Capabilities - Be Unlimited

More on Stroke

2010-03-10T20:59:00.003-07:00

Stroke gets the attention of researchers given it is the third leading cause of death and the leading reason for choosing nursing home care. Earlier this week, the University of California at Davis released information about a study that shows links between high levels of natural occurring estrogen (estradiol) and incidences of stroke, especially in women who are overweight. Read more about this study.

Other recent news on stroke confirms what therapists and others who work with stroke survivors have long suspected, that the number of young stroke survivors is climbing. Some data puts the number as high as 12% of survivors of a first incidence of stroke among those ages 20 to 50 years old.

Contact Rocky Mountain Stroke Center in Littleton, Colorado for more on young stroke survivors. This nonprofit organization is the only agency in Colorado and one of only a handful of programs nationwide that serves this younger demographic.

Post your comments about stroke and rehabilitation.

One More Amazing Effect of Fish Oil

2010-02-19T23:53:00.003-07:00

The latest news is that fish oil may help reduce risk of psychosis or schizophrenia. The study involved people with a family history of psychosis or who had mild psychotic symptoms. The positive effects of the fish oil capsules with omega-3 fatty acids may result from changes in cell membranes and interactions with neurotransmitters in the brain.

Omega-3 fatty acids have been in the news for a few years for their beneficial impact on heart health and general brain health. Found in many types of fish, some doctors recommend supplements, especially for those with certain heart conditions. Caution is suggested in selecting the type of fish as some contain higher levels of toxins than others. Coldwater fish, such as salmon and trout, are recommended for their levels of omega-3 fatty acids. Walnuts and flaxseed also contain high levels. And don’t miss brussel sprouts, kale and algae.

Some foods endure in their goodness. And, science finds them over and over again.
Read more about omega-3.

Do you take your omega-3 in natural foods, supplements or both? Tell us about it.

New Tool for Caregivers

2010-02-15T23:11:00.002-07:00

If you are one of the over 50 million Americans who provides care for a loved one, you will want to check out a new online tool. It is still in beta stage, so you can also be one of the early testers of this tool. The founders are inviting participation and feedback.

You can find the tools at Patientsandfamilies.com, a hub designed to provide caregivers a centralized place for information and communication. As elders and others who need care become the center of a family dynamic, someone generally emerges as the lead caregiver. However, it is not uncommon that other family members and friends around the country (and perhaps the globe) want and need to be part of the communication process and decision-making. Calls, emails and potentially confusing interactions can drain a family quickly of all resolve to provide care and be as focused on their loved one as possible.

Patients and Families has a secure network for communications among family members, physicians, therapists and others involved in the caregiving process. It is easy to post appointments, updates, details about medications and whatever else feels important at the time.

Watch a video tour that offers a day-in-the-life example.

PEAK Parent Center Launches 24th Annual Conference on Inclusive Education

2010-02-09T22:15:00.002-07:00

PEAK Parent Center opens its 24th annual conference on Thursday, February 11, 2010 at Hyatt Regency Denver Tech Center. The conference runs through Saturday, February 13, 2010. Walk-in registrations take place Thursday morning starting at 8:00 a.m. and Friday at 7:00 a.m.

The conference agenda addresses best practices and research-based strategies for supporting fully inclusive classroomes. There are "topical institutes" that cover issues in depth ranging from autism to early intervention; and mastery sessions on youth leadership, the IEP (Individualized Education Program, assistive technology, among other topics. Keynote speakers include self-advocates with cognitive disabilities, educators and artists.

Contact PEAK or call 719-531-9400 x118.

Super Bowl 2010 Ads Please and Annoy

2010-02-08T21:42:00.002-07:00

Over 106 million people watched Super Bowl on Sunday, February 7, 2010. More than the final episode of M.A.S.H. It was a record breaker! And today, millions more are voting for their favorite commercials. Betty White in the Snickers ad is topping the chart. What a bonus when Abe Vigoda also appeared at the end of that commercial!

There were other age-related ads, including one with Brett Favre, the oldest QB still playing in the NFL. Looking older with gray hair, he is accepting the MVP award at Super Bowl 2021. “Maybe I should retire,” he says with a touch of irony at the end of this Hyundai commercial. The Who performed at half-time. Pete Townsend has a blog. Oh, and did you see Kiss, the 36-year old band, shilling for Dr. Pepper? Read more about these “aging is funny” ads.

Meanwhile, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid released its latest figures on health care spending in the U.S. Health care costs represented 17.3% of GDP in the U.S. last year. Within a few years this percentage will grow to 20%. In other words $1 of every $5 spent in the U.S. will be on health care. Many countries have nationalized health care. The UK has a national system for health care which represents about 7% of the economy. Some argue that the U.S. has no system, no organized way of controlling costs. As a political commentator said tonight, “Having a health care system of some sort seems fiscally responsible, or at least fiscally insane not to.”

Don't Get Too Stressed Watching the Super Bowl

2010-02-06T21:20:00.003-07:00

Are you ready for this? Experts say that getting too riled up can wreak havoc. In fact, some say it can kill you. While on the face of it, this news seems a bit crazy, the research is rather convincing. We know high stress plays a role in elevated levels of all things bad for you. Add to this all the eating of wings, chips and other artery thickening products, not to mention the beer and other libations. If you are already at risk (especially if you don't know it), the formula can be disastrous as you scream, jump and otherwise feel large amounts of anger about the emerging results on Super Bowl Sunday.

"Spectator risk," Dr. Stephen Siegel, a cardiologist at New York University Langone Medical Center, calls it. The study took place at the Keck School of Medicine at the University of Southern California, Los Angeles.

The big advice from those who published this study that looked not only at Super Bowl results in the 1980s, but at 2006 World Soccer cup results (and if you think we get excited about our sports here in the U.S., you don't know from excitement and emotion that the rest of the world experiences about soccer) is to relax and enjoy the game. "Don't spend your life savings on betting on it!" The incidences of heart attacks, and fatal ones at that, increased in the hours and days immediately following those events.

As for the science of it all, researchers say that the body releases large amounts of catecholamines (also called epinephrine and norepinephrine) into the bloodsteam at times of stress. "These chemicals can trigger atherosclerotic plaques to rupture, resulting in an acute heart attack or can trigger life-threatening arrhythmias resulting in sudden cardiac death," he said. "Individuals with preexisting heart conditions and those with risk factors for heart disease are at increased risk for such events," says Dr. Gregg Fonarow, a professor of cardiology at the University of California, Los Angeles.

So, as you gather round the TV this Sunday, do some deep breathing first and remember that it is just a game, at least for most of us. Peyton Manning and Drew Brees have a bit more skin in the game, so they can be forgiven for having high levels of stress at kickoff time (4:25 MT).

Tell us about how invested you get in Super Bowl. Are you feeling palpitations? Or are you among the millions who don't care one bit.

Thoughts About My Retail Experience...Now Past

2010-02-04T21:48:00.001-07:00

Having spent the last five years as a retailer, I find myself still following trends and predictions, even though I closed my store. In my case, the economy won this round. Who knows what will come, but for the moment, I am looking for expanded ways to make a living. A Renaissance life, perhaps!

Nonetheless, I read with interest some of the analysis at the start of this new year about the retail outlook for 2010. The prognosticators say:

Those who survived 2009 will find less competition. So many businesses closed (by choice or forced) that the landscape in most industries is, in fact, different. I know it’s true in the medical supply/equipment world. The trend started well before we opened Capabilities. We believed our concept, unique and focused on disposable income and not so much on insurance, is still the wave of the future, we believe. And, it was working for the first three years we were opened. It was the unexpected recession hitting so deeply and widely that pushed our model to the limit. With less income, customers wanted only what insurance covered. And that is just not a lot.
Store expansion will continue at a snail’s pace, so there will be leverage to renegotiate with landlords on space. Retailers still “open for business” can work on repackaging rent and other fixed expenses.
The jury is still out on whether or not there will be more access to business credit as the banks weigh carefully just how much credit they want to extend.
Consumers are slowly, slowly spending again. They will still want to buy things on sale, so big profits are most likely not on the horizon for retailers.
In any industries affiliated with health care and insurance it is certain consumers will want whatever they can reasonable get through insurance, if they have it. Tightening the belt will continue with consumers, the experts say, so retailers in any industry have to respond to this demand for rock bottom pricing.
Dollar stores and high end luxury retailers will emerge as the stronger players.
While Boomers led the last decade with a consumer spending spree, Gens X and Y will most likely lead the recovery. “The engine of the Boomer has run out of gas,” says Lois Huff, senior vice president of Retail Forward.
Sustainability will also be a big issue for retailers across the board.
E-commerce will grow in new ways, more personal, easier to access (think phone apps).
Authenticity will become more important than ever. Deliver what you say you will. Watch that marketing efforts and actual experience are not out of sync. Consumers are on the lookout for something to believe in, in spite of the price sensitivity.

Retailers will have a harder time holding onto the “loyalty” message. Retail experts say new ways to promote loyalty must be created. The ubiquitous “key tag” just won’t cut it anymore. Competition will happen on the technological front. The more savvy the retailer regarding consumer buying habits, the more likely that retailer will be the winner.

And the list goes on…While I miss working as intimately as we did with customers to solve the big (and small) problems they faced as they looked for solutions to mobility and comfort challenges, I am relieved on some level to let others sort through the wiles of retailing right now. I look for more diverse ways to bring information to those who need it, and I am delighted to find some.

Looking for Inspiration

2010-02-03T20:08:00.002-07:00

While there is generally no dearth of inspirational stories around us, there are occasional days that seem low on brilliance. Last night was such a night for me, so I flipped on the Turner Classic Movie channel, hoping to catch a great Oscar winning movie as the channel does its countdown to the Academy Awards a month away.

Sure enough, “The Best Years of Our Lives” had just begun. This 1946 film portrays three veterans returning from WW II and the challenges they face upon re-entry to their day-to-day lives. Clearly a precursor to the genre that emerged after the Vietnam War (e.g., "Coming Home," "Born on the Fourth of July," "The Deer Hunter"), this film threaded the needle carefully as each character confronts his emotional, and physical, realities. While the film has a happy ending, unlike its more contemporary counterparts, it does present some of the rawness of war’s consequences. Homer Parish, for example, returns home with no hands. Fitted with prosthetic hooks, he struggles to make peace with his newfound disability, sure that his sweetheart will no longer want him. The performance is inspiring. More inspiring still is the story of how Harold Russell came to play Homer Parish in this film.

Director William Wyler learned about Russell, a vet and non-actor, from a documentary that was made about Russell’s service during WW II where he lost his hands detonating a bomb. Wyler rewrote the Parish character for Russell, who went on to win two Oscars for that performance, the only actor ever to do so. Read more about this remarkable actor and the film.

I have written about prosthetics and robotics in other articles. Each time I research this topic, I not only admire the will and determination of so many otherwise ordinary people who face what life tosses them, but I also feel changed. Is this inspiration? See the video of a brave and rather blasé man showing how he uses his prosthetic hand.

And don’t miss all the recent news about the Mono Skier X competition in the Winter X Games 14. Talk about inspirational!

What inspires you? Post your comments below and send us your ideas for ways to “be unlimited.”

ADA Set to Celebrate 20 Years as Law

2010-02-02T22:14:00.005-07:00

In the summer of 1990, the American with Disabilities Act (ADA) became law of the land. Changes on that large a scale do not happen without the efforts of many. One of the trailblazers, Justin Dart, is widely recognized as the "father of the ADA." Born in 1930, Dart contracted polio at the age of 18 and used a wheelchair for the rest of his life. He led the movement for "disabilities rights" for over three decades. As an entrepreneur and civil rights activist, he received presidential appointments and the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Dart died in 2002 at age 71.

This summer, however, Dart will be remembered at the 20th anniversary celebration of the ADA at the U.S. Social Forum to be held in Detroit, June 22 - 26. The Detroit-based Matrix Theater Company is crafting a giant street puppet in Dart's likeness to be used in theater pieces, parades and demonstrations throughout the summer, debuting at the June event. The Matrix Theater involves the community, raising the $7500 needed to complete the project. Once the Dart puppet is built it will join the ranks of other Matrix masterpieces in the likeness of Martin Luther King, Mother Jones and Caesar Chavez. You can make a donation to Matrix at Facebook.

"If the giant Justin Dart puppet is used to communicate his cry for everyone to 'Lead the Revolution of Individual Empowerment' particularly to youth with disabilities, it would be awesome, and extremely meaningful and valuable," said Yoshiko Dart, his wife.

The ADA ensures accessibility to public places and work places for people with disabilities. Advocate groups for those with disabilities stay vigilant to businesses and community venues that do not abide by ADA guidelines, often challenging them in court and with lawsuits if necessary. The Colorado Cross-Disability Coalition has current cases pending against Abercrombie & Fitch/Hollister Stores and the Colorado Department of Health Care Policy & Financing.

Ramps, sidewalk cutouts, and elevators are a way of life now. If you remember what things were like before ADA, share an experience.

Why not health insurance reform?

2010-02-01T23:26:00.002-07:00

I'm with the side that asks "why not." President Obama asked the Congress to reconsider and take another look before abandoning the efforts. The list is long with the needs, gaps and costs of reform. Why do we need this, shout the opposition. But, isn't the real question, why not? As we look at the vast numbers of people who are uninsured and who cannot obtain insurance, the question begs to be answered. Why can't we insure them? Why are preconditions deemed uninsurable? How can we have created so many "have nots?" I do not believe there are no answers. Do you? Please do not abandon the debate either. Keep reading and thinking about why we as a country have not wrestled with this issue sufficiently to find solutions, why we continue to put it off, deferring to another time, another generation, another electorate. Or, imagine a time of "post-insurance," perhaps a time when the costs of medical care can be negotiated between the providers and those needing the services as we do with so many other types of commerce. Is it too quaint to remember when a family traded chickens for the birth of a baby? The point is, how did a third party, insurance companies, get in the middle? Why not change? Why not reform? Why not?

More on Feet

2010-01-27T22:36:00.003-07:00

You might recall that we mused earlier about research that found that walking in high heels creates less stress than running in so-called "running shoes." Think what you will, but today there was more news about yet another study finding that running barefoot might be best, or at least more natural for what the human foot was meant to do. With cushioned running shoes, humans tend to strike the heel first, which over time causes enormous stress not only on the heel but throughout the foot, ankle, leg and hip. Humans running barefoot tend to strike the forefoot first, which relieves stress on the heel. This is a more natural response, of course, in order to avoid pain when landing on the heel. Cushioned running shoes prevent us from feeling this pain, thus the bad habit continues. The study was posted today in the journal Nature.
In the end, researchers say wear shoes if you have always worn them to run because changing those habits now might be too difficult. On the other hand, brain fitness proponents would urge trying to make the change, since putting attention on changing habits helps stimulate brain chemicals necessary for brain health.
So, from head to foot, pay attention! And, if you do get plantar fasciitis, don't ignore it. Stretch, stretch, stretch. Ice your foot. Wear cushioned shoes and try arch cradles. If all else fails, get a plantar fasciitis boot to wear when you sleep. And, stretch some more.

Ankle Sprains and Other Uses for Bubble Wrap

2010-01-26T21:01:00.003-07:00

In case you missed it, bubble wrap celebrated its 50th anniversary earlier this week. While there are endless uses for bubble wrap, including the delightful popping thing nearly everyone loves to do, there are yet to be discovered uses, especially in the health and caring realm.

It happened only twice at Capabilities, the store I owned and operated for a number of years. But it happened. One day a young man arrived, limping. When I looked down, I noted a large compress of bubble wrap around his ankle. He had twisted it earlier in the day at a college event and could not tend to it. So, next best thing. Bubble wrap! He said it actually felt great. I wondered why he would want to change anything, but we considered some of the ankle braces and supports we sold. He tried on three different types before he found one that felt as good as the bubble wrap.

Two years later, an older woman arrived with bubble wrap on her arm around the elbow. She had taken a big fall. Scrambling around her house for something to make the pain go away, she dunked it first in the sink full of cold water. Then, inspiration! She had just received a package from her sister many states away, a vase wrapped safely in bubble wrap. Well, if it worked for that lovely vase her sister, it might just help cushion her elbow. And so it was! She walked out of the store with the bubble wrap intact, unable to find anything that felt quite as comfortable.

So, celebrate as you will the invention of this incredible creation! And keep thinking of uses, since it will last forever…even after the bubbles are popped. Check out more.

What other ideas do you have for bubble wrap for? Please share your ideas. And, what else have you done for sprains, just to stay on topic?

Video games and elders

2010-01-24T22:21:00.003-07:00

Research reported on January 22, 2010 suggests that video games might actually be great for seniors by keeping their minds focused and responsive. "There's a growing body of evidence that suggests playing video games actually can improve older adults' reflexes, processing speed, memory, attention skills and spatial abilities," said Jason Allaire, an associate professor of psychology at North Carolina State University and co-director of its Gains Through Gaming Lab. Allaire is part of a team that has received a $1.2 million grant from the National Science foundation to study how video games can increase memory and cognitive skills in the elderly.

As Wii exploded on the scene a couple of years ago, retirement centers and senior day programs took notice, adopting the programs for their residences and participants. With games like Wii bowling, for example, studies show increased heart rate, making the game a natural for incorporating into exercise programs. In 2008 another piece of research conducted at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign showed that cognitive abilities increased as well. Some residential communities have Wii challenges among themselves, drawing family and friends to watch and root for their teams, which adds the social element, also found critical for warding off many of the effects of aging, such as depression and isolation.

I can say for myself, having been introduced to Wii through my grandchildren, that Wii is surely a lot of fun. I find boxing the best for raising my heartrate...and causing a lot of laughter as I nearly knock out the TV each time! I love having my own "profile," too, and a set of improvement scores to brag about each time I play.

Do you play video games? Try playing one with an aging loved one and see what happens. What types of challenges? What joys? Please share your comments.

How Massachusetts Politics May Affect Health Care

2010-01-20T21:41:00.003-07:00

The election of Scott Brown, a Republican, has dominated the news all day. The potential impact on the pending health care legislation in Washington is anyone's guess...and everyone is guessing. Ideas range from the sublime to the ridiculous. Here are two that may not be so crazy:

Congress reviews the bills from the House and Senate, pulls out the most impactful on the American public, and brings each important piece one by one for a yes/no vote. The three main issues discussed at length today are no pre-existing conditions, coverage for over 30 million people, and making Medicare prescription care more affordable by eliminating the so-called "donut hole."
The House accepts the Senate bill as is, the President signs it, and the Congress immediately works to fix some of the problems with it.

The panoply of voices today, though, also reveal a Democratic party torn, fatigued and certainly worried. As one of the pundits said, though, "I wish they would stop worrying about their jobs and start focusing on the jobs of everyday Americans." The job and foreclosure numbers will, in fact, trump any decision about health care, it seems.

Among the least believable options are those that suggest "waiting," or "starting over again." To arrive at November without anything tangible is not an option.

As someone who has seen just how broken our health care system is (in spite of some terrific practitioners and approaches) as I worked with individuals facing major physical challenges in their lives, I am a firm supporter that we need change. As someone who has run a business and worked inside of many companies, I also know change does not happen quickly. I can live with the incremental. Can you?

Post your thoughts about health care and what might happen now.

Multitasking Has Its Detractors

2010-01-18T18:48:00.003-07:00

Among the many wonders of the significant technological shift in the 1990s was the idea that we could “save time.” Having instant access to phones, email and information, many declared, would give us more time to do the “important things.” Some even suggested it was better for your brain!

Now that technology has taken us to a place never before known (e.g., 74% of Americans use the internet, over 80% own or use cell phones), science is taking a closer look at what effects multitasking (or task switching) has on the human brain and life in general. A study in New York City revealed that over 89% of those in the city use cell phones.

This past Sunday’s New York Times (January 17, 2010) reported on just how risky it is to walk and use your cell phone at the same time. The article quotes a study at Ohio State University that showed a doubling of emergency room visits resulting from walking and simultaneously talking on the cell phone in 2008 over 2007, which also doubled over 2006. The study suggests the actual numbers of incidents is higher than the reported 1000 emergency room visits because many people may not have suffered injuries requiring treatment. Over half the injuries reported happened among those between the ages of 16 and 20. One quarter of injuries happened to people 41 to 60 years old.

And we know all too well the dangers of cell phone use while driving as more and more states limit and outlaw cell phones while behind the wheel.

A significant report published in The New Atlantis: A Journal of Science and Technology, in 2008 uncovered the myth of multitasking, summarizing a number of studies conducted since 2000. One of the more entertaining, but alarming quotes in the article is attributed to a study done at the Institute of Psychiatry in London, funded by Hewlett-Packard on email and cell phone use in the workplace. “Workers distracted by email and phone calls suffer a fall in IQ more than twice that found in marijuana smokers.” Go figure! I was impressed with the range of research on multitasking and that most of it underscores the downsides.

I worked with someone once who decried the focus on multitasking that had “taken over reason,” she claimed. “If I need to work on two things at once, I won’t do either of them well. It’s your choice,” she said to me, her boss at the time. I guess now she was right!

Do your experiences with multitasking support the detractors or the supporters? Post your thoughts in a comment below.

Dance Away Stress

2010-01-16T21:50:00.003-07:00

Dancing with a partner lowers levels of cortisol, the stress hormone, which at high levels can wreak havoc in the human body. A recent study reported in the print magazine, Shape Your Life (December 2009), specifically talks about the tango as salve for romantic troubles. Cortisol fuels stress which often leads to anger. When squabbles turn more serious, stepping away and stepping out...with your partner, the article suggests, will turn down the stress. There is more, though. Dancing can raise levels of testosterone, the hormone with stimulates sexual attraction. The tango is mentioned because of its complexity; the more complex the steps, the better.

