If possible visit a demonstration centre and try a stair lift yourself. A stair lift is not answer for everyone. For example, if you are confined to a wheelchair, then a lift that goes through floor would probably be best option.

The technology involved in stair lifts has improved dramatically in recent years. A stair lift can be installed on 99% of stair cases these days. But remember, not all stair lift companies are equal, some are using technology that is several years old. My advice is to research as many products as you can and to get as many quotations as you can. Knowledge is power after all, and with a few sensible precautions before purchase, you can ensure that you buy right lift for your needs for right price.

Christian Dunnage is a director of Dolphin Mobility Ltd, a UK based independent supplier of stair lifts and mobility products http://www.dolphinlifts.co.uk and author of http://www.stairlift.co.uk an impartial online guide to having a stair lift in your home.

Waist:hip ratios are plotted on a graph according to age and sex. The relative risk associated with ratio is calculated based on values plotted. Thus, an overweight person with abnormal fat patterning may be at high risk for these diseases even if that person is not obese by BMI criteria. (1)

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Another thing to consider is that if an individual is heavily muscled, their BMI will not be an adequate predictor of health risk. This is why using a variety of measures will give you a better idea of whether or not you are at an increased risk.

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Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis

There are a number of bioelectrical impedance analysis meters on market. They work on principle that electrical currents will travel through different tissues at different rates. By sending a small electrical current through your body and measuring return speed, an approximate measure of body fat is attained.

As electricity will follow shortest route, if you use a scale bioelectrical impedance analysis instrument, you will have an idea of your lower body fat content. If you use a hand held device, it will give you an idea of upper body fat. Both of these tend to miss measuring core body fat. An instrument that passes current through core will give you a better idea of core body fat.

Typical normal values are in range of 10-20% body fat for men and 15-25% body fat for women. (3) ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- In next issue, we will review some information about exercise and how much should be done, different types of exercises that you might want to try, and strategies to implement exercise into your life.

In future issues we will look at diet, caloric restriction, supplementation, and more.

Until next time…

Yours in Health,

Dr. M. Montgomery @ www.healthyunderstanding.com

References

1. Obesity, Jonathan Q. Purnell, M.D., Medscape.com 2. Overweight Children and Adolescents: Recommendations for Screening, Assessment and Management, Barbara Polhamus, PhD, MPH, RD; Diane Thompson, MPH, RD; Sandra L. Benton-Davis, BS; Christopher M. Reinold, MPH, RD, LD; Comm. Laurence M. Grummer-Strawn, PhD; William Dietz, MD, PhD., Medscape.com 3. University of Michigan Health System (online)

Disclaimer: As always, check with your health care provider to see if this information applies to you. Due diligence is your responsibility. This information is meant to supplement your knowledge, not to replace your own decision making process or take place of your health care provider.

This is a commercial newsletter provided free by HealthyUnderstanding.com

For weight loss and other health care products go to www.road2health.net and www.road2health1.net for a quick BMI calculation.

This newsletter may be distributed in its entirety without alteration. If you wish to use it in your publication, a copy of your publication would be appreciated. Please send it to DrM@healthyunderstanding.com

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