevity with balanced nutrition, physical activity & healthy living. For more information, visit http://www.MoniqueNGilbert.com
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