Dance as therapy has a place not only as part of physical rehabilitation in hospitals and rehab centers, but is added to the treatment of eating disorders, substance abuse and, more recently, autism. As the focus on brain fitness grows, dance plays a role, too. Not only does dancing increase the flow of blood throughout the body and brain, experts say that the demands of dancing engage the whole brain. Coordinating, balancing, counting and timing are all useful brain exercises. Furthermore, socializing is crucial for brain and physical health. Some dance classes are positioned as meditative, good for the body, good for the mind.

Get those dancing shoes out and work a few steps into your life on a regular basis. Dancing seems to be the perfect exercise!

Do you dance? How do you integrate dancing into your busy life?

The Oldest Old

2010-01-15T00:01:00.001-07:00

The U.S. Census Bureau confirms the fastest growing demographic is “The Oldest Old,” the common label used to describe those over 85. With the 2010 census scheduled to roll out later this year, numbers for this demographic are expected to have increased significantly. Some estimates suggest that this population in the U.S. will grow to 8.6 million by 2030. And by 2050 this part of the population will represent five percent of the overall population versus 1.9% today.

The topic is gaining traction among researchers of every ilk. At a symposium held in February 2009 in India, the focus was on health and the dire straits the world population may be in as this demographic grows and consumes many health resources. Other research underscores the “resilience” of those who live into this “oldest old” category, highlighting that, with the exception of dementia, which increases with age, other psychological disorders, including depression, actually decrease significantly with this demographic.

An article in the September 14, 2009 issue of the journal Archives of Internal Medicine, reported that exercise among the oldest old shows benefits that translate into fewer physical disabilities, which ultimately impacts the possibility of staying independent.

Gussie Shelby reflects on turning 100 in November 2009. Raymond Fowler is pictured at 90. He wears a suit and tie every day since his wife died in 2006. He says his cellphone is full of phone numbers for "lady dance partners" and "friends."

How old are you? Please share your thoughts about growing older and perhaps reaching this “oldest old” mark. If you have reached that mark or know someone who has, tell us more.

Participation in Clinical Trials Can Be Win-Win

2010-01-14T01:45:00.001-07:00

Clinical trials are not for everyone, of course. The process is invaluable, though, to drug and device manufacturers, to scientists and researchers, and often to individuals who feel trapped in their physical or emotional condition. Clinical trials are conducted within a host of rules and guidelines making them a safe way to collect much needed data. Individuals with chronic conditions or whose condition is without currently available treatment options often apply to participate with hopes there will be some new information that will change their situations.

Two recent trials are forming and are in search of participants, according to a report from the
U. S. Department of Health and Human Services yesterday, January 13, 2010. One trial focuses on fibromyalgia, a condition characterized by chronic and widespread pain throughout the body. It brings with it such a wide range of symptoms that individuals are often not diagnosed properly or for years. While some treatment advances have been made, the disease can be debilitating. The research site is in DeLand, FL. Visit Clinical Connection online for more information.

The other trial forming is looking for participants with traumatic brain injury (TBI) or stroke. The research site is in Menlo Park, CA. Contact Clinical Connection for more details.

Clinical Connection provides information and resources about clinical trials. Additionally, they offer a notification service, a message board, and links to relevant health sites. Other sites with information about clinical trials include Clinicaltrials.gov and National Cancer Institute.

Read more about fibromyalgia. If you have fibromyalgia, TBI or are recovering from stroke, post your comments about treatments and suggestions for others. If you have participated in a clinical trial, please share your experience here.

Make Pedometers Part of Your New Year's Resolutions for Fitness

2010-01-13T01:06:00.000-07:00

With yesterday’s news about more reasons not to spend so much time watching TV, this story from The Los Angeles Times on January 11, 2009 about the effectiveness of pedometers as a “mini personal trainer” gives one more tool against dwindling motivation levels after the New Year.

It appears that the simple act of clipping on a pedometer causes the wearer to pay more attention to walking. These little gadgets apparently have a good track record (no pun intended!) of playing a strong role in maintaining a steady focus on fitness. The article is full of stories from physicians using these small tools to Peter Orszag, who heads the Office of Management and Budget. He gave his staff pedometers in 2009 with the challenge that they all “walk the talk of fitness.” While final numbers are not yet in, progress was impressive during the last quarter of the year, according to the OMB. The best part is that pedometers are quite inexpensive, generally under $25.

Once again we find the simple may be preferable to the more complex. Pedometers are a less expensive and perhaps more sustainable ways to incorporate more activity into our daily lives. The LA Times article quotes Harley Pasternak, a Los Angeles-based personal trainer who has been studying the health habits of various cultures for his latest book, The 5-Factor World Diet. "What I found was that in the 10 healthiest countries in the world, they all have different [dietary habits]. But one thing they all share is that they all walk way more than we do in America. For those in these 10 countries, being fit and healthy is about having an active lifestyle, while here in America, being fit is about performing an exercise in a room designated for fitness."

A 2004 study confirmed that test groups using pedometers have better results increasing daily activity over those who were in so-called “time based” groups that focused on committing a certain amount of time to exercising every day.

You can find pedometers at retail sports outlets, such as Sports Authority or Dick’s Sporting Goods, or at some specialty health retailers or medical equipment stores. Try a basic one out of the gate. Test it with 20 -50 paces to be sure it is fairly accurate. After you get into the rhythm, you can find fancier models. There are plenty of reviews online. ConsumerSearch.com recommends Omron Pocket Pedometer HJ-112 as one of the simplest and most reliable, available for just around $23. This model has also been tested favorably by Consumer Reports.

Turn TV Watching from a Death Sentence to a Fitness Tool

2010-01-12T12:45:00.003-07:00

The latest bad news about watching television comes out of Australia. For every hour you watch, researchers say, you increase your risk of heart disease by eighteen percent. I immediately turned off my TV when I read this. For Americans and Australians alike, watching TV now occupies upwards of four hours a day. Aside from work and sleep, it captures more of our time and attention than anything else. Of course, it is not what you are watching that makes it dangerous (although we know there is ongoing research about violent subject matter, especially vis-à-vis children and teens), it is the fact that you are not doing something else that involves physical movement during those four hours, even if you are the jittery type. Unfortunately, shouting at the football team or lifting chips to your mouth do not count!

Lead researcher on the study, David Dunstan, reports that “we tend to underestimate the value of incidental, non-sweaty activity throughout the day when we are not sleeping or exercising – the more you move, the greater the benefits for health.” This study suggests that while exercising is indeed critical for health, so, too are the thousands of small movements – up and down, in and out, across, over, under – that we do daily. Adding more of these to those four hours, and shutting off TV, the study says, will add to your overall health and reduce risk of heart disease and probably dozens of other things.

The prescription is simple enough, get moving. The video gaming industry finds innovative ways to incorporate people into virtual games. Take Wii by Nintendo, for example. Have you tried Wii, the virtual gaming system that hooks up to your television and allows you to “participate?” The basic package comes loaded with several sports, such as bowling, tennis, baseball, golfing and boxing.

I was skeptical when the grandkids unbundled their Wii paraphernalia last Christmas, but I must say I am a fan, especially of boxing. There is absolutely no need to have any experience in real life with any of these sports to play and have fun. The instructions are simple and the movements can be as dramatic or restrained as you prefer or need. But, if you join in, I can guarantee a lot of fun and quite a bit of physical movement. Watch out, though, it seemed so “real” that I nearly knocked over the TV my first time!

More Ways to Fight the Blues

2010-01-11T12:29:00.002-07:00

What do bananas, music and gratitude have in common? A lot, according to the well –known “media” physicians, Michael Roizen, M.D. and Mehmet Oz, M.D., authors of the You series. Fifteen percent of us are clinically depressed at any given time, they say. Remember that clinical depression is persistent, and is not signaled by the occasional “down” day many of us feel now and again. While accounts of depression appear to be fewer among those over 65, white men in that age group are five times more likely to commit suicide than the average population.

The doctors outline a few key steps everyone can take to ward off depression:

Talk it out. Talk therapies prove successful in almost 70% of cases studied. With serious depression, psychotherapy may be coupled with drug therapy.

Eat a banana every day. This fruit is packed with nutrients that stimulate production of neurotransmitters, brain chemicals essential for healthy brain functioning. When the brain is healthy, incidences of depression decrease. Bananas are also a rich source of antioxidants that keep the presence of damaging free radicals at bay.

Stay in the light. Research shows that we all respond positively to light, sunlight, bright light of most types. Try the Indoor Sunshine bulb to get full spectrum light inside your home. Halogen lighting also provides a level of brightness that the brain responds favorably to.

End the day with gratitude. Keeping a journal and noting at least a few things every day for which you are grateful proves effective for pushing away negativity. Oprah says she lists six things as she gets into bed every night!

Play music. Music stimulates the production of certain brain chemicals that can soothe and calm. While the type of music may vary for each person, nearly everyone has a positive reaction to some type of music. Experiment and find yours.

See Doctors Oz and Roizen discuss depression in this Real Age video clip.

Boomers and ski helmets

2010-01-09T06:26:00.001-07:00

Findings of a survey conducted by members of the National Ski Areas Association (NSAA) last season, showed that the use of ski helmets is up in most age categories, especially among children and people over 65. The most resistant group is the so-called “middle-aged” skiers and riders. Is it vanity? Is it that peculiar sense of immortality we humans cultivate? Is it that until you have a ‘close call” you just don’t feel a helmet is necessary? Does it interfere with the thrill of skiing or snowboarding? Please leave a comment if you have some thoughts on this or if you are one of the “resistant” ones.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates that nearly 8,000 head injuries a year could be prevented with helmet use. The NSAA findings suggest, however, that helmet use does increase with skill level. Over half of advanced skiers and riders wear helmets regularly. This season Vail Resorts has made helmet use compulsory for ski-area employees. Most resorts require helmet use for children taking ski lessons. And internationally, Austria leads the way with a mandatory helmet requirement for children under the age of 15.

Millions of people suffer closed head injuries every day. Many of these injuries are mild, resulting in minor and temporary symptoms, such as headache or dizziness. In these cases, the symptoms pass and there are seemingly no lasting effects. Concussion is the most common form of traumatic brain injury (TBI), where the brain is “shaken.” Some concussions create long-term injury. Knowing signs for severe brain trauma is critical to stop further brain damage. Signs of serious injury include, but are not limited to, confusion, drowsiness, changes in size of pupils, lack of coordination, slurred speech, changes to vision or other senses, and sometimes convulsions. Immediate treatment is recommended when any of these symptoms are present.

Head injuries account for ten to twenty percent of all snow sports related injuries according to some sources. Statistics vary widely internationally and cause some to make the case that the numbers of head injuries and deaths related to snow sports are small enough to challenge mandatory helmet use.

The National Football League has come under scrutiny recently regarding its previous policies regarding head injuries and its penchant for keeping mum on concussions and their effects on players over the years. The much-publicized new guidelines are keeping some players on the sidelines now.

If you have suffered a TBI, however, you know it can have lasting effects, memory loss and confusion among them. Read more about brain fitness strategies for combating the effects of mild TBI and do not miss this post about algae as brain food.

Check out my articles on adaptive skiing and snowboarding at Examiner.com.

Wake Up and Smell the Coffee: Caffeine and Alzheimer's

2010-01-08T21:19:00.003-07:00

Caffeine nearly represents one of the basic food groups for most Americans. Ninety percent of us drink coffee, or some form of caffeine, every day…and about 300 mg of it, too. Some scientists say anything over 250 mg in one sitting will make you jittery and restless. Drinking over 2500 mg can literally kill you!

Because this drug is such a recognized and accepted part of our lives, it also spends a lot of time in the scientist’s lab. Conflicting studies abound. A series of studies may find that the effects of caffeine on the nervous system make it a less healthy choice overall. Others suggest that caffeine might actually help reduce scarring of liver tissue with Hepatitis C.

One of the most recent research studies at the University of South Florida involved caffeine, mice and memory. The upshot was that the caffeine interfered with production of a disease-causing protein that builds up on the brain, impeding memory in humans. It was difficult to check the “memory” part for the mice, of course, but the results were impressive enough to continue testing the hypothesis. Studies have not begun on humans yet. In the meantime, though, caffeine is everywhere, relatively cheap and mostly risk-free in moderate amounts to do your own testing.

As gingko biloba falls off the list of over the counter remedies for memory loss, turning to one of America’s favorite drugs just got another boost.

So, if Aunt Sally or Grandpa have cut down on coffee and you are noticing more forgetfulness, buy them an automatic coffee machine and set the timer. Starting the day with some “joe” might make all the difference.

High heels prevail and other unbelievable health news

2010-01-07T13:11:00.006-07:00

In this business I have seen hurting feet – plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, bunions, metatarsal pain, hammer toes, and more. If you suffer from any of these conditions, or simply have aching feet, you know how long and suffering a day can be, especially if you work on your feet. Read more on taking care of your feet.

One of the tried and true prescriptions for “happy” feet has always been to wear “sensible shoes.” The shoe industry has turned out all manner of options over the past couple of decades, catering to arches, wide toe boxes, and gel inserts for additional support and comfort. So, imagine my surprise to read today that a new study released on January 5, 2010,
finds that walking in high heels or running barefoot offers less stress to knees, hips and legs than running in running shoes. Go figure! It appears that while running shoes are great for your feet, they offer little to no protection to the other vital parts of your walking system.

Somehow, I just do not imagine this trend is going to catch on. Look for pumps at the next marathon and write me if you see any. I have heard that there are some runners who are choosing the barefoot method. Abibe Bekila, for instance, won a 1960 Olympics marathon running barefoot.

Don’t miss, too, the findings of another study released on January 6, 2010 using salamanders to re-grow missing limbs. Scientists say that this early research may illuminate a path to human limb regeneration, in spite of the myriad differences between salamanders and humans. Understanding the basics of regeneration will inform future work, say the biologists involved in this research. While it may be decades before the technology applies to humans, the fact that a living creature can successfully regenerate a missing complex limb, offers hope. Scientists are examining the human fingertip, which already has demonstrated a capacity to regenerate in some conditions, despite the presence of bone, tendons and nerves.

And, not the last of the unusual is that the most extensive study of gingko biloba, the herbal supplement that Chinese medicine has relied on for over 500 years and that nutritionists and those in the supplement industry built into a multimillion dollar business, concludes that it does not enhance memory or help ward off dementia or Alzheimer’s Disease.

Just when you thought there were a few things you could count on – running shoes, prosthetics as the only way to replace a limb, and gingko biloba– life throws another curve ball. “The more things change…”

Defining Home: Housing Alternatives for Elders

2009-10-29T14:27:00.002-06:00

As a big proponent of “aging at home,” I have worked with many families, including my own, over the wrestling of options when “home” needs to be redefined for aging parents and relatives. Sometimes “staying at home” is not viable, even when care it taken to build in all the modifications, supports and assistance necessary to consider it seriously. And, as in the case of a dear friend, sometimes it is the parent who firmly decides that finding a safer, friendlier, smaller space in the company of others would be preferable to the loneliness of long days and nights alone in what was once the bustling family home.

While alternatives abound, theoretically, the slog through options often reveals major flaws that must be understood and overcome in order to make not only a coherent decision, but the “right” decision for the individual concerned. The option to buy into assisted living communities has grown over the past decade as one that continues to create equity for the elder. It is no surprise, however, to learn that in today’s rough economy with home values and assets of nearly every type losing value that many families are rethinking this decision.

It is not uncommon that entrance fees for many retirement communities run into six figures. Typically, once the family and individual settle on the community with the right fit, a significant amount is put on the table as a down payment, often 10% or higher. Next steps include selling the primary home to get the rest of the cash to buy into the community fully. Often the fine print includes options to dissolve the relationship, generally dependent on the management of the facility selling that “unit” and returning a certain percentage to the individual or heirs. The previously growing trend for seniors to pay $200,000 or more to become part of an established community with a continuum of care from independent living to assisted living to full nursing care is now taking a sharp nosedive.

As personal incomes and investments have diminished during this worst of economic times, individuals and their families are rejecting these options perceived as unrealistically expensive. With devalued homes the problem takes on even more seriousness as people want to hold on longer to their properties in the hope the values will return. Of concern, too, is that buying into a retirement community will also lose its value. Handing over $200,000 today is no guarantee that in a few years when a change might be needed that unit will have retained enough value to make the “buy back” viable. Letting the retired living company have the full benefit of someone else’s savings strikes many nowadays as foolhardy. Some, such as Spectrum Retirement Communities offer monthly payment plans as an alternative, but this trend is slow to develop across the industry. Such an approach compromises the funding of building new communities, a practice that is leading some of the biggest names in the business into deep financial problems.

Running retirement communities is a costly venture and some of the well-known players in the industry are showing signs of stress, if not outright despair. Erickson Retirement Communities, one of the nation’s largest, filed for bankruptcy protection under Chapter 11 on October 19, 2009. One of the outcomes of this restructuring will be a separation of the real estate side of the business from the retirement community management side.

While these economic realities add another set of issues to the debate about aging at home, defining “home” will continue to be one of the most personal matters we and our families face.

Read more about aging in place

Resource for pricing home safety modifications

Five Reasons for Health Insurance Reform

2009-10-08T21:21:00.003-06:00

Somewhere during the summer, health “care” reform switched to health “insurance” reform, and the debate came alive in new ways. While our system of health care itself is worth questioning, in fact vigorously by some, including Michael Moore in his award-winning film, Sicko, what makes a lot of sense now is challenging the way we package health care, pay for health care, withhold health care, dole it out. And, when looked at in that light, “insurance” is definitely the aspect of our health system that needs reforming.

As we make changes to Capabilities, separating ourselves from selling products, while highlighting still the importance of access to products and services that promote independence, the voice I use in this blog will change sometimes. Ever interested in putting a whole picture on the table, I have particular experiences that do shape my perspectives and beliefs. I am not always neutral on these matters of great importance.

To insist that our health care insurance options today should be the choices of tomorrow ignores some realities that are out there, maybe not for all of us, but for enough of us Americans to take notice. I have five situations (at least) that make me believe that the time is now to change some fundamentals about health care and health insurance. I have changed the names to protect privacy. The situations are real, though, and some version of these situations presented themselves on a nearly daily basis.

Mike, a 40-something, has a debilitating disease made all the more complex by premature arthritis that causes severe spinal and hip pain. He lives on SSI disability income and Medicaid. In this case, he has options that some others do not. Medicaid has paid for a wheelchair, a patient bed and equipment for the bathroom. He cannot sit or stand for any period of time, however, and he needs a chair, a reclining lift chair. Medicaid will pay for one of those, too. The approved one. Mike has tried that chair under several conditions and it causes him excruciating pain. He has found the one that works for him. Medicaid will not approve this chair; they approve the other chair and deliver one to him. He does not use it. They will not take it back. He called to tell him he just cannot sit in it.
At 84, Margaret could no longer manage her day-to-day activities in her home. After discussion, her family and she decide that if she had a power wheelchair to get around the house, she could stay at home longer. Margaret and her family worked with one of those dealers advertised on TV, who made it easy for her to get approved, advising her how to work with her own doctor or providing one in their networks. They sent her a chair. It was too big for her home and for Margaret. Her family tried to work things out with the dealer, but to no easy avail. Margaret passed away a few months later. The family now has a big power wheelchair. They are trying to sell it. “It’s a $6000 chair,” they say in the ad. Everyone knows they did not pay a penny. Medicare footed the bill for something that proved useless for Margaret.
Gloria is barely 50. She lost her job with the downturn. She has fibromyalgia, a syndrome that causes myriad physical problems, including mobility issues. She also lost her insurance coverage because the COBRA payments were too high for her to continue the coverage as properly offered by the company. Within a few months, with still no job prospects, Gloria’s condition worsens. She needs a walker to get around the house and something more powerful when she goes out to look for work. She cannot afford even the basic one. She spends her time looking for a donation and applying for grants at local churches. Her job search falls by the wayside.
Jose became an American citizen years ago and worked diligently to provide for his family. He paid his insurance premiums faithfully. At age 60 and a widower, he struggles with COPD, diabetes and congestive heart failure. He cannot work anymore and after the COBRA coverage ran out, he tried to buy individual coverage. Because he has pre-existing conditions, he is not insurable. Luckily, he had savings. They are used up now, so he sold his home to be sure he can buy oxygen, a must-have to get through his days.
Jim and Alice are about to bring Alice’s mother in to live with them. She has advanced macular degeneration leaving her nearly blind. Her children want very much to find her some tools to help keep her active. A CCTV costing about $1700 would give her enough independence during the day while Jim and Alice work to read, do her needlework and write checks to pay her bills. Surely, insurance will help cover this needed tool that will give Alice’s mother some quality of life? Jim and Alice get very angry when they learn that neither Medicare, nor the high priced supplemental insurance she has, will pay anything towards vision tools, other than corrective lenses, exams and surgeries.

I have seen hundreds of people disappointed, angry, frustrated and despairing when they find that “after all these years of paying into insurance” they are left to handle the situation themselves. Of course, health insurance does pay for certain procedures and pieces of equipment. And for those who have great coverage, the complaints are few. But, there are things so necessary, so vital to quality of life, to mobility, to independence, to comfort, to managing pain that individuals pass up every day, or sacrifice even more to get. In more certain times, adult children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews have taken up the slack, filling in the gaps to ensure the right thing happens. In these difficult economic times, everyone thinks twice before opening a wallet, including loving and caring family members.

