by Phil Campbell, M.S., M.A., FACHE
Senior Games participant and author of
Ready, Set, GO! Synergy Fitness - 2nd Edition

New biomedical research proves why everyone over age 50 should be training for the Senior Games.

Research discoveries in 2002 show that we can unleash the most powerful body fat-cutting, muscle-toning, anti-aging substance known to science, naturally, with specific types of exercise, and the workouts necessary in training for many of the Senior Games events do the job.

The American Heart Association recently cited research showing that high-intensity exercise can significantly lower the risk of heart disease. Simply, as exercise intensity goes up, the risk of heart disease goes down.

The researchers compared the impact of different levels of exercise intensity on men with an average age of 66. The subjects in the high-intensity exercise group produced a 31 percent risk reduction for heart disease, which was 14 percent better than those who performed less intense exercise.

"The harder one exercises … the lower the risk of heart disease," says lead researcher Dr. I-Min Lee, associate professor Harvard Medical School.

Anti-aging exercise

Anaerobic exercise (as contrasted with aerobic exercise) involves short, high-intensity sprint training, rather than endurance training.

Researchers show that high-intensity anaerobic workouts that include the short-burst get-you-out-of-breath sprinting types of exercise make your body release significant amounts of growth hormone (Impact of acute exercise intensity on pulsatile growth hormone release in men, 2000, Pritzlaff).

As children, growth hormone (HGH) makes us grow taller, but when we reach our full height, this hormone actually changes roles. When we’re adults, increasing HGH reduces body fat and trims inches. Growth hormone actually becomes the “fitness hormone” for middle-aged and older adults.

New studies show that HGH can be increased by as much as 530 percent with the anaerobic exercise of sprinting, (The time course of the human growth hormone response to a 6s and a 30s cycle ergometer sprint, 2002, Stokes).

Anaerobic sprint workouts can be involve many sports, including running, swimming, cycling, cross-country skiing, and all these are Senior Games events.

Whatever you do, don’t do this!

Don’t jump in, ease in to anaerobic exercise. Anaerobic fitness training is clearly the most productive, but it’s also the most dangerous. Hamstring pulls are a painful potential injury, so flexibility training is essential to every fitness plan.

Everyone, especially those with heart conditions or medical problems, should get physician clearance before performing anaerobic exercise. Even young athletes should progressively ease into high-intensity anaerobic workouts.

Older adults get results with less effort

When you see an 80-year-old participant running a 10-K or working out in the gym, don’t think that it’s unfortunate that she can’t run as fast or lift as much as her 60-year-old counterparts. It’s easier for her to reach higher intensities.

The American Heart Association study proves that exercise intensity is relative to a person’s age and fitness level. In other words, an older person can reach high-intensity levels with an effort level that might be considered low-intensity for a young athlete.

The new study confirms the need for higher intensities, but it also shows that beginners and older adults reach the more productive levels of exercise intensity with less effort than a triathlete, for example.

Newcomers to high-intensity exercise may initially get great results by performing the anaerobic training with power walking, but a fine-tuned triathlete may need more work for the same results.

If you’re over age 50, get physician clearance first, select a Senior Games event or two and get started with a gradual buildup training program.

**********************************************

Free Newsletter on this topic at www.readysetgofitness.com

**********************************************

RESEARCH SUMMARIES CITED:

The American Heart Association Release http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=3008814

National Library of Medicine:

“the GH secretory response to exercise is related to exercise intensity in a linear dose-response pattern.” http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=11960957&dopt=Abstract

“It would appear that the duration of a bout of maximal sprint exercise determines the magnitude of the HGH” response…” http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=12137178&dopt=Abstract

“GH secretory response to exercise is related to exercise intensity” http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=10444604&dopt=Abstract

Additional support studies:

“We conclude that a positive relationship exists between exercise intensity and both CHO(carbohydrates) expenditure during exercise and fat expenditure during recovery and that the increase in fat expenditure during recovery with higher exercise intensities is related to GH release.” http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=10956336&dopt=Abstract

“GH accelerates body fat loss, exerts anabolic effects and improves GH secretion.” http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=11706505&dopt=Abstrac

“exercise is a robust stimulus of GH secretion” http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=12457419&dopt=Abstract

“Total carbohydrate oxidation (exercise plus post exercise period) was significantly higher for HIE (high intensity)” http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=9100214&dopt=Abstract

“. A minimum duration of 10 min, high intensity exercise consistently increased circulating GH in adult males.” http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=1619005&dopt=Abstract

If you’ve seen a fitness magazine lately like Physical Magazine, Fitness RX for Women, Great Life, Muscle Mag, Experience Life, and others, you may have seen Phil Campbell quoted as a fitness expert and an authority on exercise-induced growth hormone. You may have seen him on the cover of Personal Fitness Professional.