Reason tells us that we cannot as a country satisfy every need and comfort. After these years of working with honest, hard-working families who face physical challenges that may lie just around the corner for every one of us, I am more persuaded that there is a place for oversight and regulation of health insurance at the very least, and perhaps even a greater role for government to ensure that the list of health care basics for every American gets redefined.

One interesting idea is to shape the health insurance industry after the public utility model. While privately held companies can compete to deliver electricity, for example, there are guidelines and regulations that ensure a modicum of fairness in access to the utility, pricing and safety.

What do you think? What gets under your skin about health care and health insurance? What do you like about the way things are? Please post your comments here or email.

Fountain of Youth?

2009-07-23T17:05:00.003-06:00

Time magazine published an article this spring (3/23/09) titled, "10 Ideas Changing the World Right Now." There were the usual references to "green" initiatives and technological advances. And then came #5, "Amortality." Author Catherine Mayer coined the phrase as she wrote about how aging Boomers are changing the paradigm of growing older. She notes that the number of cosmetic surgeons in this country, for example, has tripled since 2003. Here's how Ms. Mayer describes her newly minted term. Amortality is more than this ripple effect of aging Boomers' resistance. "Amortality is a stranger, stronger alchemy, created by the intersection of that trend with a massive increase in life expectancy and a deep decline in the influence of organized religion - all viewed through the blue haze of Viagra." Her tongue-in-cheek remarks give way to serious paragraphs revealing this "trend" driven not only by dreading the aging process, but outright denying it through physical interventions, including surgery, and scientific explorations going beyond the temptations of cryogenics into "radical life-extending and life-enhancing technologies." These potentially life-shifting perspectives and discoveries challenge the common wisdom that "aging is a natural thing that is going on independently of disease." Dr. Aubrey deGrey, a Cambridge university gerontologist quoted in this article calls this so-called everyday knowledge "nonsense." His research is focused on stopping aging altogether.

"Amortality" is a boon to the economy, Ms. Mayer argues, touching every arena from music to clothing, to vacations to drugs (note how much Viagra and Cialis have become household words), to gadgets and foods. So, what does this trend really mean for those of us who may be more accepting, shall we say, of the fact that aging is a part of life. Surely the boundaries of aging have expanded over the years. And the recent film, "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button," turns the framework upside down with the worst effects of old age appearing right at the beginning of life bringing this boy man into ever-strengthening youth, ending finally when he becomes a tiny baby again.

As I work with individuals and families every day facing the challenges of aging, I see the insistence on independence and creating quality of life, the willingness to push and pull and do what it takes to stay alive and able to make decisions about how to live life as fully as possible. Don't only think replacement hips, knees, and Lasik surgery. Consider the proliferation and accessibility of products to make home safe and manageable, stairlifts, easy-to-access tubs, and power vehicles.

So maybe the word "amortality" is a new one, but this so-called "trend" of extending life and living it to the fullest is in fact as old as the hills, or at least as old as Plato, who wrote first about "aging backwards." Ms. Mayer concludes that if this trend does not sound so revolutionary, "it's only beause amortality has already revolutionized our attitudes toward age."

What are your thoughts about "amortality?" What are your tips for living fully and endlessly? What else changes when we think about ourselves as "amortal?" Share your ideas in a post or email me.

Low Vision August Event Postponed

2009-07-20T11:09:00.000-06:00

Please note that we have cancelled the August 3 low vision event featuring Dr. Paul Cutarelli and Ron Demske, our Eschenbach expert. We plan on rescheduling the event once our expert consults his schedule. Please stay tuned for more details shortly.

Health Care From Our Perspective

2009-07-19T13:28:00.003-06:00

The health care debate can stir passions in a heartbeat! As President Obama tries to tackle this thorny topic, we hear about how the House and Senate debates are going. We hear, too, from insurers, businesses and individuals as all wrestle to find common ground. Unless you are in the durable medical equipment (DME) or home medical equipment business (HME), the ordinary person does not get a view from this perspective.

While we do not solely identify ourselves as DME or HME, we clearly have products that fall into those categories. We also spend our days working with individuals and families who face situations that they expect qualify for help from private or government insurance plans. As business owners in this field, Pam and I are often the messengers of bad news. In so many cases, neither government sponsored or private insurance companies cover what the ordinary, everyday person considers a "must have." Sometimes the response is an angry one, as if we, ourselves, have orchestrated events so as NOT to provide coverage. Other times, we see resignation as folks hear the same story over and over again that a particular product is not covered, or that their own eligibility for that product does not hold up under the scrutiny of insurers. And then there are those who fight, who take their case to those in high positions, who push the envelope, who insist that their case be considered. While these types are few and far between, we know they exist. We often do not hear the outcome, though.

So, our story as a business owners is a mixed one. We offer a store full of an array of practical products (and a bunch of unique ones, too) that people might find in five or six different venues, including online stores. We love that we can contribute to someone's independence or a family's set of potential solutions for a loved one in this very tangible way. On the other hand, we all too often have to deliver the unpleasant news that Medicare, or some private payer, will either not cover the item, or will not let us be the provider because we are still an emerging business.

This debate is surely a hot one now in our country and it is anyone's guess how it will play out. What is certain is that not everyone will be satisfied, including those of us in this DME and HME business. We are looking to make a living. Individuals are looking to get what they need at a minimal cost given the years of contributions they believe they have made. Private insurers want profits. The government wants to keep its promise that affordable health care is possible for every American. Good luck on this one! Pleasing so many disparate parties will be a miracle.

What are your thoughts on the health care debate? Post your comments below or email your perspectives. For updates on various health care proposals you can check the government's official site or read the Kaiser Family Foundation's summaries. This site offers a side-by-side analysis of the various proposals in Congress.

Got Squabbles? Conversations With and About the Elders in Your Life

2009-07-16T13:44:00.001-06:00

If you are a Boomer, chances are you have already experienced or are about to experience some difficult conversations with the aging relatives in your life. Or, you may be on the verge of becoming the elder in your family with whom others will one day face a similarly challenging conversation. Whether it is about when to hand over the keys, or the checkbook, or when living alone in the family home is no longer safe, the list can be endless when strong wills face each other on the question of personal independence.

We are delighted that our colleagues, Debbie Reinberg and John Rymers, are hosting a forum where families and individuals can speak openly about some of these difficult conversations. On August 10, Debbie and John will be at Capabilities, listening and offering important tips and advice. Skilled mediators, they operate a business called ELDEResolutions in metro Denver, offering their talents and experiences to families facing sometimes one of their most difficult chapters.

As our guest blogger this week, Debbie tells us more about why family meetings are so essential. You can contact Debbie and John at ELDEResolutions.com or at 303/268-2282.

Facing an Elder Crisis: Consider a Family Meeting

Some families are able to share emotions and ideas and develop a plan of action, without assistance. A good family meeting creates a process for members to share their personal observations and concerns. And, it also provides a mechanism to march forward, defining roles and expectations clearly.

My family is such a family – most of the time! When my mother started showing signs of cognitive decline (in her mid-60’s), my three sisters and I were each concerned about what that really meant – for my father, my mother and for us. We live in four different time zones and the closest sister to my parents was 300 miles away. So, we started talking. First, it was two people at a time, by phone. Then, we started to use Instant Messaging to have “joint” conversations. Amazingly, Dad started to join us for some of those internet discussions. And, we were able, as a group, to gently share our sorrow and our concerns with him. He really appreciated the emotional support and continued to let us know that the “practical” things were taken care of. As a devoted spouse and a rather young and able caregiver, he readily rejected most of our concerns and did a pretty good job of caregiving. We continued, of course, to worry about his well-being (he had several serious health care alarms during his caregiving years), yet we agreed to trust his judgment and his role as master decision-maker.

And, we still worry. Now that there is no “young and able” spouse/caregiver to make decisions, we worry about Dad’s physical and cognitive health. He certainly likes to control his own life, but he doesn’t seem to be doing activities that truly benefit his wellbeing. Although he moved to be close to one daughter, he often refuses her invitations to join their family for events. He stays close to home. He complains that he doesn’t like to cook, but rejects most offers to join others. He is usually home, alone (unless he is doing a quick errand.)

My sisters and I have been talking. We’re all going to be together for the weekend for a family event. Hoping to have a family meeting – WITH Dad – to share our concerns and help him develop a plan. None of us are typically “bold” enough to just tell him what we think (we tend to be reluctant to “make waves”.)

Perhaps it would be helpful for a professional facilitator to help us get to the next step. A neutral professional could free everyone up to talk openly, in a safe environment - even my father! We could all rely on the facilitator to keep us on track with the important topics and help us actually address the issues that need to be tackled. An impartial neutral could also help ensure that we find the common ground necessary to make the right decisions, as a family.

Sometimes, families just can’t get where they need to be without an extra push.

StrokeLink: A Resource for Survivors of Stroke and Their Families

2009-07-13T15:11:00.001-06:00

We are pleased to connect you to the regular publication of Rocky Mountain Stroke Center called StrokeLink. As you know we are big fans of the services that RMSC offers to those in the metro Denver area. We also offer our Capabilities community room weekly for professionally led physical therapy sessions and the aphasia support group.

In the most recent edition of StrokeLink you will find the latest information about support groups and educational seminars in the metro Denver area as well as information about stroke-related vision issues. Find a list of Behavorial Optometrists who specialize in vision therapy throughout Colorado.

Contact RMSC if you or someone you love is living with stroke. Please consider making a donation to this extraordinary organization. As you might imagine, the economic situation facing everyone is especially challenging for non-profit organizations.

Bones, Joints, Muscles, Ligaments

2009-07-10T14:06:00.004-06:00

Operating Capabilities gives us a unique view into the lifestyles of so many people. While a number of our customers are "seniors," people over age 65, we see very many folks of ages across a wide spectrum. Just the other day I worked with an 11-year old who took a tumble a few months ago and is still trying to figure out what is going on with her ankle. We have one of the few pediatric and youth lines of orthopedic supports in town.

Summer is a big time for broken bones, sprained ankles and wrists, twisted knees and torn ligments. Some folks go see a doctor or PT immediately, others try self-treatments first. We, of course, are not MDs or certified health care specialists, but we do know our way around orthopedic braces and supports and potential tools to help when life gets too rough.

Two weeks ago I heard about a condition that was brand new to me. After nearly four years, I keep thinking I have heard just about every version of what can happen to people, but that is what makes this life choice so amazing. There is always another story waiting for me the next day. I received a call inquiring about leg splints of a certain type. When I began to ask some questions, I learned that "Joe's" family was on the hunt for this type of splint because Joe had been diagnosed with "compartment syndrome" and recently underwent surgery. He would be okay, but recovery required a few supplies. While on the phone, I quickly googled the condition to learn some amazing things.

Compartment syndrome can exist in acute or chronic forms. The acute condition can be fatal.
It is a fairly rare condition but can occur as a result of surgery, a crushing injury to a large limb or surface of the body, or repetitive and extensive muscle use. The leg is one of the common sites.
Acute cases can only be treated surgically. Chronic cases can be treated with rest, elevation of the limb, anti-inflammatory medications, and manual decompression or massage, although surgery is often indicated in these case, too.

Because high levels of compression inside the fascial "compartment" of the area can cause nerve or muscle damage, paying attention to symptoms is crucial. Necrosis or death of tissue is one of the dramatic possible outcomes of compartment syndrome. Extreme deep, severe and consistent pain, more intense than the visible injury seems to suggest, is one of the most significant symptoms. This type of pain will not be quieted with medications, OTC or prescribed. The sensation of "pins and needles" is also common. Swollen and shiny skin is also common with this condition. Full paralysis is a late symptom as is a lack of pulse. Measuring pressure subcutaneously is a relatively easy procedure nowadays, so consulting medical professionals immediately is advised.

As I have said many times, Capabilities brings us so close to challenging situations that are part of people's lives everyday. These experiences not only expose us to conditions and circumstances we would not otherwise know about, but it gives us the opportunity to be part of finding solutions, whether directly or indirectly. We are always grateful to be invited to participate in the ways we can.

Contact us first when you are on the hunt for products and solutions to help you and those you love face an ordinary situation - a sprain or pulled muscle, or something extraordinary like compartment syndrome.

Independence and More

2009-07-08T15:14:00.004-06:00

According to Visualthesaurus.com, independence is a word not only about freedom, but about victory and triumph, a successful ending or conquering of a struggle. In our world at Capabilities we meet people everyday who fight for their independence, who conquer the challenges life hands them, who exult in the victories, big and small, that keep them not only alive, but thriving. Our hats off to them and to everyone who stares fear in the eye and does what has to be done. We appreciate the opportunity to work with you and families, providing or helping you find the tools that will help you focus on independence.

Speaking of independence, try out the newest product on the market that combines a rolling walker and a transport chair. Medline has just released its Translator, a lightweight combo unit that transforms easily and effortlessly from one piece of mobility equipment to another. Imagine a day at the zoo with your grandchildren. You start out early in the day with your 4-wheeled walker with a seat, stopping here and there to admire the animals and other attractions. Sometime after lunch you feel quite exhausted and ordinarily would have to stay put or go wait in the car, prompting your family to pack up and leave. With the Translator, you can simply flip over the backrest and pull the footrests from the side of the walker and voila! you have a great wheelchair to sit in while your family pushes you. You can enjoy the rest of your time easily.

Come by our showroom for a test drive or take a closer look at this terrific product.

Read Kathryn's reviews of three combo walkers/transport chairs on the market today in Examiner.com.

Featured Event: A Place for Your Stuff, All of It!

2009-07-06T21:45:00.002-06:00

Is your stuff taking you over? Are you thinking of "right-sizing" but do not have the faintest of idea of where to begin and how to tackle it? Has a loved one been gathering "stuff" for years and you find the task hard now to convince him/her to make decisions about what is essential and what not?

Sally Allen, President of A Place for Everything, joins us again on July 21,2009 at 3 p.m., offering her expertise and practical approach to right-sizing. Read an earlier blog about Sally's work with a client and some of Sally's tips. Learn some basics from this workshop and find out more about Sally Allen's approach to projects big and small. RSVPs are highly encouraged for this popular event.

Guest Blogger: Sally Allen of A Place for Everything

2009-07-05T22:02:00.000-06:00

We are pleased to present Sally Allen, President of A Place for Everything. As a Certified Professional Organizer and a Certified Relocation & Transition Specialist, Sally knows what to do with stuff. She also knows that a person's "stuff" holds memories, emotions and sometimes the very soul of an individual. Handling those treasures carefully and thoughtfully differentiates these services from those of more traditional moving companies. Sally writes about a situation that might sound familiar to many of you. Please join Sally on July 21 at 3 p.m. at Capabilities for her free workshop.

After reading the story about "Where the Journey Takes you Next", I thought about the trip I just made to CA to help guide the journey for 86 yr. old Aunt Sue from Independent Living (she definitely stayed independent way too long) into assisted living in CO to be near her daughter, Mary. I had never met Mary or Sue and was looking forward to meeting and providing assistance with the transition/move management process.

Two days before her departure from CO, Mary had a lively and spirited phone conversation with Sue. The day I arrived at the Independent Living community in CA, I found Mary sitting at the head of Jane’s bed holding Sue in her arms and trying to feed her. Sue could not sit up, nor keep her eyes open, nor feed herself, nor speak in sentences. One day before our arrival Sue had a very significant drop in physical ability. She had been sent to the hospital and with no significant findings she was sent back to her apartment. Mary and I realized that Sue was in no condition to be at home and called First Responders. Sue was returned to the hospital.

I have never before walked into the "crisis" environment while attending to the letting-go and relocation process. This was a first for me, and took me places I never expected to go. I was reminded how important it is to get your house in order before the crisis sets in. I truly understood the language of tears.

Mary spent the rest of her visit with Sue at the hospital while I researched and organized our next steps. I realized that there was an abundance of sorting and editing that needed to be done regardless of Sue’s whereabouts. I called in another organizer who lived in the area and fortunately was also a Certified Relocation and Transition Special (CRTS).

We dug through the art room and the craft room that had paintings and projects that were started and not completed. We collected boxes of fabric that were going to be used “some day”. We consolidated Sue’s clothes so that Mary could make better decisions about what to leave behind and what Sue needed and could fit in her small closet at destination. We found vital documents and financial papers scattered throughout the apartment.

We checked with Mary as to what was important to her and Sue, and encouraged Mary to make some ruthless decisions about what Sue needed to surround herself with in assisted living. We took three vanloads of “give aways” to the art institute and to the quilting center the first day. We returned to continue the sorting and editing and categorizing for another day and took one more vanload of items to charity.

In the meantime the search was on for new accommodations for Sue in CO as it was obvious that she would not be accepted in assisted living at this time, and would need to be in a skilled nursing and memory care community. Through my contacts and senior care associations I was able to find a bed for Sue in a skilled nursing community near Mary in CO. This brought up some major new decisions about what stayed behind and what would be shipped to Sue’s, one room, smaller quarters in skilled nursing.

Ten days later Sue was finally released into skilled nursing in CA and the caregivers were desperately trying to get her stable enough to fly to Colorado. Let us not forget that during Sue’s days in the hospital we were frantically proceeding with sorting, editing, identifying (while loading up the car van) what must be packed and shipped and what must stay. Originally, the transporting of Sue’s belongings to CO was thought to be a shipment too small for a moving company. I found a pack and ship company that could handle the transport. As the chaos continued, it became evident that neither Mary nor Sue would be able to make many of those ruthless decisions about letting go and saving only the treasures that would fit into the new apartment The transport of Sue’s, larger than expected, shipment to CO was still up for grabs and was in process.

Our next concern was if, and how, Sue would get to CO. Again, though my contacts in NASMM (National Association of Senior Move managers) I was able to find a company in Chicago that is dedicated to giving peace of mind when transferring an ill, injured or elderly relative by air. Their Registered Nurses fly for a living. They accompany travelers on commercial flights, but also have experience with patients on air ambulances, as well as arranging for and attending to the needs of those on charter flights. I am reminded through this whole process that it takes a “team” to get you to the “village”.

Two weeks later, Sue became stable enough to be released for transport and was transported successfully from CA and settled into skilled nursing in CO.

Several days later I visited Sue in her new environment and was totally taken aback at how she had transformed herself into a perky, feisty, and full of smiles “young” lady. She is adorable.

Just last week the skilled nurses reported to Mary that Sue could move from skilled nursing into her own apartment in memory care. Mary proceeded to visit the memory care unit and was extremely despondent with the level of activity and awareness of the residents living there. After much discussion and sole searching, Mary went back to the original assisted living community to ask them to visit Sue and make an assessment of her abilities to live in the assisted environment. They gave us the thumbs up and we are now in the process of relocating Sue to her new home.

My concern is that Sue may truly not be able to stay assisted, but Mary has made the determination that if Sue only lasts in assisted living for even 2-3 months, at least she will have lived a more energetic life for a bit longer, and Mary is ready to move Sue again if necessary. I asked myself….how can I argue with that reasoning?

Now all we need is for the shipment to arrive so that we can make Sue’s apartment into her new home. The decision has been made to ship everything and sort, edit, and find storage in Sue’s new, larger apartment during the settling-in process. As an organizer, we would suggest to those of you reading this blog, to ruthlessly sort and edit before the move to save money (you pay to pack, load, unload, your clutter) and precious time at destination. In this case the crisis had set in and became the dominant factor in the relocation process.

We know that every nook and cranny holds memories. The thought of leaving them behind is overwhelming. Look at it this way; you are making choices of what physically goes with you and what mentally stays with you. Planning ahead is crucial. Remember that the letting-go process does not get better with age, and the greatest legacy you can leave your family is to have your house in order before the crisis sets in.

In retrospect, one wonders if, subliminally, the 86 yr old body went into toxic stress due to the upcoming journey. Relocation stress is defined as a state in which an individual experiences physiological and/or psychological disturbances as a result of transfer from one environment to another.

We are ready and eager to create a new home for Sue, full of her treasures.

Post Script: Sadly, Sue passed away a few weeks ago. Our thoughts are with her and her family.

Summer Doings at Capabilities

2009-07-03T17:03:00.000-06:00

While summer is generally a quieter time for seminars and workshops, we find ourselves this year with a terrific line up of special events in July and August. Of course, you can always check our the latest in our Events section of the website, but we thought we would give you a teaser on a few of the headliners coming up.

July 21 features Sally Allen, our guest blogger this week. Sally offers a free workshop on how to manage your "stuff," keeping in mind just how precious all that stuff really is.

On July 29 our space fills with a group of Denver area psychics who offer readings for the low price of $5. They used our space in April and June to see what kind of "energy" they would find here. We are happy to report they called it "fabulous," and are meeting here on a more regular basis. Come in for a terrific evening! And consider holding your meetings here in our great "energy" space.

August 3 brings another low vision seminar to Capabilities, one of our most popular events. Dr. Paul Cutarelli of Cutarelli Vision, brings his expertise as a corneal and cataract surgeon to the table. He also will discuss non-invasive treatments for dry eyes, a common issue as we age. Immediately following the event, Ron Demske, the vision expert from Eschenbach, the worldwide manufacturer and distributor of high quality magnification, will meet with individuals to explore magnification solutions. This segment is by appointment only, so be sure to make your reservations to meet with Ron.

On August 10 our colleagues, Debbie Reinberg and John Rymers of ELDEResolutions in Denver, host a workshop for families to help ease the difficult conversations they have with and about elders. Watch for Debbie's blog on Resolving Family Issues coming up in our next newsletter!

And on August 18, Bonnie Price, Founder of Silvervixens.com, a community for and about women of a certain age, comes to Capabilities to speak about reinventing instead of retirement. A reception with libations and other treats follows her presentation. This has the makings of a great summer evening out! By the way, I write for Silvervixens.com. Read my articles on caregiving.

July Is UV Safety Awareness Month

2009-07-01T14:37:00.000-06:00

Ultraviolet rays (UV) are everywhere! The American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) has named July as UV Safety Awareness Month. Exposure to the sun intensifies in the summer as we spend more time outdoors and expose ourselves to reflected UV rays while playing in the water, on sand, and walking or riding bikes on pavement. The AAO recommends that you:

Wear sunglasses or solar filters that screen UV-A and UV-B rays. Your eye doctor can check your sunglasses to be sure they offer protection from both types of rays.
Wear a wide brimmed hat to offer additional protection from the sun's rays.
Wear goggles while swimming. Pools, ponds and lakes have plenty of bacteria that can enter under eyelids and contact lenses. Wash your eyes after swimming.

In spite of the body's resilience to sunburn, damage to the eyes can occur even with one serious exposure. Like sunburn, the outer effects may disappear, but the effects can be devastating over time. Age-related macular degeneration can be traced to over-exposure to the sun. Cataracts are a major cause of vision problems with older people.

At Capabilities we carry a line of solar filters developed by our primary vision supplier, Eschenbach. Available in a number of tints - amber, yellow, orange, polarized gray, plum -, each designed to help control a different type of issue, all Eschenbach solar filters provide protection from all UV rays. There are options to wear over eyeglasses and those to wear alone if no eyeglasses are necessary.

Do you wear solar filters or sunglasses? Post your comments and questions about protecting your eyes from UV damage.

Incontinence Overstock Sale

2009-06-25T19:29:00.002-06:00

We have more adult briefs and pads than we know what to do with! Help us out by taking some off our hands. It happens! People ask us to stock a certain brand, and their needs change. Or, their loved one moves to a nursing home or passes on. We are offering Tena and Dignity brands at 40% off regular price to reduce this inventory. Come by or contact us. We ship!

Tubs Galore

2009-06-21T21:12:00.001-06:00

Our Home Safety Day and Tub Fest on June 20 offered education and plenty of ideas for transforming an ordinary home into one safe for elders and others with physical and mental challenges. Many thanks to our partners, JRDSteam, Total Long-Term Care, and Medline for providing product, refreshments, good company and great information to our customers. Our tub distributor, JRDSteam, brought a number of easy-to-access tubs for customers to step into and see for themselves how easy these tubs are to use. Capabilities now has access to 20 different models of tubs. When looking for the right tub for you or a loved one, consider some of these basic features.

The door. You can find doors that swing in and those that swing out. This feature is more than just a question of taste. Consider whether the individual might feel trapped while soaking in a tub. If so, you will want a door that swings out, even though s/he should be encouraged to leave the door closed until all the water has drained before opening. Or, perhaps the individual experiences forgetfulness and might mistakenly open the door while soaking. In this case, you would want to get a door that swings in and cannot be opened while filled with water. Doors that swing out generally offer more comfort entering and exiting the tub.
Jets. Many models have jets as a standard feature. Whether water or air, jets keep the water moving and, in many cases, offer a therapeutic massaging effect. There are instances, however, where the individual may prefer a tub without jets, especially if s/he has fragile skin and cannot tolerate the pressure of water jets, in particular.
Seat. Most easy-to-access tubs offer a seat as a standard feature. Be aware of whether the seat complies with ADA standards, raised at least 17 inches from the ground. The design of some tubs allows for easy transfer from a scooter or wheelchair. Others require a step into the tub, so look for lower heights for those who will be stepping into the tub.
Handheld shower. Most models come equipped with a handheld shower. In some cases the design of the tub allows for mounting a shower head so users can stand or sit. Other models do not offer this feature.

Capabilities provides a free in-home evaluation to discuss easy-to-access tubs with you and your family. We also provide installation at a fixed price in most cases. Contact us today to discuss your need for an easy-to-access tub or shower.

Home Safety and Peace of Mind

2009-06-18T06:11:00.004-06:00

Most falls happen at home, a place which quickly becomes an enemy as we age or when we experience physical illness or injury. We hear stories everyday from children and grandchildren living in fear and worry about their aging parents who still live in their homes. We hear from individuals themselves who know they should not be climbing stairs or getting into the old bathtub anymore, but want so much to stay independent and in their own homes.

On Saturday, June 20, we are hosting a home safety day with product demonstrations and lots of information. We have teamed with JRD STeam, a Denver-based distributor of walk-in tubs and showers, Medline, a family-owned distributor and manufacturer of medical and home care products, and Total Long-Term Care, Colorado's first PACE provider (Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly) to ensure a day-full of rich experiences for participants. Our event is open to the public and starts when our doors open at 9 a.m. A number of walk-in tubs will be on display and experts on in-home care assistance on site until 3:00 p.m. Capabilities is open until 5 p.m. on Saturday.

Register for prizes and enjoy refreshments provided by Capabilities and Total Long-Term Care.

On Being the Denver Examiner for Mobility Products

2009-06-17T07:41:00.000-06:00

As we mentioned last month, Examiner.com selected me to be the Denver Examiner for Mobility Products. After nearly a month, I have a few reflections. On the one hand, I love writing so I appreciate any opportunity to do so. Writing about mobility has become one of the topics I enjoy, of course, because it relates so directly to what I do every day at Capabilities. My knowledge of products and relevant solutions grows every day as I work with the most amazing people as our customers and suppliers.

I like taking a slightly different take on things as I write for the Examiner, a view that steps outside of my role as founder and President of Capabilities. Relating the story of the evolution of a product, perhaps focusing on its inventor, or taking one aspect of a piece of mobility equipment to highlight, such as the joystick and tiller, for example, not only pleases me, but focuses the reader's attention differently and heightens awareness. At least, I hope all this happens for readers.

On the other hand, Examiner.com is a business and like all businesses the motivation for the folks who run that business is to generate readership, measured in website "hits." The Examiner team stay in touch with us examiners, providing tips and ideas to improve not only our writing, but our ability to draw readers. When you go to my home page, for example, you have many options besides reading my articles. You can choose to subscribe to mine and others' articles on a variety of topics, receiving them immediately when we publish. You can also choose me as one of your "favorite" examiners (which I hope you will do!). And, you can advertise on my pages. As you know, internet advertising is nearly outpacing traditional advertising now as a preferred advertising approach. You will see that some big internet companies already appear on my mobility pages through their Google ad buys.

So, as with most things in life, our choices are generally more complex than we think at first blush. I have a great new forum for my writings that I enjoy and use to bring awareness of Capabilities and our expertise, and I have another responsibility to the organizers of that forum to help bring awareness and traffic to their business endeavor. I hope you will take a closer look at Examiner.com, especially my pages.

Let me know what you think and be sure to send me any suggestions or questions you might have that would be informative subjects for my blog or my Examiner articles. Thank you, as always, for your support of Capabilities and for me and Pam.

Guest Blogger: Laura Hansen, Owner of Always Best Care Senior Services

2009-06-14T20:04:00.002-06:00

This week we are pleased to introduce you to Laura Hansen, owner of Always Best Care Senior Services. Laura's Denver metro based organization provides assistance with housing placement AND non-medical home care. For those of you giving care to aging relatives, or those of you facing decisions about your own care, you know how hard it can be to find services that are right for you and your family. Laura writes about some important considerations to keep in mind as you think about the next steps for you or your loved one. To schedule a free consultation to ask your questions and get what you need, call Laura at 303-952-3060, or visit her website at InHomeCareLittleton.com.

There comes a time when most seniors need to look at housing alternatives but making a decision can be overwhelming. In addition to researching the many types of housing – from Independent Living to Skilled Nursing and everything in between – you will need to understand the many housing communities in your area so you can make an informed decision.

Here are just some of the questions you need to answer:

Which type of housing will best meet my needs?
What should I look for in a new community?
What questions do I need to ask?
Where do I turn for help figuring all of this out?

Sound overwhelming? Unless you work in the senior housing industry, it can be nearly impossible to sort through all of this information by yourself. Thankfully, you don’t have to. By contacting a Senior Housing Specialist (also known as referral or placement agencies), you can work with someone who not only understands the types of housing, but also has visited, and knows the details about, many of the local communities.

And the best part? It’s free!

Working with a Senior Housing Specialist is similar to working with a Realtor. Just as a real estate agent receives a commission from the home seller, she receives a referral fee from the communities.

Finding a new place to live
When you meet with your Senior Housing Specialist, you will begin by discussing your needs and desires as well as your budget and location preferences. Once you have narrowed your list of possible places to live, she will take you out to tour those properties. He or she will be at your side as you talk with the community’s admissions coordinator to help with questions and ensure you understand the process.

In addition to helping you find a place to live, Senior Housing Specialists can refer you to other businesses that provide specialized senior services. These services may include elder law attorneys to draw up wills and set up estates and trusts, real estate agents to help you sell your home, Veteran’s benefits specialists, moving/downsizing services and more.

Staying at home
What if you would rather stay at home? Some Senior Housing Specialists can help you find a new home or give you the care and support you will need to stay where you are. By using a business like this, the same person who helped you evaluate your housing options can also provide the non-medical home care you will need. Non-medical home care includes things like stopping by on a regular basis to see how you are doing, fixing a meal, doing light housekeeping and laundry, running errands, providing transportation to medical – or other – appointments and helping you with Activities of Daily Living such as meals, dressing, bathing and medication monitoring.

Deciding on the best living situation for your needs can be a daunting task. By working with a Senior Housing Specialist, you will be able to make an informed decision as well as have access to the additional help you may need. With their understanding of senior housing, plus their connection to other senior service providers, Senior Housing Specialists are the people to turn to for the assistance you need to stay as independent as possible.

Balancing Act

2009-06-09T19:34:00.000-06:00

Among the many remarkable feats of the human brain, the ability to balance is one to marvel at. But balance is not a feature of the brain alone. When you think about just how many parts of our bodies are at play when we stay in balance, the awe increases. Proprioception refers to the vast network of inner regulators that allow us stand upright and stay balanced while doing so. These signals cue muscles, ligaments, nerves to do their job at just the precise moment, generally in response to external factors. Couple this ability with the organs and nerves of the inner ear and receptors that are located inside our muscles of our joints with the brain and the outcome is this incredible ability to move and balance ourselves. This vast communication system involves both large organs and the tiniest of nerve endings throughout the human body.

Maintaining balance through the aging process requires attention. While some changes are subtle and others occur perhaps through genetic fate or natural aging, there are steps you can take to ensure that your body's network stays as healthy as possible. Tending to the ongoing maintenance of core muscles, for example, is one way to help joint muscles work productively and continuously. Practicing various exercises with regularity help strengthen and stretch core muscles. For example, standing on one foot, using a balance board, standing on an air disc, stretching the foot, ankle, and leg muscles all contribute to developing core muscle strength. The recent introduction of Wii virtual sports and fitness games have added a whole new dimension to strength training and exercise for people of all ages. Many assisted living residents now engage in Wii bowling and golf and compete against each other.

Playing sports and games that help develop hand-eye coordination are also part of the approach one can take to help ward off ill effects of aging. Humans often follow the path of least resistance, especially during the aging process. Staying focused and attentive help not only preserve many of the body's amazing abilities, but contribute, too, to overall brain fitness.

If you suffer from chronic imbalance, see your physician. This could be the sign of serious conditions. If you are feeling unsteady, perhaps a little practice will help.

Share your favorite exercises and tips for balance.

Page Magnifiers: Debunking the Myth

2009-06-07T13:21:00.002-06:00

At least once a week, I encounter someone who is looking for "a large magnifier to lay over the newspaper" for ease of reading. Generally, this person is a Boomer son or daughter trying to help out mom or dad, or a loving adult grandchild who is on the hunt for products to get grandparents involved again. Occasionally, it is the individual him- or herself, struggling with the changes brought about by macular degeneration or some other condition that affects vision. They all want the page magnifier to do the trick.

The page magnifier is a useful tool, but only under certain circumstances. If you have generally good eyesight and are just at the early stages of "presbyopia," the natural aging of the eye muscles that causes many in their 40s and 50s to require reading glasses, a page magnifier may help deliver just enough magnification to ease the strain. However, because large-size page magnifiers are developed using the "fresnel" process, named for the French physicist and engineer, Augustin-Jean Fresnel, their ability to provide distortion-free viewing is compromised. Fresnel processing allows for the production of inexpensive lens or magnifying surfaces, stamped from sheets of transparent plastic. It offers an alternative to the complex and detailed work typically involved with grinding lenses for correction or magnification of eyesight.

The fresnel process does not use the mathematics of lens production either, which dictate that the greater the level of magnification, the smaller the lens. This phenomenon confounds and disappoints many who enjoy using handheld magnifiers, but just want one that has a bigger field. So, the request for something large that also magnifies to a greater degree is ubiquitous among older folks especially, but difficult to deliver in the world of good quality glass magnifiers. With Fresnel quality lenses, one can get the size and some level of magnification. That's the good news. The bad news is that there is often lots of distortion, causing for a blurred image. One has to be prepared to fiddle quite a bit with the magnifier, too, to alter the lighting and the distance to see clearly.

This solution is simply not the right one for those with macular degeneration or other conditions affecting vision. If eyesight is already compromised by one of these conditions, the eye's ability to adjust to distortions of any kind is extremely difficult.

So, while page magnifiers seem to hold the promise of a larger field of vision and greater levels of magnification, it is best to invest in a high quality magnifier or a video magnifier for better results. For example, this around the neck magnifier offers magnification at 2x, but a fairly large field of vision. With the correct lighting, it can be a terrific solution for reading the paper or a book. It is especially great for needlework, tying flies, examining coins, or any close work.

If you are in the greater Denver metro area, stop by our showroom and try out a selection of magnifiers to make the best choice for you. Our trained staff will work with you individually to be sure you are satisfied before you purchase.

What works for you? If you have low vision or know someone who does, sign up for our invitations to low vision seminars held regularly at Capabilities flagship location in the Denver metro area.

Osteoporosis: Tackle It Before It Tackles You

2009-06-05T19:30:00.000-06:00

Osteoporosis is accelerated bone loss. Most of us Boomers know by now that the natural aging process causes many changes, among them some bone mass loss. More prevalent in women after menopause, the process of aging in general diminshes the efficiency of how bones "remodel" in the body. The typical process for remodeling bone, including mineralization, takes about eight months. As our bones become less effective at maintaining themselves, we experience greater risk of osteoporosis.

Because it is a "silent" disease without symptoms for a long period of time, many do not even realize they are losing bone density. There are easy tests available today to measure bone density through physicians and other health care professionals. Diet and exercise play significant roles in the prevention of osteoporosis, as does the restriction of certain prescription and over-the-counter medications, especially those for arthritis symptoms. As the body produces fewer hormones (e.g., estrogen in women and androgen in men), the body's ability to create new bone and to absorb properly "old" bone during the process of remodeling has a profound impact on susceptibility to osteoporosis. Scientists have not conclusively eliminated hereditary factors from playing a role with this disease.

With sustained bone loss over time, the risk of falling increases. And with falling, comes the serious potential outcome of broken bones. Fifty-five percent of elders who fall do so at home. We have written in this blog previously about fall prevention and treatment. Enhancing balance and strengthening core muscles are important for overall health and essential for strengthening bones. Use an exercise ball, sitting disc or balance board as a regular part of your fitness routine.

Losing some bone as we age might be a normal part of the process, however if you focus on these few simple ideas and have a routine check of bone density, you are likely to tackle this disease before it tackles you and brings you down.

Do you have osteoporosis? If so, what are you doing to stay on top of it? If not, have you have a bone density test? Tell us about it. Post a comment to this blog now.

Elder: A New Old Word

2009-06-03T15:20:00.001-06:00

We have written before of the dilemma we sometimes find ourselves in here at Capabilities. We are a store for mobility and comfort and serve people along the whole age and abilities spectrum. Needless to say, we serve a large number of older folks as they and their families address the physical needs that emerge during the aging process. We have fought against the word, senior, and its many (sometimes perjorative) connotations. We use "older" quite a bit and refer, too, to the generational monikers of WWII Generation, the Silent Generation, and Boomers as means of conveying certain age groups. Occasionally, we use "elder," full with its original meaning of someone with experience who has a place of respect in a community. Its early usage often denotes someone who was connected with a church or religion, a tribe or community.

The word elder is making a comeback, we notice. For a while, it was rare to find the service or book, article or organization that used the word in its title. You might have found it in a subtitle or description of services. Lately, we see it emerging again. Dr. Marion Somers, for whom we have great respect, has a great book, Elder Care Made Easier, with tips and simple steps for caring for aging relatives and other loved ones. Her work centers on ensuring that we care for our elders in a most respectful and thoughtful way, while not burning out during the process.

We see new organizations sprouting and old ones getting makeovers, transplanting "senior" with "elder." As Boomers step now into the next decade of life, getting closer to those we used to think "old," resisting labels and notions that have perhaps summed up others, but not ourselves, our culture seems ready to find new words, or refurbish old ones, to speak about certain realities. For a culture that usually wants nothing to do with aging, the inevitable is upon us. The largest generation for decades will become society's oldest members within fewer years than most of us like to think. Will we be its elders, too?

What's your reaction to words like "senior" and "elder?" Is there another one you prefer? Does it really matter in the end? Weigh in. Post your comment below or email us.

Capabilities Out and About

2009-05-31T14:06:00.004-06:00

We often wonder where on earth Pam's travels around metro Denver take her on behalf of Capabilities. Pam fills us in with her blog on some of the details on the who, what, where and how of her recent days. She brings back valuable information that informs our product selections and helps each of us bring better service to our customers and colleagues in the health care world. Staying connected to the many who serve our elders and those with disabilities, as well as communicating and meeting customers and would-be customers every day, keeps all of us at Capabilities so clear about our purpose. We are here to be part of something bigger, to help solve life's challenges. For me and the staff, we are so grateful to Pam for her huge network of colleagues, her affable ways that make meeting new people easy for her, and her passion for the mission that is Capabilities.

We talk so much about our great store that sometimes we forget to mention how much of a community presence we have! It is very important for Kathryn and me to show our support for all the wonderful communities and groups that help support us.

For example, over the past two months, I have been busy presenting topics of interest to our colleagues at retirement communities. Along with Mary Lilley from Right at Home, I talked to a group of residents at St. Andrew’s Village, an independent living retirement community in Denver, about home safety and what to look out for to avoid accidents. Mary brought ice cream, an inducement that I’m sure attracted many. She then hosted a wine and cheese social a few weeks later for the assisted living group at St. Andrew's where I had the chance to speak to a different group on these important topics.

In April I brought our traveling Capabilities' collection of products to the Resource Fair co-hosted by Home Instead, an in-home care company, and Columbine West residential community for their residents. Since I always take a variety of interesting gadgets for people to look at, my table is usually crowded. How else will people find out what is out there to make their life more comfortable! Thanks to Amy Santorelli from Home Instead for inviting Capabilities.

I exhibited at the Talk Yourself into Action Vision Fair held by Center for People with Disabilities in mi-May in Boulder. The day was a combination of speakers and resources. As usual, our table was a hit with the variety of gadgets and assistive aids we show. An event like this draws many individuals (and their families) who experience low vision as a result of macular degeneration, cataracts, or other situations that cause low vision. Macular degeneration is especially prevalent in those over age 75.

On Saturday, May 30, the National Federation of the Blind of Northern Colorado held their Vision Fair in Greeley. It was great to be able to join other vendors and meet the chapter members of the NFB. They provided the seniors in the area with food, drink, door prizes and awards. Our collection of low vision products is among the largest in the greater metro area. As you know, we also sponsor regular low vision seminars throughout the year, featuring experts in the many fields of vision and related diseases, as well as the latest products available.

Next week we will again be providing the wheelchairs for Salute To Seniors, an annual event hosted by the Colorado Gerontological Society, held this year on June 3, with performances by Shirley Jones. The theme for the day is the ‘50s so if you are attending, check out the costumes and booths. Stop by our booth and say hi and have some chocolate.

Occasionally, my travels take us to celebrate with a competitor! Kathryn and I were pleased to participate in annual festivities celebrating Accessible Systems, a company that specializes in home modification. The company has its walk-in storefront and offices in a house in a Littleton neighborhood. While we do compete with this company for some business, we also refer to them for projects too big and extensive for our growing business. It is a delight to be part of a community of so many caring people who share so much in common with us about the greater good.

As you can tell by my busy schedule, we are always eager to display, attend events, and support our colleagues in the industry. Let me know if you would like to offer any of our presentations to your groups. Kathryn and I both love to do that! And, take it from the many who flock around our table, we do have some of the coolest stuff around!

The Green House Project

2009-05-31T12:01:00.000-06:00

The Green House model is to create "small intentional communities of elders and staff." Finding its roots from the Eden Alternative approach, founded by Dr. Bill Thomas, Green House homes are intended to be a viable alternative to traditional nursing homes. Imbedded in neighborhoods, Green House homes are not only architecturally part of the neighborhood, looking just like every other home, but they integrate the goings-on of a neighborhood, including opening their doors to local residents. Designed to house and care for six to ten elder residents, Green House homes are organized around a self-manged team of individual workers and leaders who all share in the tasks involved in caring for the residents - everything from housecleaning and cooking to medication management, delivered in ways completely different from those in an institutional setting.