Phil Campbell, age 51, holds two advanced degrees, and he is board certified by ACHE. He applies his training in Health Services and his experience in the development of Ready, Set, Go! Synergy Fitness. He spent 20 years in hospital administration where it was his responsibility to take the medical disciplines of surgery, pathology, radiology, pediatrics, physical rehabilitation, physical therapy, pharmacology, and other health disciplines and operationalize diverse medical services into a comprehensive healthcare delivery system that improved the lives of others. And he has taken that same approach in the presentation of information to readers.

Guided by mainstream research

Phil Campbell uses 300 photo-illustrations and cites over 200 mainstream research studies in the biomedical disciplines of endocrinology, exercise science, medicine and fitness training for specific age groups to present a research-supported system that will help improve the lives of others.

He is an expert at taking complex medical subjects and making them understandable and practical. And he shows readers step-by-step how to improve fitness, increase energy, and lose, cut, and tone.

Phil Campbell has a gift for taking complex medical subjects and making them understandable and practical. He shows readers step-by-step how to improve fitness, increase energy, lose, cut, and tone in the most efficient way possible. Phil Campbell wrote his first fitness training manual over 30 years ago. While in college, he managed health clubs and performed personal training … 20 years before it was called personal training.

His inspiration to help improve the health status of large populations was sparked by his Health Services advanced degree advisor, Dr. Ed Cavanaugh, a former division administrator with the Centers for Disease Control in Atlanta. Mainstream biomedical research is the basis for all of Phil Campbell’s writing, and over 160 research studies are cited in his book.

As a masters athlete, Phil Campbell holds several USA Track and Field Masters titles including first place in the 100-meter sprint, Southeastern US Championships for his age group in 2000. In 2003, he won the 200-meter sprint and the discus throw, placed second in the 100 meters, and he set the meet record in the javelin during the USA Masters Track & Field Tennessee Championships. Nationally, he has placed third in USA Track and Field Masters Nationals in his age group in the javelin, and fifth in discus. In his late 40s, he won a 40-yard dash competition in 4.69 seconds. He teaches athletes how to improve speed, agility and quickness during his Speed Camps - www.readysetgofitness.com/speed.shtml. He holds a black belt in Isshinryu Karate and has competed and won first place in martial arts and weightlifting competitions.

Thousands of people across the US have been inspired by Phil Campbell’s motivational presentation “Fitness for a Lifetime.” If you’ll let him, Phil Campbell will show you how to have the most successful and lasting fitness improvement experience of your life.

Pristine Publishers Inc.

A few years ago Miranda M. became a widow. After a short time her grandson (her only available relative) persuaded her to move across several states to be closer to him.

He located a nice retirement apartment where meals, housekeeping, and transportation are provided. By using her small Social Security income, and funds left by her loving husband, Miranda was just able to afford her rent and basic living expenses.

She didn’t much like taking all her meals in the community dining room, so she continued to fix some of them in her own kitchen.

She reluctantly accepted the help of housekeeping for the heavy cleaning. But, as she said, "I need to keep busy. If I can’t make my own bed and dust around I feel like a useless slug. I intend to keep doing for myself just as long as I can get up out of this chair."

But for one unforeseen disaster, Miranda and I never would have met, and she would have happily lived on in her sunny apartment.

You see, disaster struck because Miranda lived too long.

Both she and her grandson had counted on Miranda dying before her 85th birthday. It made perfect sense, they thought, as her family was not generally long-lived.

Her sister and brothers had all passed away at relatively young ages, as had her parents. Miranda figured she would be long gone before her money ran out.

There was only enough left to cover two more months in the retirement apartment when Miranda’s grandson called me.

What was she to do?

Her monthly income of under $900 wasn’t enough to pay for rent, utilities, food, and her medications in the least expensive apartment he could find. He asked me to find her a place in a Medicaid nursing home.

Well, Miranda certainly wasn’t nursing home material.

There was nothing wrong with her mind. She could fix her own meals, and she could keep up her apartment (with a little muscle help). She really had no medical needs, and wouldn’t have qualified for Medicaid and nursing home care even if she had wanted to.