Dr. Thomas has led innovation for over a decade in the reimagining of elder care. He speaks often about the lack of respect towards elders in our culture, including the institutionalization of our citizens as we age. Struck by the loneliness affecting a vast majority of aging Americans, he set out years ago to find suitable alternatives to the high cost of "at home" care and the cold stark environment of nursing homes. His Eden Alternative approach has been adopted by many traditional nursing homes, creating smaller "residences" within larger facilities. For example, if there are large populations of a particular ethnic group inside a nursing home, that facility might organize a unit around the residences, providing ethnic foods and traditions to ensure comfort and familiarity to those elders.

In 2001, Dr. Thomas received a grant from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation to take things to the next level. He piloted the idea of the Green House. He then partnered with NCB Capital Impact, a national nonprofit group that provides capital to underserved communities. Since then there are 18 cities and towns participating in the Green House project. With 16,000 nursing homes in the United States, Green House homes have a ways to go. Their influence is growing on traditional nursing homes, in just the ways that the Eden Alternative has affected many across the country.

I have a lot of respect for many traditional nursing homes. My own mother was in one during the last months of her life and I spent a lot of time sitting by her bed, observing the hustle and bustle of staff as they care for large numbers of residents. I remember thinking about the demands on a staff to provide this kind of care. I also saw many a resident who looked lost and lonely. With the creativity of Dr. Thomas and those behind the Green House project, we can all envision a time when choices for living as we age will be as abundant as the choices we experienced at other stages in our lives.

For a local flavor to this news, consider the work of Washington Park Cares (WPC), which we have written about previously in this blog. Taking inspiration from Beacon Hill Village, our Denver-based WPC, offers services and companionship in a neighborhood setting so that those who prefer to stay at home as they age can do so with a local support system to rely on. NCB Impact has played a role helping Beacon Hill Village emerge as one of the pioneering neighborhood "villages" across the country. WPC, Beacon Hill Village and other pioneers in this field, present a regional workshop on June 15 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Hyatt Denver Convention Center. Get details about this event or register now.

Celebrate the one year anniversary of the launch of WPC on Wednesday, June 3, 2009 at picnic area #3 at Grasmere Lake near the Franklin St. entrance to Washington Park in Denver. The festivities start around 4 p.m. For more information, visit WPC.

Featured Product: Tena Protective Underwear for Men

2009-05-30T01:08:00.000-06:00

"At last!" I hear some of our customers breathely a sigh of relief. While everyone wrestles with the emotional and physical impact of incontinence, there are some men who fight with their loved ones helping them find solutions. And, to be fair, some of the traditional briefs and protective underwear available, is generic, not providing protection in the "right" places for men. Tena has long been a leader of specialized incontinence products. They introduced Men's Guards a few years ago; that product has become one of our most popular. Shaped specifically to the male anatomy, the guards offer extra protection exactly where it is needed.

And now Tena introduces Protective Underwear for Men which combines a style more suitable to men along with the extra protection of the Men's Guard. Find out more about this great product or purchase now.

Featured Event: Home Safety Day and Tub Fest at Capabilities

2009-05-29T15:07:00.002-06:00

On Saturday, June 20, 2009 we are planning a festive and interesting day full about ideas and state-of-the-art products to make home safe, especially for aging relatives and those with illnesses or injuries that increase risk of falls. We will feature an array of easy-to-access tubs along with our local supplier, JRD Steam, experts in walk-in tubs and roll-in showers. We will have a number of models on hand all day that you can sit in, compare and get detailed information, including installation costs from our specialists who install.

See our price calculator to help you weigh the costs for modifying the home as you consider alternatives to living at home. Sometimes "aging at home" is the best approach and the most cost-effective.

You can also browse our large showroom and try out a stairlift, automatic door opener, adjustable cabinets and cook surfaces, lift chairs, not to mention the hundreds of smaller items designed to ensure safety and comfort in the home.

Since we are always up for a party, there will be plenty of food and prizes, too. Consider another great way to welcome summer. And perhaps you will find something just right for dad or grandpa. Don't forget that Father's Day is Sunday, June 21!

Catheters: Internal and External

2009-05-28T13:50:00.000-06:00

In this business we handle all kinds of situations and hear about the many challenges that people face every day. We have written about incontinence previously in this blog. Today, we want to take a look at another of the many options as folks handle temporary or permanent incontinence, catheters.

Most of us unfamiliar with the world of incontinence might only associate catheters with the use of them in a hospital situation. If you have been in the hospital for an inpatient procedure of some kind, you might find that a catheter has been inserted to make you more comfortable as you recover. While generally comfortable when inserted while you are under anesthesia, inserting an internal catheter yourself can take a bit of getting used to.

Essentially, there are two types of catheters available to men - internal and external. For women, there is only the internal catheter option. There are several internal styles designed for self-insertion, the Foley catheter, straight, or coude tip. The circumference of a catheter is measured using the "French" system, typically 14FR, 16 FR, 18FR, and so on. Specialists often recommend using the smallest French possible, which they can help you determine. Catheters are attached to a bag that collects the urine, unless an individual inserts a catheter for immediate relief of a temporary condition and can direct drainage directly into a toilet or other receptacle. Leg bags strapped to the upper leg are typical for catheter users who continue their everyday activities. For those who are not ambulatory, there are bags of a larger capacity that attach to wheelchairs or beds.

The Foley catheter is a thin sterile flexible tube that is inserted into the bladder to drain urine. Because it can be left in place for a period of time it is often referred to as an indwelling catheter. There is typically a balloon at the end inflated with sterile water to help keep the catheter in place.
A straight catheter is designed for insertion into the urethra and features an opening at the inserted end. It is a straight flexible tube with a rounded end to prevent any trauma to the tissue.
Coude tip catheters feature a slight bend at the tip, generally making it easier for some men to slip the catheter past the prostate. This type of catheter is also recommended for those with a narrowing of the urethra or a urethral blockage.

Insert catheters under the most sterile of conditions, including the use of gloves, to avoid risk of infection. Lubricants are also recommended to assist with insertion. Training and practice will provide more comfort to the person inserting the catheter, generally the individual him/herself.

Men also have the option of using an external catheter which operates like a condom. The external condom catheter, sometimes called a Texas style catheter, comes in small, medium or large sizes designed to slip over the penis. A drainage tube at one end connects to a bag that collects the urine.

Speak with a health care professional if you believe your condition could benefit from the use of a catheter. At Capabilities, we have trained professionals who work with individuals having a range of conditions with incontinence as a key symptom. We keep a selection of typical catheters on hand and can order specialty catheters upon request. Please contact us for more information on catheter types and availability.

Memorial Day Reflections

2009-05-25T12:03:00.001-06:00

Pam and I come from families that have served our country. Pam's grandfather, Claude, died fighting in WWI. My uncle John went missing in hostile waters during WWII. My father, who became a citizen of this country from Canada, served in the U.S. Navy during WWII. My three brothers served, each in a different branch of the military during the 50s and 60s, and Pam's two brothers also gave years of service during the Vietnam era.

Since we opened Capabilities nearly four years ago, we are honored that so many of our customers are veterans. It is striking how much pride there is with older generations who want to tell us about their experiences and how grateful they are to have been part of the greatest military force around. Many of the men will still use their rank when they give us their contact information or write a check for their purchases. Their pride of having achieved the rank of Captain or Lieutenant Colonel swells as they walk back in time to days of heroism and competence, qualities many struggle to find in their everyday lives marked by so many of the challenges of aging.

The women are quieter about their service, although occasionally a story will spill out revealing that Mary reached the rank of Lieutenant or Captain serving in the Army, or Alice went on to play a leading role in the U.S. Navy after enlisting in the early days of the Korean War. A recent customer stationed at the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs was on her way to a new assignment in California. She wears compression stockings for her long days of work.

Our work with the VA and other organizations that support our veterans introduces us to both the tales of glory and satisfaction as well as those of pain and suffering. Younger veterans returning now from their mid-east assignments speak to us most often of head injuries and trauma. Their limbs may be intact, but their battles now are with memory and emotional balance.

We recently featured John Garrett and Inga Tomasino who work with veterans and others addressing PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder), an ever-present outcome for so many returning from war zones. The national organization, Easter Seals, is teaming with one of our favorite suppliers of products, Posit Science, to help veterans address the more temporary, but confounding, affects of head trauma, especially the impact on long- and short-term memory. Using the Brain Fitness program to retrain the brain's ability to product essential neurotransmitters for memory and recall, Posit Science and Easter Seals contribute greatly to rehabilitation efforts of veterans.

As Pam and I honor our families and customers who have served our country so selflessly, we reflect, too, on the challenges for veterans returning from their tours of duty today. Some of our family members were killed during war, but happily our brothers all returned safe and sound. If any of them suffered from PTSD, we never knew it. Perhaps they never knew it, since in their day no one spoke of such a diagnosis. We are fortunate to be part of a culture that now has so many alternatives for respecting our veterans and helping them get back on their feet, literally and figuratively.

Thank you to all who have served to protect our country and freedoms. We appreciate you and your families very much.

Grab Bar Tip

2009-05-24T15:36:00.000-06:00

When you are installing grab bars, be sure to work with the individual using them first to understand exactly the most comfortable way of reaching and grabbing for that person. What? you say. Imagine someone who has weak wrists trying to pull against a horizontally positioned bar. Try it and see how the wrist bends when you use a pulling action. Or for someone with weak fingers, imagine trying to grip a vertically placed grab bar. It won't work. They need something they can lean on or place a whole hand behind for leverage. Placing a bar on an angle can be helpful for someone who wants to use two hands in a climbing motion as they sit or stand in the shower or tub. If you experiment first with watching how the person you are assisting reaches and grips, the odds will be greater that s/he will actually use the grab bar.

For more on grab bars, see Kathryn's article in the Denver Examiner.

Retirement Homes Are Murder

2009-05-20T06:35:00.004-06:00

"Remembering nothing from the day before, crotchety octogenarian Paul Jacobson must become an amateur sleuth to clear himself as a murder suspect when he finds a dead body in the trash chute of a retirement home. As Paul’s snooping and short-term memory loss get him in trouble with the local police, his new friends and granddaughter Jennifer help him solve an expanding list of crimes. Paul finds romance as he struggles to escape a murderer intent on a repeat performance."

Boulder author, Mike Befeler, launched his debut novel, Retirement Homes Are Murder, in 2007 to critical acclaim. As part of the sub-genre, "geezer lit," this book comes on the scene just as Boomers glimpse their own retirements just over the horizon.

Capabilities is proud to announce that Mike Befeler will join us for a reading and book signing on June 4 at 6:30 p.m. at our location in Westminster, CO. Come meet this author, enjoy snippets from his first novel and his most recent novel, Living With Your Kids is Murder, released in April 2009. Ask questions and offer your own "geezer" stories over refreshments.

RSVP highly suggested for this entertaining evening. You may purchase Befeler's books at Capabilities.

June is Great Outdoors Month

2009-05-19T22:08:00.004-06:00

As we celebrate Memorial Day, we also usher in the spirit of summer. While summer officially comes later in the month, we all start imagining the fun and relaxation so associated with this great season. Getting out and about is what we do. There are many, though, whose situations keep them inside, who itch to get out, who might consider going out if they could figure out the best ways to do this. Help someone get mobile this month. Offer a hand, a ride, a wheelchair, a scooter, or a ramp! Let Capabilities help you and those you care about enjoy the summer. We have dozens of affordable ideas.

We also have rental equipment. This helps you and those you care about try things out first, or dip the proverbial big toe in the great outdoors without investing too much. We have a huge fleet of wheelchairs, walkers, scooters, ramps and RollerAids, the terrific knee walker that you can use as an easy alternative to crutches.

Happy Memorial Day!

What are you up to this summer? Share your ideas and suggestions. Post a comment at the end of this blog.

Featured Product: Nuwati Teas Iced

2009-05-17T17:48:00.001-06:00

It is warming up rapidly here in the Rocky Mountain State as it is in so many places. I have great memories of Aunt Emily's iced tea, brewed on the back porch in the sun with plenty of lemons. Aunt Emily used the popular black tea in bags so common to many of us Boomers. I have learned a lot about tea since those delightful and carefree summer days of long ago. And, while I still enjoy a tall glass of regular old iced tea now and again, I especially am fond of iced herbal teas. We have written in this blog of the healing effects of tea, of the many types of tea we carry at Capabilities, of the terrific suppliers we have partnered with to ensure a rich and interesting mix of teas on our shelves. But it is nearly summer again and I am drawn to tell you about a few of my favorite Nuwati tea selections that work especially well over ice.

Cloud Walking Tea: Enjoy this yummy brew when you are feeling especially anxious or worried. Sip it before you wind down at night, or on a Sunday afternoon when you don't have to drive anywhere or mow the lawn. Created from eleven herbs and roots, including catnip (!), a glass or two of this iced tea will calm even the jitteriest among us.

Laughing Coyote Tea: This is one of the newer additions to the Nuwati collection, mixed to ensure a mood enhancing experience. Maybe it's the stevia or rooibos or the incredibly unique combination of over 20 herbs, roots and fruits that makes you happy, but make no doubt, Laughing Coyote Tea makes you happy!

The Healer Tea: This is the most popular of the Nuwati collection. You can use this tea in two ways. Shake the bottle and sniff. Wow! Talk about clearing your sinuses. Then you can make some (hot or iced) to sip on. This combination of herbs not only helps the immune system, but you can use it effectively to combat headaches. Some folks even mix it with favorite foods and drinks. Dr. Pepper?!

Learn more about Nuwati teas or make a purchase.

Four Companies Work Together to Give Back to Senior Community

2009-05-15T14:08:00.001-06:00

Capabilities, Interim HealthCare Inc., Elder Wellness LLC, & Colorado Seniors Resource Connection have developed a quarterly health educational series that provides a valuable benefit for the communities they serve and is consistent with their common commitment to consumer education. They believe education is a valuable part of their mission to improve people’s lives.

The first of these health educational seminars will be held on Thursday, June 11th at
5:30 p.m. The seminars will be held at Capabilities located at 6805 W 88th Ave. (at Pierce St.) in Westminster. This event is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served. The highlight of the seminar will feature a key note guest speaker. Yvonne Baca, President of the Board, Rocky Mountain Stroke Association will talk about education, awareness and living with stroke.

“A stroke is a very serious medical condition that can make life difficult for everyone involved” said Interim HealthCare Inc. program manager Jake Rankin. “Our hope is to get involved in the communities and create awareness for many of the medical conditions that face people today. Thankfully the healthcare community here in the Denver area is the best and most caring group of people I have ever seen”.

For additional information, please contact us. You can call us at 720-214-0339.

Kathryn Arbour Selected as Denver Mobility Products Examiner

2009-05-13T14:37:00.003-06:00

Have you seen http://examiner.com/ yet? If you are on the hunt for information on just about any topic, you won't be disappointed on this website. Organized by city, category or topic, the site is fueled by writings from "Examiners," folks who apply as experts in the various fields represented. In my case, I suggested the field of expertise since Examiner had not yet created this category of Mobility Products Examiner. My job is to write about mobility equipment and tools for independent living, areas I know about through our wonderful experiences here at Capabilities. Check out my very first article posted just this week. Please comment and pass around to those who might find the information useful. If there are specific topics you would like to read about or have discovered a "not to miss" product, be sure to contact me. And, if you would like more information about how to become an Examiner yourself, I would be happy to give you the details. Send me a note and some contact information and I'll be in touch.

Risers: A Simple Solution to a Challenging Problem

2009-05-09T11:14:00.002-06:00

In the past couple of months we have seen a number of families struggling with conflicting realities. A loved one needs some additional assistance, but the budget is shrinking and money has to go further. We recently worked with two families whose loved ones can no longer get up from a seated position very easily. Once in a chair or on the couch, they usually stay there until it's time to go to bed. This creates all kinds of issues, slightly different for each one, but worrisome nonetheless.

The simplest solution in these cases is a reclining lift chair. In these times, however, it is not always the least expensive approach. Capabilities, however, is offering affordable lift chairs in its newest spring collection. Be sure to stop by if you are in the Denver metro area to check them out. When the lift chair is beyond the budget, however, there is another approach - risers.

Available in different sizes, risers give you the flexibility to raise furniture to different heights, creating the same effect as a lift mechanism in a chair. Often by raising the back of the chair several inches higher than the front, you give the individual in need the height needed to lift more easily and gently from the chair. You can anchor the feet of the furniture to the risers for extra safety and protection. Risers can also be used to lift a bed to a height suitable for caregiving.

There are also portable lifting mechanisms you can purchase to put on a chair or sofa that are sized by weight. These are available in hydraulic or electric versions.

Capabilities offers an array of choices for most situations. Please consider us first as you look for a partner in solving some of life's challenges with you or your loved ones. Tell us about some of your favorite products for caregiving or coping. We love sharing good ideas or letting others know about the ones to avoid.

Lifting Solutions For Caregivers

2009-05-07T20:26:00.003-06:00

You already know how many potential pitfalls there are when caring for someone, whether by profession or as a family member. You usually stumble into most of them if you are not a caregiver by profession. Even professionals come upon some surprises.

One of the big issues to confront as a caregiver is lifting, especially if the individual under your watch is not ambulatory. However, some of the more serious injuries occur with individuals who have some ambulation; it is easy to let your guard down as a caregiver when you believe that someone can usually make a transfer from one location to another fairly easily.

Of course, preventing falls to the individual under your care is essential. Your own health and safety are also of primary importance. Keeping those outcomes foremost in our minds, let's look at various options for assisting with a lift or lifting the individual.

For assisting with transfers from one location to another consider these common, but essential tools:

grab bars and other support poles that can be placed around the home

transfer boards, benches and disks that allow the individual some control over his/her movements and are typically used for bathing, moving into or out of vehicles, chairs or beds

gait belts which can be placed around the individual to provide a wide, safe area to grab onto and hold while someone is trying to walk; handles are available to use with the gait belt to make the process even easier for the caregiver; vests and other devices are becoming more common to ensure even more support while assisting an individual to a standing position

For lifting someone who is not ambulatory, it is prudent to use one of the following types of patient lifts:

"Hoyer" so named for the company that first manufactured the lift that was patented in 1955 by R.R. Stratton as "floor crane with adjustable legs." The patent uses the analogy of an automotive crane used to lift engines. This type of lift uses a sling (often the sling used depends on the physical situation of the individual needing it, for example, an amputee sling, or the reason for the usage, such as a "toileting" sling that has an opening to allow the individual to be lowered onto a commode or toilet.

Stand-assist lift, which cradles the back with a sling and provides reinforcement and padding at the legs and knees while the caregiver pulls the individual forward into a standing position. The advantage of this lift is for those who cannot bend easily, or who have an adverse reaction to be lifted in a seated position as happens with the "Hoyer."

Easy-Pivot lift, which we have blogged about previously. Developed by a Coloradoan who became a quadrapeligic as a young man and resisted what he called the indignities and discomfort of the "Hoyer" for both himself and his caregiving wife. This lift works with an individual already in a seated position, requiring a sling beneath the buttocks and around the knees. The individual "drapes" over a padded front piece and is safely lifted and moved to another seated position. It works well for those with little to no leg movements or strength so cannot easily be lifted to a standing position.

Ceiling lifts have become increasingly more popular as individuals are cared for in the home. The other lifts mentioned above have wide (mostly adjustable) bases that can be altered somewhat to fit around chairs, beds and commodes. However, they are often too wide for use in a home, especially a smaller home, and cannot be used effectively to transfer someone to most bathtubs. Ceiling lifts can be mounted in every room of the house, including some that offer a track to connect through doorways. The patient or caregiver controls the movement of the lift along the track with a remote.

Freestanding overhead lifts offer a more convenient and often less expensive way to provide some of the same advantages of a ceiling lift. This A-framed mechanism is placed over a bed or between transferring locations. It is most useful for lifting and transferring individuals who are not moved among widely divergent places in the home since the frame has limitations.

Caregiving is hard, and sometimes dangerous, whether you do this work professionally or as a family member or friend. Please remember to honor the two key principles of preventing falls and further injury to the individual you are caring for AND preventing injury to yourself. Be smart about lifting and consider using some of these tools. Let Capabilities help you assess the situation. We do free home assessments to work with you and your family on what solutions might be best. Contact us for more information. Please post your ideas on caregiving and tools you have used using the link provided below or sending us an email.

Managing Incontinence

2009-05-04T14:46:00.002-06:00

You are not alone if you experience urinary or fecal incontinence. Research suggests that nearly 20 million people in the U.S. alone experience chronic or acute forms of incontinence. Incontinence is not a disease; it is a symptom. Tracking down what causes your incontinence is a journey worth taking as some of the causes can be serious. Some causes may not be treatable in a way that will eliminate this symptom.

So, today I write about living with incontinence while you are on the road to figuring out just how permanent the condition may be for you. There is no doubt that most adults cringe at the very topic. Regardless of the reason, most adults will feel some kind of embarrassment or shame at the idea of anyone learning that they are incontinent. Folks go to great lengths to hide it, ignore it, worry about it. We know many who will not go out because they fear exposure either through leakage, odor or the annoying crinkling sound that many adult briefs make beneath their clothes.
A few key strategies will help you face incontinence and manage it, regardless of how long the symptoms last.

Workwith a physician or other health care professional first and foremost. Getting at the root of the problem is essential. Find a specialist if you know or believe that your incontinence is related to a specific condition. Follow the doctor's advice and take recommended prescriptions, even if you continue on your search for answers in other arenas.

Do some research. There are dozens of products on the market. Of course, try the least expensive brands of adult briefs and pads first. If your situation can be managed this way, why not be as economical as you can. Be prepared, however, to spend a little more. There are some extremely great products available - some at premier prices - that match your specific needs. Work with someone in the business of handling incontinence and related products for advice on which product might work for your situation. Ask for samples. Most manufacturers offer free samples and most dealers of such products will have samples on hand for you to try out. Be very honest about issues like absorbency. If you underestimate your need, you are certain to be disappointed.

Find a support group or someone you can trust to talk about your concerns.

Stay active and involved. Secluding yourself will only create other problems, often much bigger ones. Isolation is one of the main causes of depression, which can lead to a host of other physical ailments.

At Capabilities we have expert staff trained in the use of so many products, including incontinence. We offer a selection of specialized brand options, products designed by manufacturers whose whole focus is incontinence, such as Tena and Dignity. Stay tuned for a special seminar in the works later this year on the topic of incontinence where we will feature specialists and an array of products with plenty of samples for you to try.

Grandma Again!

2009-04-30T12:25:00.002-06:00

As always, it is a delight when Pam blogs on our site. Here are some musings from her on the occasion of the birth of her sixth grandchild. And check out this cute photo of Grandma and Miles when he was just minutes old!

On Saturday, April 25, my youngest daughter, Heather, gave birth to a beautiful boy, Miles Guthrie. At 6 lbs, 11 oz., he has dark blond hair. I know it will all fall out and he will be another tow-head like his father and two older brothers. He looks at the world with eyes that still don’t focus and looks like he is still in another space trying to figure out where he is. He is beautiful, of course, in that newborn kind of beauty — bruised and wrinkled with skin that will never be as soft again. I’ve participated in the birth of all six of my grandkids; Miles will likely be the last. I know that’s why I have been finally reflecting on my own mortality and on the “end of life” issues that have come up in this past decade. As I meet and love the new babies, I also grieve the same number of losses – a brother, brother-in-law, sister, uncle, my mother and my mother-in-law. At 64, I should expect this, but somehow, I still feel shock that I am old enough to see this, that I am old enough to have daughters in their 30s, mothers who were in their 90s and brothers and sister too young to die in their 50s and 60s, losing the patriarch of the Pressel family in his 80s. Facing my own mortality is daunting. There is never enough time to say and do all the things you want, or to accomplish everything you feel is important. I read all the messages about living in the moment and achieving balance, but still struggle with the daily challenge of finding time for everything. I feel the tug between the daily persistence of building a business, working 10 hour days and trying to be Grandma, be at the games, school plays, and just enjoying family time. Family and friends matter most. They give me the most satisfaction. I love looking at one of my grandkids and seeing myself fleetingly, or noticing that one of them has my sister’s hands, my mom’s voice, knowing that I and my loved ones live on in the babies makes all the struggles worth the effort.

In the end, all I can do is try to live a life that will keep me healthy enough to see who these kids turn out to be. I plan on seeing them grow, mature and, hopefully, seeing their own children one day. I doubt that I get to be in the delivery room again, but you never know!

In the meantime, Miles happily pulls me into this moment. I love being Grandma…again!

Author of "Retirement Homes Are Murder" Reads At Capabilities

2009-04-29T19:56:00.003-06:00

We are delighted to announce that Mike Befeler, author of the best-selling, "Retirement Homes Are Murder" is coming to Capabilities to give a reading, chat about the book and writing in general, and sign books. He is scheduled for June 4, 2009 at 6:30 p.m. We strongly recommend that you RSVP for what is bound to be a very popular event. Stay tuned to our blog as we write more about Mike, his book and the great reviews he is receiving for this, his debut novel.

Swine Flu and Masks

2009-04-28T20:34:00.003-06:00

In this business we are always curious about how a day can change the flow of things. With the news of growing cases of swine flu over the weekend, we met Monday with a flood of requests for masks, surgical masks, N95 particulate respirator masks, and kind of mask people could get their hands on. Typically, this is not a volume product for us, so we keep a few boxes on hand. By noon they were gone. By late afternoon I learned that my supplier, a national distributor of medical products, was also out. Today, we turned away dozens of people on the hunt. We have learned that 3M, the manufacturer of the most popular N95 respirator, has increased production, adding shifts and people to the cause. No wonder our distributor found itself on the empty end of things as of Monday night.

In the meantime have you seen reports of what to do to combat this flu? Every report I have seen or heard says that masks are of minimal value and yet people are still clamoring for them. "They are better than nothing," some reports declare. It is the human condition to want to control as much of reality as we can. While science tells us on the one hand that this flu is not as serious as other epidemics, indeed, pandemics, that have attacked over the years, we imagine the worst. Or, at least, we try to prepare for the worst.

Interestingly, however, travel to Mexico did not seem to be down as of earlier Monday. Should the number of cases grow, and especially, if the number of deaths associated with the disease grow, travel will most undoubtedly be affected. For now, the U.S. has reported no deaths related to swine flu.

The Los Angeles Times reported today on the subject of masks, that if given a choice, choose the N95 particulate respirator. This product fits snugly around the mouth and nose and actually filters out small particles. Regular surgical masks will protect from droplets, but are so loose fitting as to allow airborne particles to enter into your system. The article also reported that the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) remind us that no mask offers 100% protection. Used in combination with other behaviors, you can reduce your risk of contracting this and other influenza-like diseases. Hand-washing, for example, continues to be at the top of the list. Cover your mouth when coughing, stay at home if you have symptoms, including fever, and avoid crowds. If you must be in a crowd, a respirator can serve you well.

We will always be amazed at the role that Capabilities can play in everyday life. Last week at this time we would have never imagined to have purchased hundreds of N95 respirators. If we had, though, we would have been the hottest place in town this week!

Capabilities is on the list for these masks when they are available. Contact us for more details if you are still in the market for them.

Mothers' Day Wish Lists

2009-04-26T17:02:00.000-06:00

We see a lot of mothers -and grandmothers, and aunts, and sisters - at Capabilities. Every day we watch individuals touch, try out and consider any number of products in our store. We overhear the conversations with friends or other family members about how great it would be to have "x" or "y." "When I get my check next month, I'll come back for that." Or, "if I win the lottery, I will treat myself to something like that." So, as we list some gift ideas for moms and other great women in your life, we know a thing or two about what we're saying. Trust us. Here are three that we think would delight even the most resistant of relatives:

Janska Easy-to-Wear Clothing. How about a lapwrap for grandmother? She loves to cozy up in her easy chair to relax after a full day. She seems to always get a chill, though, and there is never anything handy to throw over her shoulders. Or the leopard vest, fashionable and practical all at once, especially great during windy spring days? Mocsocks are terrific, especially at this funny in-between time of year.

Decorative Hand-Painted Canes. As you might know, we are always on the lookout for the unique and practical. We also love to feature local artists, and those with local ties. We have written before about our own Amy Vicioso from the metro Denver area who creates gorgeous gold-leafed designs on canes, walkers, crutches and wheelchairs. Give someone you love a gift that is truly one of a kind, and might help her keep her balance besides! We also have hand-crafted wooden canes designed by Gae Miller originally from the metro Denver area, now residing in Ann Arbor, MI.

Reclining Lift Chair. We hear women every day sigh that great "ahhh" of comfort when they try out our collection of these comfortable chairs. Not intended just for those who have difficulty sitting or getting up from a sitting position, this multiposition chair also ensures that you get plenty of circulation by elevating your feet, for example. Or, if your loved one is one of the millions with sleep disruptions, this chair can provide a comfortable sleep option occasionally, especially those with "infinite" positioning ability. Considered by many an extravagance, the reclining lift chairs in our collection are affordable, stylish and come with some of the best warranties in the business. Now through the end of May, we are offering 10% off many of the chairs in our showroom. Stop by or contact us for details.

We have hundreds of items and lots of ideas, especially for those "hard to buy" women in your lives. If you have a unique or interesting Mothers' Day idea, post it here or at the end of our blog so others can add it to their lists, too.

Vein Surgery and Compression Stockings

2009-04-23T16:28:00.001-06:00

This is the time of year when many who have considered vein surgery actually opt to have it. As warm weather approaches and the thought of "showing some leg" in shorts or bathing suits becomes more of a reality, a number of folks, especially women, say it's time to take of those varicose or spider veins. For some, surgery is a must, especially for certain conditions.

Varicose veins are enlarged superficial veins in the legs and thighs that generally are more of a cosmetic annoyance than a serious health problem. However, these veins can grow larger and become more engorged over the years, causing swelling, itching and pain. The cause of varicose veins is unknown, but specialists suspect that the valves that prevent the back flow of blood become damaged or ineffectual over the years from normal wear and tear, or trauma, and blood begins to flow backwards and pools. Pregnancy, obesity, standing for long periods, or other trauma can contribute to the development of varicose veins. They are more common in women and some specialists have linked varicose veins to levels of estrogen.

Treatment for varicose veins can range from invasive procedures, such as "stripping," where the vein is literally removed. If the valve is the culprit sometimes it can be "tied off" and the smaller veins cut away with small incisions. Laser therapies to remove the vein from the thigh or leg are growing increasingly popular. When any surgical solution is indicated, preparation for surgery requires several weeks of wearing a high level compression stocking, generally pantyhose or thigh high stockings. Once surgery is completed, compression stockings must continue to be worn for several weeks to ensure proper circulation. Compression assists the body's natural venous system to operate effectively, moving blood more efficiently and smoothly through the veins.

In fact, wearing compression as a precautionary therapy can be an effective deterent to varicose veins when combined with exercise and simple behaviors, such as not crossing the legs, or elevating legs as frequently as possible.

Always discuss your health issues with your physician or other trusted health care professionals. For more information about compression, read our blog or contact us. Our staff is highly trained in the fitting of compression garments and we are delighted to work with you to find the right fit for you and your situation.

Have you had vein surgery? Are you contemplating it? Post a comment to this blog and share your experiences.

Featured Product: Duet Combo Walker Transport Chair

2009-04-19T08:30:00.001-06:00

You know you have wondered why no one had invented this yet? Drive Medical already did! And what a sweet machine this is! Maybe you have been in this position with your mother, Aunt Marge, or Grandpa. You start out fresh for a day on the town, walker in tow. It is even the walker with the seat. Sure enough, after a while, that seat comes in handy for a rest. But, then, after a bit longer, walking at all seems too difficult for your sweet relative or friend. What to do now? You cannot safely push a typical rolling walker with someone sitting on it. The risk of tipping over is too great. Well, put all that worry behind you now. The Duet makes it easy. Use it as a rolling walker for as long as is comfortable. Then, with a few simple moves, convert it to a transport chair, safe enough and easy to push along no matter where you are. There is even a convertible footrest to make it all the more comfy. See details or purchase one now.

At What Price Independence at a Time Like This

2009-04-18T15:59:00.005-06:00

As I think about weighing in on these economic times, I find myself resisting talking about it on the one hand, and obsessing on the other. As an entrepreneur and small business owner, I am faced nearly every moment with the impact of the economy as I watch people make very different decisions about their purchases. As an individual facing those same choices, I understand all too well why many are willing to "put off" buying some of the things that would make life easier and safer. It is remarkable the things that used to be "must haves" that are now "nice to haves." And, when we perceive something as nice to have, we feel better about delaying the purchase.

That said, I am satisified to be in a business that offers primarily "must have" products. While shoppers are making different choices, and more choices based solely on price, most of what Capabilities offers is part of a product mix that offers real solutions to life's challenges.

We write often in this blog about the vast array of choice you have as a consumer these days. And, our mission at Capabilities is to help you find the most relevant and appropriate solution. I honestly would rather not have you purchase a product if it is wrong than face a return of it a week or two later. Returns drive everyone crazy!

So, here is a small calculator of sorts to help you and your family factor in one of the biggest decisions that often face elders and those around them. Should we stay in our home or should we move? And if we decide to move, should we move to a smaller, single level home or apartment, or should we invest in an assisted living or residential retirement community setting? If you have faced or are facing this type of decision, you know that the angles you must consider are endless. But, without a doubt, the financial impact is often foremost in everyone's mind, whether each person admits to it or not.

At Capabilities, we have helped many families understand the financial impact of potential solutions to make the home safe and a very real option again as aging relatives approach a crossroads about their own independence and mobility. You can take the figures we share below as ballpark approaches to weighing the other options, at least from a financial perspective. Folks are often surprised about how manageable some of these options really are when positioned against the costs of moving and the expenses associated with some of the alternative living arrangements. In the end, you and your family will make the best decision. Please consider us a partner with you as you explore the options.

Stair lifts start at under $3000, installed.

Walk-in or soaker tubs start at $4200. We offer local installation st $1500 in most cases.

Adjustable mechanisms for kitchen cabinets, stove tops, sinks start at $1500. We have a network of installation experts in nearly every state that we value and trust to refer to you.

Automatic door openers start at just over $1000. We offer local installation from our own team of service experts or our national network of installers.

Portable ramps for inside or outside the home are available a wide price range from approximately $50 to $1500. Our local and national service experts can also help you determine more permanent ramp solutions from aluminum to treated wood solutions.

For under $20K, you can transform most homes into safer homes. Of course, you can spend a lot more, too, depending on your circumstances. Please do not eliminate an option too early on because you imagine the expense to be too high. Doing some research can bring surprising results, results that can help you or your elders stay independent AND financially secure for a long time.

Contact us for an in-home evaluation or advice on where to find someone who can do this if you are located outside the Denver metro area.

Dr. Reeves Energizes Capabilities Low Vision Seminar

2009-04-14T17:31:00.001-06:00

Our Low Vision events are always popular. The latest one on Monday, April 13, was extraordinary! With standing room only crowds rapt with attention, Dr. Diana Reeves wove together stories of her experiences as a retinal specialist and surgeon, the great advances being made every day in the field of eye research, and responses to questions from anyone who had one. She opened the floor early in her discussion to customize the event for the attendees. The response was terrific with questions ranging from what to do about implants gone wrong, to dry eyes, to wet and dry macular degeneration. Dr. Reeves brings spark and sizzle to what can be either a very dry subject or one that is frightening. She blends hope and optimism with large doses or realism. Many in the crowd stayed around afterwards to ask Dr. Reeves even more questions about their situations. Her advice overall, especially to those with macular degeneration, is to work with a specialist. While increasingly opthalmologists with general practices are learning more about macular degeneration, specialists invest in particular areas affected and become experts. In fact, Dr. Reeves spoke about the state-of-the-art technology in her office that allows her to take 3-D digital photographs of the retina and surrounding areas. I have had the privilege of seeing some of them and they are spectacularly detailed. She says she can see changes minute to minute through the use of this technology, especially useful when someone is suffering from a persistent problem.

If you would like to be on our mailing list for the next low vision seminar and to receive some of our discount coupons, please sign up and include your name, address, phone number, and email address if you have one.

It's April. Read a Poem. Write a Poem. Give a Poem.

2009-04-11T17:23:00.002-06:00

April celebrates many causes. It also celebrates poetry. If you follow my blog, you know that I love poetry, reading it, writing it, and using it to make sense out of some of the crazy things that happen over the course of a lifetime. We even feature some poetry on our web site where you can see just what some of our favorites have been over time. We began featuring poetry on our site not only because I personally enjoy it. Poetry has a lot to do with wellness, and while Capabilities provides products, we also care about you and your health in so many other ways, too.

Here are just some of the ways poetry can be part of your wellness program:

Reading poetry can offer a calming effect akin to meditation which helps alleviate stress.Writing poetry provides a vehicle for self-expression, another important element in managing the craziness of every day, giving you a safe and beautiful outlet for your thoughts and imagination.
Introducing yourself to poetry can be good for your brain. Remember that brain fitness occurs every time you expand yourself beyond your comfortable range of activities. If you typically would not open a book of poetry to save your soul, try it...to save your brain.
Getting more comfortable with poetry brings you a whole new world of culture, ideas and literary references for doing the NY Times Sunday crossword puzzle.

Here's a haiku by Teiko Inahata that caught my eye today. "With the look/of chasing a butterfly,/ I join in." Won't you join in? Share one of your favorites with us.

Featured Events: Creative Wellness and Grief + Loss Workshops

2009-04-08T15:01:00.000-06:00

Susan Bruckner, MA, GC-C has a background in Mental Health, Grief and Loss, Chronic Illness, Aromatherapy, Horticultural Therapy and in the philosophies of The Eden Alternative. Her dedication to improving the quality of life of Elders has laid the foundation for Elder Wellness’s Enrichment Programs. Through these programs, Susan offers a compassionate, creative, and respectful approach to wellness that honors the strengths and wisdom within each Elder and that emphasizes love, laughter, and life. Elder Wellness’s programs offer a unique twist to the traditional group approach to wellness and are guided largely by participants’ interests. Programs are available to individuals and groups and are brought to a location of your choice. Susan and we at Capabilities are pleased to offer a Creative Wellness and a Grief and Loss Support Group here at Capabilities, starting April 21. Please check our Events schedule for details.

Featured Product: Arch Cradles

2009-04-05T15:09:00.002-06:00

As you focus on foot health, especially this month, consider what kind of TLC you can offer your feet. When you walk, the foot absorbs one times the body's weight. Just imagine the strain and stress on your feet everyday, even if you have a desk job! I discovered arch cradles a few years ago when we first opened Capabilities. I previously had the kind of work that allowed me to sit down quite a bit during the day, so I was shocked at the end of my early days as the proud co-owner of a retail store that required me to be on my feet nearly all day long! It seemed as if every bone and muscle ached for relief. After consulting a number of folks, including a podiatrist, I tried over the counter arch cradles as a first approach. They worked! Adding the extra support under my arch and providing soothing pressure to the metarsal area of the foot (often called "the ball" of the foot, just under the toes) did the trick. I still feel some discomfort occasionally when we have an exceptionally busy day, but overall, I highly recommend arch cradles if you are experiencing pain in your toes, ball of the foot, arch or heel. Check out our arch cradles to learn more. I found a great website, foot.com, that does an interesting job explaining the foot and all conditions related to foot pain or discomfort.

When Caregiving Gets Dangerous

2009-04-02T14:04:00.005-06:00

Nearly everyday I meet someone who is a primary caregiver for a family member. Sometimes the caregiver is a strapping young son or daughter, teenage or adult grandkid, neice or nephew who lifts weights on the side, so lifting dad or grandma off the floor or a chair is not as much of a challenge as it might be for others. Often, the caregiver is a Boomer, still filled with plenty of strength and vitality, patience and curiosity, but the level of assistance now required to help a loved one out of the chair or onto the toilet is increasing and starting to take its toll. Quite frequently, the caregiver is a spouse, an aging man or woman taking care of his or her spouse. Caregiving gets most frightening when the physical abilities between caregiver and the person being cared are separated by a frail and thin line. Many individuals do not have the luxury of hiring folks to assist with caregiving in the home, and while some services are covered by insurance, there are more limitations than not.

Your risks as a caregiver increase the more you find yourself involved with lifting or as your loved one becomes more and more dependent on your physical strength to get through the daily activities of living. And if you are caring for an elder, falling is the number one reason for injury in the home among that demographic. Your risks include falling yourself as you attempt to lift someone or injuring your back or other critical parts of your body. I met someone recently who did not know her own heart was weakening and she suffered a heart attack while trying to lift her disabled sister from bed. This situation created all kinds of havoc in the family, as the primary caregiver became incapacitated.

While good judgment is always the guiding light, there are a few tools you should know about as a caregiver who must give signifcant levels of physical assistance to someone. From the simple to sophistocated, these tools help preserve you as the caregiver, a gift almost as important as your already generous act of caring for your loved one.

Gait Belt: This is one of the simplest and yet most effective tools available to you. It is most appropriate for those who have some mobility and can provide some effort when standing and walking. You place the belt around the waist and use it (instead of pants or blouses) to hold onto from the back to give the individual a bit more assistance. You can buy one with handles or purchase the handles separately and attach to a regular gait belt. Gait belts are wider than dress belts, so provide more protection to the individual as you grab and grip them at the waist.

Lift chairs, tub lifts, stair lifts and vertical platform lifts: There are a variety of products that help prevent falling in the first place. A reclining lift chair, for example, lifts the individual to a height that makes the transfer out of the chair infinitely simpler for both the individual and the caregiver. A tub lift makes the bath tub safe again. I know a family that came in horrified to have discovered their mom crawling backwards down the basement stairs to do the laundry. Installing a stair lift immediately restored confidence to the family that their mother would be safe, and gave the mother her independence to continue to do the daily chores she loved doing. Installing grab bars, safety poles and bed assists is also a great way to offer prevention without taking away freedom.

Patient lifts: This category refers to hydraulic or electric lift mechanisms that provide safety for the individual and the caregiver when the individual is unable to do many of the activities of daily living, such as getting up, laying down, toileting and maneuvering around the home. The traditional patient lift, often called a "hoyer," named after the originator of the lift, involves putting a sling under the individual's buttocks to lift and guide the individual to a different position, from seating to lying to toileting. Considered one of the most effective lifting devices, the "hoyer" has more recent competition from lifting devices that allow the individual to be in slightly different positions while being lifted. As you might imagine, not everyone prefers the sensation of hanging from a sling while being moved around a room. Stand-assist lifts help you lift someone from sitting into standing positions. A sling is applied to the back of the individual while the legs and knees are supported with padded areas at the front of the lift. The "Easy Pivot," a product designed by a Colorado engineer who became paraplegic allows you to secure a sling under the buttocks and lift the individual while he or she leans over a padded area. The leaning position gives the individual the sense of stability while being moved, especially since it is designed for those who have some strength to hold onto the padded structure. Straps and other safety features on all lifting mechanisms give you and the person you care for security and confidence that the transferring operation will go smoothly and safely.