Which she certainly didn’t.

Her only real problem was lack of money (and a grandson who wasn’t any better at planning ahead than she was).

After talking with her doctor and the manager of her apartment to confirm that she really was capable, I set out to try to find a "Section 202" apartment.

Section 202 housing - named after the section of the federal legislation authorizing it - is rental housing specifically for people over the age of 62 who have incomes under 50 percent of the area median income.

According to HUD, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, the average Section 202 resident is a woman in her 70s with an annual income of less than $10,000.

Section 202 residences are built and run by private, non-profit groups who have received loan incentives from HUD. HUD is not involved in day to day operations. Rents are calculated according to income, and rental assistance funds pay whatever balance remains.

Luckily for them, Miranda and her grandson live in a large metropolitan area. There are always more options in a larger town. But somewhere between 20 and 25 percent of Section 202 funds have been set aside for use in non- metropolitan areas, so these apartments aren’t only found in big cities.

Hunting for a Section 202 apartment can be labor-intensive. When an apartment becomes available it rarely stays empty long. Often there are lengthy waiting lists.

The first piece of business was to telephone every apartment complex on the Section 202 list (see below for the web address to get a list). I verified that they were still participating in the program, and asked whether they had any vacancies.

Frankly, I didn’t expect a "yes" to the vacancy question, but it never hurts to ask.

Lo and behold, and miraculously for Miranda, there actually was a vacancy in an older building near downtown. Because it’s not in the pretty suburbs it isn’t as popular as some of the others. For our purposes, it was a palace and a kingdom all in one. Beggars couldn’t be choosers!

If there hadn’t been a vacancy, Miranda and her grandson would have had to visit each apartment complex and place her name on every waiting list. Sometimes the wait can be as long as 2 years or more, so I don’t advocate waiting as long as Miranda did.

Along with her application form, Miranda was required to give the apartment manager proof of her income (a Social Security statement or a pay stub). She was asked about previous landlords who could vouch to her suitability as a tenant. She was asked to provide copies of her pharmacy bills, as those expenses are taken into account when the rent is calculated. This particular apartment manager also wanted a statement from her doctor that she was truly independent.

If she had planned on visiting multiple places, Miranda would have taken along several photocopies of all her information so she could leave it everywhere she applied.

This is where having someone to come along is invaluable. The job can be overwhelming and exhausting for an older person.

If she hadn’t found this affordable place, Miranda probably would have had to move in with her grandson (NOT a happy thought for either of them), or find a little private room to rent in someone’s home, or try to find someone looking for a roommate. I was ready to try whatever it took to keep her off the street.

Because time was short Miranda had to take what was available. She has since put her name on the waiting list at two other apartments that are a little nicer and closer to her grandson. The great thing about Section 202 apartments is that you can move whenever and wherever you wish - depending of course on the terms of the lease you have signed.

To locate a directory of Section 202 housing in your state, go to http://www.hud.gov/directory Choose your state in the upper right corner. From that point on you might have to search around a little for "renting," because the information seems to be in different places on the state pages.

If you want to talk with someone in a HUD office, click on the web address below for a directory of offices: http://www.hud.gov/directory/ascdir3.cfm

If you, or someone you care for, is over 62 and on a limited income, Section 202 housing can be a lifesaver. It’s very important to plan ahead, though, because these apartments are popular.

If you have concerns about finances becoming a problem in the future, start NOW to investigate your options. There’s nothing more frightening than outliving your savings - - ask Miranda.

About The Author

Molly Shomer, LMSW is "Head Coach" of The Eldercare Team, and a dedicated advocate for those who are caring for elderly adults. Please visit her web site at http://www.eldercareteam.com for more elder care articles and important resources for caregivers. "Eldercare News You Can Use," the bi-monthly newsletter, is also available there. Write to her at: molly@eldercareteam.com; mshomer@eldercareteam.com

Using stairs is an everyday nightmare for many people. As we grow older the stairs in our home can become more of a struggle due to mobility problems associated with old age, an accident or illness. Often when out shopping or in a public place an alternative can be found such as a lift or escalator, but the stairs at home can become a daily challenge. Many people who experience difficulty climbing the stairs come to dread having to use them. For people whose bathroom or toilet is upstairs it can be even more of an issue.