Are your caregiving responsibilities endangering you? Maybe it is time to pause and consider your safety, too. For more conversation about these products and others to make the home safe, contact or visit our flagship location.

Emergency Response Systems

2009-03-31T13:43:00.002-06:00

By now, most people know that there are systems and gadgets of every sort to help you and those you are caring for. Some units operate as simply as a phone that only dials 911. It works without the need of monitoring fees or set up fees. The small cell-like phone is easy to manage and can be used as a pendant. With the push of one button there is direct access to 911. The advantages of this approach is its simplicity and reasonable price. The user must feel comfortable with the fact that he or she is actually calling 911 for help. Some users are reluctant to ask for help if it means calling out the 911 rescue team. Discussing your needs as a caregiver and those of the person you are caring for is always essential before making any kind of decision about emergency response systems.

More elaborate approaches are growing more and more popular as caregivers juggle their own needs for work or long-distance caregiving. Monitored systems generally require an installation fee and a monthly charge. Services range from the basic ability to push a button (either on a console or a pendant; some offer a watch-like option that the user can wear everywhere around the house as s/he would a pendant) to medication reminder calls to companion calls on a frequency determined by the family. Some offer a monitoring system with a strong enough signal that allows the individual to be outside in the yard, for example. Others will only work while the person is in the house.

At Capabilities we have done research on the many options available on the market today and we certainly have our favorites. If you would like more information about the services that we recommend, please contact us. We would love to discuss your needs and help match you to the emergency response system that will work best for your needs right now.

Featured Event: Low Vision Seminar with Dr. Diana Reeves

2009-03-29T12:53:00.003-06:00

Our quarterly low vision seminars have become a very popular event, drawing customers and others from the greater Denver metro area to Capabilities to learn from specialists in the field of eye disease, low vision and latest research. On Monday, April 13 at 2 p.m. we will once again be honored to host an estimed ophthalmologist, Dr. Diana Reeves. Dr. Reeves is a diplomat of the American Board of Ophthalmology, highly trained in diagnosing and treating the full spectrum of retinal diseases. The winner of many awards and honors, Dr. Reeves offers state-of-the-art treatment and care. She will discuss macular degeneration, retinitis pigmentosa, and other conditions that affect vision. Her leading edge approaches equip her with stunning photographs of the eye that she will also share during her presentation. She will entertain questions and comments from attendees.

As usual, we will follow her presentation with a review of the latest technology available to cope with low vision presented by Linda Belyeu-Conklin, an expert in low vision technology. Linda helps Capabilities stay abreast of the latest technologies and is our supplier of these products. Linda will demonstrate how these tools can assist someone with macular degeneration or a host of other conditions bring some level of independence back into their lives.

Because of the popularity of this low vision series, we highly recommend that you RSVP. You can do that here right now or visit our Events page online. If you or someone you care about struggles with the effects of low vision, please plan on coming to this event.

If you have specific questions you would like Dr. Reeves to answer, you may send them to us ahead of time or just come prepared to ask them directly to her.

Capabilities Offers Free Gift Registry Service

2009-03-28T12:26:00.003-06:00

Have you seen the joke going around? Two older folks, George, 92, and Margaret, 89, find each other, fall in love and decide to get married. While strolling, talking about wedding plans, they walk into (and here we will take some liberties with this joke) Capabilities and engage in the following conversation:

"Do you have compression stockings to help with circulation?"

"Yes, indeed, we do," responds one of Capabilities' trained staff people.

"What about medication reminders?"

"Yes, of course."

"And, pads to put on furniture for times when we can't make it to the bathroom fast enough?" George added. "oh, yes, and padded underwear or adult diapers?"

"I can show you all these things," replied our staff person.

"Magnifiers, phones that amplify, and reclining lift chairs?"

"Yes, yes and yes."

"Great," said George. "We are going to use your store for our bridal gift registry."

We sure got a chuckle from this joke that many folks have sent us over the past couple of weeks. It also gives us the chance to remind everyone that we offer gift registry services, and have since the day we opened. Having this ability was one of the features we looked for when we purchased our computerized point-of-sale system.

It is quite simple. Whether you are in the store or online, we can set you up in a jiffy. It is a great feature for that hard-to-buy-for someone in your life. Or, perhaps you are that hard-to-buy-for someone! Everyday, we see mothers and fathers, grandmas and grandpas, aunts and uncles roaming through our store, admiring something or other they might like to have, but feel they "just don't need." It is the perfect time for us to offer to capture some of those ideas on a wish list they can refer family or friends to later on when that special occasion comes around. Grandpa does not really need another pipe most likely, but might surely want that gas cap wrench or fishing pole holder that he can set up on his wheelchair now that spring is on its way.

There are all kinds of unique AND practical gift ideas at Capabilities. And, we are already way ahead of that story making its rounds. It is no joke, really. Mom and Dad might really want something from our collection!

Send us your contact information and we will set you or a loved one up today. Then you can browse our online store or stop by and point out what you would like to have.

Featured Product: PikStik

2009-03-27T08:54:00.001-06:00

We love the PikStik. Have you seen it yet? This is quite the unique reacher. Wider rotating jaws, a locking mechanism, ergonomic trigger, and its durable, safe and lightweight design make this the ideal reacher for all purposes. We have customers who keep finding new uses for the Pikstik at home, at work, in the yard. What we especially like is that this comes in different lengths! The rotating head prevents you from having to twist your hand and arm in crazy ways. PikStiks are precise enough to pick up a dime, yet sturdy enough to lift 5 pounds. Typical reachers have been a godsend to folks for a long time. One of the usual complaints, however, is that you need strength to grab the object and holdthat grip while you move or carry that object. What happens if you don't have that hand strnegth? Oops! How frustrating is that to drop the very thing you are after, sometimes multiple times. Take a closer look at the Pikstik and compare to the one you might be currently using. Better still, buy one now.

More Pre-Owned Products

2009-03-25T14:57:00.001-06:00

With this economic squeeze continuing, our customers are on the search for bargains they can trust. This year we have introduced a broader selection of pre-owned products in categories that are generally considered too expensive for many folks to consider. Power wheelchairs, for example, are a much desired item for aging relatives or for those whose conditions, such as MS, ALS and Parkinson's disease are advancing, making mobility more and more of a challenge. While power wheelchairs are a Medicare covered item, many people do not qualify based on their diagnosis or situation, or Medicare might have previously paid for equipment that they consider still operable. You might recall from earlier discussion in our blog about Medicare coverage, the eligibilty requirements for power vehicles is dependent on your physician's diagnosis, prognosis and detailed evaluation. Capabilities then performs an in-home evaluation to determine usability requirements. Medicare covers products for use based on needs inside the home, not outside.

Our selection of pre-owned, affordable power chairs has grown significantly over the past couple of months. See our previous discussion of some of these products, including details about the power chairs and pricing. We have also added reclining lift chairs, low vision equipment, and the occasional patient bed, a semi-electric bed similar to a hospital bed to help with home care.

Don't miss our wonderful special on a pre-owned reclining lift chair that was only in someone else's hands for two months. We sold the chair originally, so we know exactly its history. Not only is it a classic, but this chair comes with heat and massage, often a luxury that many people agree to live without. You can get this chair, complete with heat and massage, a manufacturer's warranty, AND our own labor warranty for $1000!! Contact us now if you would like more information about this incredibly affordable and comfortable solution for you or someone you care about.

Please contact us for more information about our pre-owned products or stop by our flagship store to see for yourself what value you can get from shopping with Capabilities.

April Is Foot Health Awareness Month!

2009-03-22T21:28:00.004-06:00

How long has it been since you soaked your feet after a hard day? Do you have corns or an aching metatarsal? Have you ever tried wearing arch cradles in your shoes? Yes, you can also have expensive orthotic devices molded especially for your feet, and those who have made the investment generally rave about the results. I have discovered, however, a much more economical version in these challenging economic times. For under $30 a pair, I have found a terrific solution to my aching feet. Being on my feet all day long, clocking a lot of miles around our flagship store, these arch cradles definitely make a difference in controlling and nearly eliminating pain in my toes and on the ball of my foot.

Taking care of our feet often falls to the bottom of most everyone's list, even though when feet hurt, everything hurts. Here are a few good tips from the foot experts:

Check your feet often for cuts, bruises, callouses, fungal infections and other potential signs of problems. Watch especially for swelling as it can be the signal of more serious circulatory issues.

When you are not standing, try to put your feet up to enhance blood circulation.

Select the right shoe size. Our feet change frequently over the years, and even over the course of the day. Always try shoes on (preferably at the end of a day when they might be the largest from normal swelling and overuse.) Buy shoes shaped like your foot, in spite of the interesting "fashion" options available.

Don't ignore wounds that don't heal, painful bunions or hammertoes that won't be helped by over the counter pads and supports, or shooting pain that travels up into your legs.

As we age, trimming toenails becomes especially challenging. It is harder to see clearly and bend properly to ensure a safe procedure. There are tools to help if you would like to stay as independent as long as you can. Many use this self-examining, mirror with its telescoping handle for easy use without having to bend and stretch too much. It is also very common to find a podiatrist to become part of your regular health care team. She or he generally has a regular plan for trimming toenails and performing regular foot inspections.

So, don't be stubborn! Stay on your toes, put your best foot forward, keep both feet on the ground and let yourself still be swept of your feet! Just don't be flatfooted and miss the opportunity to stay healthy...all the way down to your feet!

Make your comments on foot care or other foot metaphors at the bottom of this blog or email us your words of wisdom. We always love hearing from you.

Are You Making Plans for Springtime Visitors?

2009-03-18T12:58:00.000-06:00

This is the time of year when we field many requests for rental equipment. With weddings, graduations and family get-togethers in the planning stage, don't forget that you do not have to buy many of the items you will need to make your home safe for aging relatives. Or, if you know that your grandmother can manage with a walker usually, but you want to get her out to see the many beautiful sights in Colorado, consider renting a transport wheelchair. This type of wheelchair is lightweight, so it is easy on the person getting it into and out of the car and doing the pushing. Yet, most typical transport chairs are sturdy enough to carry folks up to 275 lbs. We have a selection of larger transport chairs available for purchase if your loved one will be coming frequently and needs a bit larger chair to be safe and comfortable.

We also rent walkers, both the traditional two-wheeled type and the four-wheeled version for that special someone who generally does just fine around the house, but needs some extra safety and comfort while walking through our many beautiful parks, for example.

Scooters become a favorite rental item this time of year, too. We offer a nice selection of smaller, travel type scooters for individuals weighing under 250 lbs. These travel models come apart easily for transporting in the trunk of a car. With the additional of a rental ramp, you can easily push the scooter into a van or SUV without taking it apart. We also plan on adding a couple of larger models for those who may need extra room and additional safety features.

So, as you plan for spring and summer family gatherings, don't fret about the arrival of Aunt Sue or Great-Grandpa. Let Capabilities help you and them "be unlimited" with the help of our rental fleet. We can also help you find products you can purchase to make the bathroom and bedroom safer for their visits, too. Contact us for more ideas.

March is DVT Awareness Month

2009-03-16T21:37:00.004-06:00

DVT - Deep Vein Thrombosis. It is often called a silent disease that can kill you. The clot that forms can break loose and move through the blood stream, risking getting stuck in the lung, heart or brain. Sudden death can occur. This is a condition not to be taken lightly. High risk situations for DVT are prolonged bedrest, recent surgery, sitting for long periods of time in cars or on planes, obesity, cigarette smoking, to mention a few. Some individuals are prone to clotting and if are one of those, you need to speak with your physician about the risk of DVT.

One of the ways to protect your legs and circulation is to wear compression socks or stockings. Graduated compression helps your body keep the blood circulating in your legs. If you travel quite a bit or for long durations, for example, wearing compression stockings will help you manage the trip. You can choose compression of various levels, although discussion with your physician is advised if you are looking at compression at levels over 20mmHG (millimeters of mercury). So-called "street levels" of compression (below 20mmHG) are available in many styles and colors, in socks, or in sheer or opaque stockings. You can also choose knee or thigh length or pantyhose styles.

So, celebrate March in yet another way! Get smart about DVT and your risk for this condition. Then do whatever it takes to ensure leg health. We can help you at Capabilities. We carry Juzo and Activa brands. We can also get other name brands for you if you prefer. Check out knee high casual or dress socks to incorporate easily into your every day.

Fix It Before It Breaks

2009-03-15T21:11:00.002-06:00

It's Brain Fitness Week! Every March this week is set aside to celebrate the brain and the advances made by neuroscience. By now you have surely heard the news that keeping your brain fit is as important as physical fitness to ensure a good long life. We have written often in this blog about the science, techniques and products emerging nearly everyday about brain fitness. While the lion's share of the products at Capabilities are designed to help you cope with physical challenges, we are growing our options for brain fitness. We are even an authorized provider of the world recognized Posit Science Brain Fitness computer software.

We have the opportunity this month on March 26 at 12:30 p.m. through the wonderful folks at Centura Health Passport to offer a seminar here at Capabilities on general brain fitness that is open to the public, whether you are a Health Passport member or not. We will review just how many ways you can challenge your brain from the simple to the more sophisticated approaches. Please see details and RSVP in our Events section. We expect a full house so please be sure to let us know you are coming.

Understanding Tea Time

2009-03-13T18:44:00.003-06:00

Andrea Doenges from The Teaspot in Boulder brought delicious teas to our tea tasting on March 12 at Capabilities. She also brought a wealth of information about the history of tea, its healthful benefits, and why some cultures are built on tea time. Did you know that all tea comes from the same plant? The plant grows differently in certain soils providing some natural differences. Most of the uniqueness of tea, however, comes from when it is picked, whether it is dried, for how long, and what it is mixed with. I also did not realize that it is unwise to pour boiling water onto green or white tea leaves. It is always best to wait a couple of minutes before pouring so as not to burn the more tender leaves.

The whole hour was filled with such tidbits, not to mention interesting flavors. Several of the guests were tea drinkers, but one or two were new to it and jumped in with enthusiasm to expand their horizons. "Wow," exclaimed Robin. "It certainly is not your basic Lipton tea bag, is it?" No, indeed.

We are introducing a new product from The Teaspot, the Tuffy Steeper, a personal fold up steeping device that you can take on the road with you. See it for yourself or buy one for a favorite tea drinker in your life. A great surprise gift for under $10.

What is your favorite tea? Tell us and we will put your name in a hat with others who take a moment to send us a note. You might just be a winner and get something wonderful from us!

"I Need a Stronger Magnifier"

2009-03-10T19:21:00.003-06:00

We hear this refrain many times a week at Capabilities. Frustrated with the handheld magnifier of 2x or 3x power purchased "a while ago" from a pharmacy or department store, someone's mother or father arrives on the hunt for something "bigger and stronger." First of all, there are some truths you must know about magnification.

The stronger the lens, the smaller the lens.
High quality glass lenses will offer distortion-free viewing surfaces.
Stronger is not always "better."

You can imagine the disappointment many experience when we explain some of these realities about handheld magnifiers. That said, there are many ways to improve a situation if you bring some time and patience to try various options.

Consider the story of Ed who came in with his wife recently convinced he needed a stronger magnifier. So determined was he that he simply picked out a 5x power and went home. He pushed back on trying other alternatives. Needless to say, he was back in about a week saying that he just could not use the new magnifier. "It's too strong," he said. So, we settled in for a while to learn more about Ed, what he loves to read and what is not working about his old faithful 3x magnifier. We discovered what was important to Ed and began eliminating some of what he was "sure" would work.

First of all, he needed light. So, the choice of a separate Eschenbach lighted "stand" handle was a good one. This really worked for him because he loves to read the paper on the kitchen table for a couple of hours every morning. With the stand magnifier approach, he can simply pull the magnifier across the surface and not lose his place. His hands also tremble, so a typical handheld magnifier will not work for him.
He also needed more light. We tried lamps and lightbulbs, finally deciding on a full spectrum Indoor Sunshine bulb to give more general light to his surroundings.
Next, he needed more visual field, not strength of magnification. Choosing a rectangular 3.5x power head (with an optional yellow bar) turned out to give him enough visual field to see enough of the newspaper column so as not to frustrate.

Ed took the time on this trip to look at several different options and to compare. He kept testing the solutions noted above and finally concluded that this combination was the best for him. Ed's case is a perfect example of how easy it is to make a wrong decision when you get your mind set on "bigger and stronger." This can lead you to buy the wrong product, to experience more frustration, and to conclude, as some do, that there is just no help for your condition.

Contact us to discuss your options. If you are in the Denver metro area, please visit Capabilities to see the wide selection of handheld magnifiers and other tools for low vision. We are planning our next quarterly low vision seminar for April 13 at 2 p.m. Stay tuned for more details shortly. Send us your name and address to get on our mailing list to be sure you get an invitation to this and all our special low vision events.

Featured Product: Walk-In Tub Takes the Worry Out of Bath Time

2009-03-08T16:07:00.004-06:00

The bathroom becomes the most dangerous place in the house very quickly as the aging process begins. Getting stuck in the bathtub is one of the biggest problems. Fire departments get dozens of calls to "rescue" someone stuck in the tub. The old trick of getting onto your knees and holding onto the side of the tub works for a while. Then one day, you discover you cannot actually get over onto your knees. It happened to my mom years ago. Talk about panic. Luckily, one of us was at home with her at the time, so was able to help. Even so, it was quite difficult.

More and more people are rethinking things and looking into remodels of bathrooms. One option is to pull out the tub and replace it with a walk-in tub. You will find a myriad of models available now to match your specific needs. One of the most affordable walk-in tubs on the market today is the Sanspa. We like it because of its looks and its guarantee. The tub is under warranty from end to end (including the seal!) for five years. It is pretty hard to beat that coverage. You can also choose between water jets and air jets, an option that might make the difference for an aging parent who worries about the "Jacuzzi" effect. The seat is already in ADA compliance giving that extra height for ease of sitting and getting up. Learn more about the Sanspa walk-in tub. Contact us for a free consultation and discussion of installation. If you are in the Denver metro area, we can install for a flat affordable fee nearly every time.

EFT: It Might Be For You

2009-03-07T20:04:00.002-07:00

I sat in on the class that John Garrett and Inga Tomasino offered at Capabilities on Thursday, March 5, PTSD and You. What struck me right away is that I needed to reevaluate my frame of reference about PTSD. Inga and John began the class by reminding everyone that we all have stress. You don't have to have fought in Iraq or suffered a traumatic accident to experience PTSD. Life events affect us all differently and in unique ways. Getting the brain to redirect the experience to the safe place of memory, taking it out of the "living it" place inside us. Finding a combination of techniques to help relieve stress and its damaging effects is often a life search for many.

Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) involves slight physical tapping on several points along the body, points that loosely correlate to meridian points in acupuncture, points that release energy and bring the remembered event or stress to a different part of the brain. Unlike traditional "talk" therapies, EFT can be learned and practiced immediately. In fact, by the end of the hour and a half all of us were gently tapping our own bodies, following a relaxation exercise led by Inga.

I have since spoken to a therapist friend of mine who spoke about the growing appreciation of these types of physical stimulation techniques in therapeutic circles. While she herself has not employed these techniques with her clients, she has a number of respected colleagues who are and with great results.

Having one more tool in our bags to fight off both the big stress and the small, irritating events that weigh on us every day, seems like a good thing.

If you missed the event, you can learn more about EFT at emofree.com or you can call John at (303) 844-3566 or Inga at 303-423-7903.

Capabilities Expands Selection of Pre-Owned Products

2009-03-04T13:52:00.003-07:00

As the economy bears down on all of us, people everywhere are making sacrifices, holding off on purchases that they might once had considered a necessity, but now have put on the "someday" list. We see folks everyday wishing they could get their mother that reclining lift chair that could make all the difference in her enjoying the day to day. Or, the woman who came in recently searching for a way to get her husband out of the house again. He gets around the house on a walker alright, so Medicare won't cover a power wheelchair. But she knows if he had one, he would be willing to visit the kids and maybe go to Target with her occasionally. There is Aunt Bess whose macular degeneration has gotten bad enough that her old trusty handheld magnifier just won't do the trick to read the morning paper anymore.

If you recognize one of these stories, or have your own wish list, visit or contact us for more information about some of our pre-owned products. We will tell you just what we know about these products, many of them sold originally by Capabilities, so we know for sure their history. Here is just a sampling:

Pride Z Chair: $3000
Pride Jazzy Power Chair with elevating leg rests and wide seat: $1500
Pride Reclining Lift Chair with Heat & Massage: $1000
Telesensory Olympia Video Reader: $1200

National MS Awareness Week Underway

2009-03-02T20:09:00.000-07:00

This week (March 2 - 8) is National Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Week. Designed to engage citizens across the country, the National MS Society and local chapters, are hosting walks, bike rides, and educational programs in hundreds of communities. There are nearly 400,000 Americans diagnosed with MS, with 200 new cases diagnosed every week. Worldwide the number approaches 2.5 million. Read more about MS in our blog. We previously wrote a three-part series describing more about this condition, who gets the disease, and the array of treatments available today for MS. Please consider playing an active role in combatting this disease that affects so many of our friends and neighbors. For more information on what activities you can participate in this week, visit the National MS Society.

Featured Product: Wear Close Primera Ostomy Wear

2009-03-01T18:20:00.004-07:00

Of the 150,000 people who will be diagnosed this year with colorectal cancer, many will undergo a colostomy. This process, which creates an opening in the lower abdomen for exiting fecal matter, is often reversed after a period of time is allotted for healing from CRC surgery. There are ostomies of all types, some requiring smaller or slightly larger openings. In all cases, individuals experiencing an ostomy of some sort, seek options to ensure a return to physical and sexual intimacy. We carry the Wear Close Primera garment, a supple, smooth covering, available in black or beige, that is the closest thing to skin you can find. The company's motto is: "The next best thing to being naked." Founded by a Coloradoan and his wife, this product surpasses all others in this category.

View more about this product. Buy this product.

March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month

2009-03-01T18:15:00.007-07:00

Globally, colorectal cancer is:

the third leading cause of cancer in males
the fourth leading cause of cancer in females one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers in the U.S.
one of the most treatable cancers identied. There are approximately one million CRC survivors in the US today.

Read about one of those million, our guest blogger, Erika Brown, and her triumph over CRC.

Huge Losses: My Family's Struggle with Colorectal Cancer

2009-02-28T17:47:00.000-07:00

Erika's story of survival with colorectal cancer (CRC) is a wonderful one to share with everyone. She is proof that screening can save you. My personal experiences with CRC underscore the same message, although with a less happy ending.

I have lost two family members to CRC, my father and one of my brothers. You can be sure I am a huge proponent of screenings and prevention. In fact, I am up for my own again this year. I am on a five-year plan given my family history.

When I was five, I lost my father to CRC. This was in the 50s when diagnosis of disease, while light years ahead of earlier generations, did not have all the incredible tools available today. Finally diagnosed in 1954, my father (a man in his early 40s) had suffered digestive problems for a year or two prior. When he finally went to the family doctor for the first time, the likely culprit suspected was ulcers. Over time as his symptoms worsened, doctors ultimately decided to do surgery to take a look around, a more common practice then. Once they did, they saw just how serious things were. He lived for nearly three years, all of them difficult. With each surgery they attempted to reroute his digestive track to allow him to eat and function normally. Each attempt worked for a short while until the cancer grew and caused another obstruction. In the end he was unable to eat or do anything of substance. It ravaged him. My mother spoke often of him as a stubborn and determined man, which served him well until he became ill. That stubbornness and the inability to properly diagnose him early enough led to such an early death.

Over the years, I learned more about the causes of his death and took them to heart. I began CRC screenings in my late 20s. I urged members of my family to do the same, although as the youngest by a lot of years, my voice was often heard with love, but not much action. Nearly 12 years ago, one of my brothers became ill. At 57 and always healthy, he was treated initially for high blood pressure and high cholesterol. It became quickly apparent that something else was going on. He reluctantly admitted to have some digestive problems for the previous year that he did not pay much attention to. One series of tests led to another until cancer was detected in his liver. As he spoke with the surgeon who would operate and try to eliminate it, the story expanded. His surgeon was not satisfied that the liver was the host of the original cancer. And sure enough, upon doing more testing, the doctor discovered a blockage. The cancer had begun in the colon and rectum, but had spread to the liver. My brother was in stage IV of this disease. When he awoke from surgery with a colostomy, he could barely face that fact. While initially severely depressed by his fate, and angry at himself for never having heeded the messages from me and the health care community about the high incidences of heredity involved with CRC, he did embark upon a rigorous chemotherapy treatment. While it provided some shrinkage, especially of the tumors in his liver, his disease had progressed too dramatically for an optimistic prognosis. He died six months later with all of us at his side.

As I said, you can bet that I am a champion for CRC screenings. My family's story tells of the other side of this disease, the side riddled with losses and sorrow. Who knows how differently this story could have turned out if, in my dad's case, he had spoken up sooner and had more advanced technology been available. In my brother's case, it is maddeningly clear that had he undergone routine screenings the cancer might never have formed, or if it had, the doctors would have identified and treated it sooner, before it metastasized. Sometimes I feel angry all over again when I think about my intelligent and wonderful brother living with his head in the sand. Other times, I wish people like Erika had been in our lives to remind everyone just how important it is to have regular screenings. Mostly, I miss him like crazy and hope that everyone else in the family takes it to heart.

Please, please, have a CRC screening. You don't need one every year. Depending on what they see when you have yours, you may not need another one for 5 or 10 years. Get over your reluctance to have a colonoscopy, or get used to the fact that you could be one of the 50,000 who die each year from this very preventable disease.

Get more details from www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/types/colon-and-rectal. Please post your thoughts and comments to this blog below.

Guest Blogger: Erika Brown as Just One in a Million

2009-02-26T17:30:00.002-07:00

This month we are thrilled that Erika H. Brown, a Denver entrepreneur and health activist, shares her own story of surviving colon cancer. Erika is founder of Stellar Health Connections and "The Passionate Prevention Promoter," as she is known around town. March is colon cancer awareness month and Erika has a personal and professional commitment to improve the quality of life of others by promoting the prevention of colorectal cancer (CRC). CRC is among the most treatable of cancers. It is also one of the most deadly because individuals do not want put colonoscopies high on their list. The disease silently takes root without dramatic symptoms, at least initially. Among her many gifts, Erika offers herself in her blog to anyone who would like to learn more, talk more about the disease and treatments, and find additional resources for themselves or family members. You can contact Erika at 303-780-9111.

Just One in a Million by Erika H. Brown

Approximately 150,000 people this year will get the same type of grim news that I got in August 2002: “I’ve got good news and bad news. The good news is that you will not need to wear a bag”. (My orange-sized tumor was located in the ascending colon.) Many folks will get the news that they will be facing the colostomy experience, and this news will not be easy to hear.

On August 26, 2002, I became one of those 150,000 people to be diagnosed with colorectal cancer (CRC). This was the day I had my second diagnostic colonoscopy and was given the news that evidence of “some disease” had been found, that my next steps to take were to have a CT scan (the next day), and to meet with my surgeon the following day. This was a second procedure because the first one had been “inconclusive;" the GI specialist had not been able to effectively see “around the bend” into my ascending colon and had, therefore, missed the tumor. He ruled out chances of there being tumor, based upon the fact that he had seen no polyps in my colon wall. And, despite the fact that I had more and more visits with my doctors in attempting to find out what my ailment was, subsequent tests seemed to rule out anything of a cancerous nature - until that fateful day in August.

Surgery took place right after Labor Day. My entire colon was “redesigned” with the removal of the tumor, my spleen, and 12 lymph nodes. My surgeon disclosed that my disease was staged at III, 8 of the 12 nodes were “positive”, the spleen had not been affected by the cancer but was gone, and that my “margins” were clean. He felt that I must have the gold standard of chemo and, if I did that, I just might “make it," that I might become “one in a million”.

I got the message. After I recuperated from surgery, I was started on a regimen of 6 months of chemo – a cocktail that gave me no pleasure but provided me with more insurance that I might be able to beat Stage III disease. And I do believe that that chemo insurance paid off – grueling as it was.

Six and ½ years later I am NED (no evidence of disease). I’m one of the lucky few who’ve made it through stage III disease and who have not experienced any progression of the disease. (Too many stage III’ers of CRC experience progression within the first couple of years of their initial diagnosis and treatment. Many – but not all – succumb to the disease within that 3 year window.) NED: these three lovely letters make up a word that cancer folks love. Meaning “no evidence of disease," those of us who use the term, use it sparingly, especially around other cancer folks. We know full well that so many are not able to describe themselves in this way, and that feelings are understandably very sensitive and mixed. Somehow the designation of NED puts us into a slightly different category; we no longer belong in the cancer world in the same “old way”. We often wonder what we can do to be of service to that world to which we used to belong (and could rejoin!)

I’ve decided that most important thing I personally can do with the rest of the life that I’ve been given is to both provide support for current cancer patients and to raise awareness about prevention. To that end, I do two specific things to help with the cancer matter:

1. I make myself available to anyone diagnosed with colorectal cancer to talk with, meet with, accompany to screenings, etc. Some very kind people did that for me when I was weak and sick, and I’m happy to be there in the very same way for the “new” crowd. Call me: 303.780.9111.
2. I’m getting more deeply involved in the topic of prevention of CRC, the area upon which I choose to focus. Too many people are not getting the message that CRC IS PREVENTABLE!! In other words, were those 150,000 people to be screened, colorectal cancer could be caught and so much of the misery and death possibly prevented. I’m declaring myself to be “a Passionate Prevention Promoter”, and I’ll soon have business cards upon which my own CRC signs and symptoms are printed. **

The death rate (the number of deaths per 100,000 people per year) from colorectal cancer has been dropping for more than 20 years. There are a number of likely reasons for this. One is that polyps are being found by screening and removed before they can develop into cancers. Screening is also allowing more colorectal cancers to be found earlier when the disease is easier to cure. In addition, treatment for colorectal cancer has improved over the last several years. As a result, there are now more than 1 million survivors of colorectal cancer in the United States.

You, too, dear folks, may just be one of these lucky “millionaires” if you take very seriously the message of PREVENTION THROUGH SCREENING. I hope you do!

Read more at the American Cancer Society’s website: (http://www.cancer.org/docroot/cri/content/cri_2_4_1x_what_are_the_key_statistics_for_colon_and_rectum_cancer.asp
** Symptoms to Watch For….
Fatigue
Unexplained weight loss
Gastric distress
Blood in stool
Anemia
Chronic constipation
Paleness
Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS)
Unexplained Abdominal Pain

If you have a CRC story to tell, please email us or post it now.

Featured Event: Tea Tasting

2009-02-25T19:54:00.001-07:00

This is not your mother's tea party! Capabilities and The Teaspot, our supplier partner headquartered in Boulder, host our annual tea tasting event on March 12. Sip on a variety of black, white and green tea combinations while learning about the healthful effects of tea. Register at the event to win a unique Steepware cup. This event is always packed, so RSVP now. See our Events page for more details.

Happiness, Freedom, Peace of Mind

2009-02-21T17:06:00.001-07:00

“There is a wonderful mythical law of nature that the three things we crave most in life -- happiness, freedom, and peace of mind -- are always attained by giving them to someone else.” General Peyton Conway March, Army Chief of Staff (late nineteenth century)

Those of you who know me also know that I am not one to quote generals with any frequency. I was so struck enough by this quote that arrived attached to an email of an acquaintance that I made note of it. Then, as I was searching for something quotable about the month of March for this newsletter, my Google search brought up this very quote again. It felt like fate that I would come upon it again so quickly. Here's what noteworthy to me:

First, he was a General in the Spanish-American war in the late 1800s. I looked for context of this quotation, but could not find any. What on earth was going on at that moment that caused him to say this? While I am sure most of his writings and words had to do with battle and all things military, this gem reveals someone who translated his particular experiences into something much more universal. A learning, perhaps, for all of us, to look beyond our own search for happines, freedom and peach of mind -- especially right now as fear and anxiety grip so many individuals and institutions.

Next, the very idea that when we give we get is so simple and universal a truth that churns around and around in spite of time, culture or opportunity. Is it the human condition that we must learn it over and over again because on its face it seems quite illogical?

We and our staff will let this quotation guide us as we continue in our search to provide relevant and appropriate solutions for you and your families as you search for some happiness, freedom and peace of mind. One of the new services we are introducing to help you attain some of what you need during these challenging times is a focus on pre-owned, slightly used equipment. While our collection is still growing and our selection still modest, be sure to contact us if you have specific needs, or if you have a power wheelchair, hospital patient bed, reclining lift chair, video reader or any other major piece of equipment that you think is in great shape and would like to see it in the hands of someone else.

How are you bringing this sentiment to life? Tell us your story about happiness, freedom and peace of mind. We will select one to share with readers next time.

Featured Product: Talking Scale

2009-02-18T15:53:00.002-07:00

In keeping with our theme of low vision for the month of February, consider talking products. We love this talking scale for three reasons. First of all, the voice is crisp, clear and loud enough to hear while you are standing on the scale. It would defeat the purpose, of course, if you had to bend low to hear it, although some manufacturers have created products with that very flaw. Secondly, accuracy is terrific (to within .2 lbs.). Now, you might not like that if you were hoping to cheat a bit. One of our customers asked if he could program it to tell him the weight he wanted to hear! Thirdly, the voice can be turned off for those in the family who might not need the "talking" part. The display is large and easy to read for those not experiencing low vision.

Take a tour of this product and find out more details for yourself. Purchase it now for yourself or someone you care about.

Guest Blog: PTSD and You

2009-02-17T22:16:00.003-07:00

We are delighted to present our guest blogger, John Garrett, a Vietnam vet who writes about Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and is a practitioner of EFT, Emotional Freedom Technique. He and, Inga Tomasino, a local psychotherapist and practitioner of EFT, will present a workshop on Thursday, March 5, repeating it on Saturday, March 7 at Capabilities. Please be sure to review details and RSVP at Events. John writes here about how PTSD can be a part of anyone's life. He also describes the hope everyone can have in addressing this challenging disorder. Many thanks to John and Inga for sharing their work with the Capabilities' community. Please contact Inga at 303.423.7903 and John at 303.884.3566 for questions and more detailed information about PTSD and EFT.

About 20 years ago, my wife was tossed by her horse, shattered her hand, and cracked her tailbone. Surgery fixed her hand and time healed her tailbone, but her mind was a different story. At the time we did not know enough to recognize that she had suffered a PTSD injury to her psyche that ended a promising show career, and created a never-ending cycle of frustration and mental anguish for this horse crazy woman.
There have been quite a few articles in the papers lately about Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and the numbers of military personnel who are so affected. But, not too much has been written about what PTSD is and who it affects.
PTSD is not primarily a military disorder. It can affect anyone who has experienced a mental or physical trauma, such as being embarrassed in a social, personal or professional situation, experiencing a series of bad personal relationships, having been involved in an accident, or the victim of an assault or criminal act, or in a life threatening situation in combat or other incident..

There are three types of PTSD:

Intrusive: Memories and emotions interfere with the normal interactions with other people. They can feel guilty for surviving. The flashbacks are visual and auditory and are triggered by stimuli that brings to mind an aspect of the event. Nightmares and night terrors are centered around the incident that is causing the PTSD.

Avoidance: When the person tries to avoid: emotions; relationships; taking responsibility for others; and situations similar to the traumatic event.

Hyper-arousal: When the person: Over-reacts to situations; has explosive outbursts; is irritable; is constantly on guard; panics; is easily startled; or has sleep disturbances.

People who suffer from PTSD often turn to drugs or alcohol in an attempt to numb themselves and reduce the effects of PTSD. They develop phobias, easily become anxious, depressed, suffer from guilt, low self-esteem, experience panic attacks, and withdraw into themselves.

There are many different traditional and alternative treatments for PTSD. One alternative that has been used all over the world is the Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT). EFT, which was developed by Gary Craig, and is derived from the Thought Field Therapy (TFT) process by Dr Roger Callahan. Both systems are based on the use of activating through tapping, the energy meridian points on the body, similar to those used in Acupressure and Acupuncture.
The basic idea is that when we experience a trauma, there is a disruption in the flow of energy in the body. This is the result of the Autonomic Response our bodies make when confronted with a perceived danger. Quite often, after a time, the disruption in the energy flow dissipates and the energy flows normally. However, there are occasions when that doesn't occur, and the individual will re-experience the emotional upset when faced with a similar set of circumstances. In other words, they relive the experience, mentally and physically.

Tapping on the meridian points, while concentrating on the upset, stimulates the energy pathways and clears the "blockage." It may take more than one "round" of tapping to complete the clearance. There may also be aspects of the incident that need clearing, as well. The beauty of the system is that it is easy to learn, easy to use, and, more importantly, is highly successful. Recently, Mr Craig and several other EFT Practitioners used EFT with several combat veterans from Vietnam, the Gulf War and Iraq. After one week, the veterans were completely cleared of their emotional attachments to their experiences. EFT and TFT are so effective that they are being used around the world, and in some cases are the first techniques tried.

I have successfully used this technique with equestrians, law enforcement personnel, and civilians who have suffered PTSD symptoms.

Oh... and my wife? Yes, she is back to riding, and loving it. She uses EFT whenever the vaguest imprint of her past injuries interfere with her equestrian pursuits. She is living proof that EFT is a powerful, effective tool.

Tell us about your experiences with PTSD, EFT or overcoming your life's challenges.

Featured Event: PTSD Information Workshop

2009-02-16T17:34:00.000-07:00

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a condition with increasing visibility, primarily due to the public's attention on the war in Iraq that has been part of our Amercian story for many years. This workshop, led by Inga Tomasino and John Garrett, practitioners of EFT, an approach used successfully with PTSD and other conditions. Learn what PTSD is, how one "gets" it, which treatments are available, and what is being done for our combat veterans.
This FREE workshop is being given to provide you with lots of information so that you can make smart choices and know what your choices are. Also, if you are a Vet or know of one, there will be information at this class that could be extremely important to you. Read John's blog, featured as our Guest Blogger this week. See details and RSVP at Events.

Ten Easy Exercises For Healthy Legs

2009-02-15T20:32:00.001-07:00

Do your legs get tired and achy by the end of the day? Do you have swelling and redness on your feet and legs? Don't take leg pain lightly. It could be the sign of a serious condition so be sure to speak with your physician. Sometimes, though, these are signs that you need to get moving. Best of all, focusing on your leg health before something painful happens is the best route.

Here are ten simple exercises you can do just about anywhere and any time:

While sitting, lift one foot of the floor and alternate flexing and pointing your toes. Repeat with the other foot. Do this 20 times or as many as are comfortable.
With both feet on the floor, extend one leg out in front of you, hold and contract your thigh muscle. Return your foot to the floor. Repeat with the other leg. Do this 10 times at least.
In a seated position, lift one foot and pull your heel back towards your buttocks. Hold and contract your hamstring muscle. Return foot to starting position. Repeat with other leg. Do this one at least 10 times.
March in place while loosely swinging your arms. Lift your knees as high as possible. Try this one 20 times.
Lift one foot and point your toes. Trace a figure eight in the air. Repeat with other leg. Do this 10 times.
Put weight on the toes of one foot and simultaneously put weight on the heel of the other foot. Alternate position of the feet and repeat 20 times.
Lying on the floor, raise both legs in the air. Alternate legs in a scissor motion 10 or 15 times.
Stay on the floor and place your hands near your lower back for support. Move legs in a cycling motion in the air using short circular motions for 30 seconds. Repeat this for as long as you can.
On the floor, place your hands near your lower back. With your knees slightly bent, raise and lower your one leg, then the other, repeating 10 times.
While on the floor, raise one or both of your legs and rotate your feet in opposite directions, repeating 20 times.

Always consult your health care professional before beginning an exercise program of any kind. Many thanks to our supplier partner, Juzo, for providing information about leg health and an array of high quality compression garments.

Consider compression garments for swelling, fatigue and soreness in your legs or feet. Read our blog about about edema, the conditions that cause it and how you can help control symptoms.

What An Eye! Ideas for Low Vision

2009-02-14T11:01:00.002-07:00

Monet had cataracts. Although he was not officially diagnosed until he was in his 70s, he experienced the effects of low vision years before. He railed against his fate. "I was forced to change my tune," he wrote a friend with despair. "My poor eyesight makes me see everything in a fog." And so in that fog, he painted anyway. Cezanne, called Monet "just an eye…Oh, but what an eye!" Do you know someone with a condition causing low vision?

If so, you are well aware of the frustration and, sometimes, despair, that comes along with diminishing vision. While not everyone has the talent of Monet, everyone with low vision can take a lesson from Monet, who in spite of feeling very negatively about his condition, kept moving forward. He would not stop painting, his passion fueling him and his imagination. He used the changing light, the mix of colors he could see and those he only remembered, and his fury to create some of the most exquisite paintings of all time. As I stood before one of his works in the Denver Art Museum the other day, I found myself awestruck, as always, with his painting, made all the more poignant by his battle.

What is your passion? When you are challenged with cataracts, macular degeneration, retinitis pigmentosa, Stargardt's disease, or any other condition that causes low vision, you may face your own fury and the need to "change your tune." Monet finally had surgery in one eye (that did not go well) and finally was fitted with glasses that helped slightly. Nowadays, the array of tools available for low vision is extraordinary. Keeping up with "state-of-the-art" in this field is our job.

High quality magnifiers can make a world of difference. If you are already beyond what a handheld magnifier offers, consider electronic options from The Looky to the Acrobat. In the spirit of helping us all through this economy, we have a couple of video readers that either were pre-owned or demo models in our store that we are offering at reduced prices. See our write up on pre-owned products or contact us for more information. If you are ready to take a closer look at how you can continue to do the things you love, contact us. If you are in the Denver metro area, please come visit us and try out some of these extraordinary tools for yourself. They won't turn you into an artist (unless you are already one), but they might just give you that "eye" you need to be passionate again.

Washington Park Cares Sponsors Health Speaker

2009-02-12T17:37:00.004-07:00

Integrative Medicine may be a new term for many of us. We are familiar with "traditional medicine" and the care model associated with it, but the new approach in medicine today is care that incorporates both Western and Eastern philosophies. The University of Colorado Hospital now has a center for Integrative Medicine, offering both conventional and alternative medicine.
Washington Park Cares (WPC) is honored to have Dr. Lisa Corbin from University of Colorado Hospital as a speaker this month. Not only is this a perfect time to learn more about Integrative Medicine, but it's a great opportunity for WPC members and their guests to share in new learning together. Mark your calendar now and be sure to join us.

DATE: Wed., Feb. 18TH
TIME : 9:30 a.m.
LOCATION: District 3 Police Station @ Iowa & University Blvd. (@ I-25)
For more information, contact Pam.

The mission of Washington Park Cares is to help neighborhood seniors connect with services and resources to continue life on their own terms, with dignity and independence, in their own homes.