When faced with the challenges that limited mobility brings to the home, there are several options. An expensive and disruptive choice is to move into a bungalow, which can be very stressful, especially if the move is away from family and friends. Some people are forced simply to live downstairs. This can lead to a fall in their standard of living, from lack of space and privacy. Another option is to extend the living space downstairs, which can be costly and disruptive and may not be worth the effort when it comes to selling the house. Other people do nothing at all and continue to struggle on a daily basis, increasing their risk of injury from falling.

But there is really no need to continue to live in dread of the stairs or make drastic decisions such as to move. Having a stair lift installed has made life easier for thousands of people with limited mobility. Buying a stair lift can really improve quality of life for someone who wants to stay independent in their own home. The initial cost may be daunting but that needs to be weighed up against the alternative costs and inconvenience of moving to a bungalow or extending the downstairs.

There are many advantages of choosing a stair lift. Out of all the options mentioned above, having a stair lift installed causes the least disruption. In fact, after an initial visit from a representative of the stair lift company to take measurements of the staircase, a stairlift can be installed within a day. The color and upholstery can be chosen especially to blend in or compliment the existing décor. Stair lifts are safe and very easy to operate. And above all for a person with limited mobility a stair lift can give them some freedom and allow them to remain in their own home.

Caroline Smith is a successful freelance writer who has written many articles for http://www.1-stair-lift.com the leading information resource for stair lifts online.

There are two types of stairlift. Straight and curved. The first is designed for straight stairs. The footrest of the lift will normally stop level with the top stair. It may be possible to use a straight stairlift on some configurations of curved stairs.

The second, and generally far more expensive type, is a ‘made to measure’ or ‘curved track stairlift’ which can travel around bends on the stairs and can be made to run on to the landing. Prices vary according to the length of the stairs, the number of bends and the complexity of the bends.

It is worth noting that although far more expensive, the resale value is negligible, as the rail is made to measure and can only be re-installed on an identical staircase.

Curved track stairlifts can be fitted on either side of the stairs, the layout of your staircase will determine which is most suitable. If you need a curved track stairlift you will need to pay a deposit to the company that you are dealing with. This will normally be about 30% of the cost of the lift. The deposit is required because the company are committing themselves to building a stairlift rail that will only fit into your house. You should not have to pay a large deposit if you order a standard straight lift as these can usually be adapted to suit another staircase.

In certain circumstances it is possible to fit a straight stairlift on stairs that have a turn at the top. For example if you have a straight run of stairs with three steps winding onto the landing. Or a straight flight and a quarter landing with two more steps, a folding platform stairlift could be the solution. A straight stairlift is installed with extended legs, so the footrest stops in line with the landing. A solid wooden platform is then built around the footrest of the lift. This platform can then be used to walk safely onto the landing. The platform is hinged so that it can be folded back against the wall to enable other people in the house to use the stairs.

It is also possible to have a powered platform so the user doesn’t have to bend to raise it. Please note that the folding platform option is not suitable for everyone. If you are prone to dizzy spells or feinting or if you have very poor mobility this is not a viable option. Seek independent advice.

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

There is no doubt that having a stair lift in your home can dramatically improve your quality of life. If you are starting to find that climbing the stairs is becoming a hazardous experience, or just hard work, then a stair lift could be the answer. Another solution could be to move to a single storey residence. However, this can be expensive and stressful, and many people are reluctant to leave a house that they have spent many years turning into a home.

Once you start considering the possibility of having a stair lift, you begin to delve into what can be a highly technical area. However sure you are of what you want, I strongly recommend that you take professional advice from someone with experience in this field. In most areas, informed advice is available from community occupational therapists (OT’s). You will also need to make contact with a company who specialises in installing stair lifts. I would advise that you contact at least 3 companies because there can be a huge difference in price and quality. Unfortunately, as the populations average age increases, more and more unscrupulous traders have entered the market and you need to make sure that you are not being ripped off.

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

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

Remember : Always get more than one quote and make sure that the products are ‘like for like’

Try a manufacturer and a local supplier to get a price comparison.

Ask your local authority or Occupational Therapist who they prefer to use.

If possible have another family member or an O/T present.

Ask about maintenance costs, will they still look after your lift even if you don’t sign up to an expensive contract? A reputable company will service your lift regardless.

Are the company approved suppliers? If not, they will struggle to obtain spare parts and their engineers will not be trained by the manufacturer.

An independent supplier can tell you about a range of different stair lifts without bias to one manufacturer.

Exercise caution if the salesman is pushing you to buy that day. Many salesmen start with a high price and discount to close a sale. A reputable company will quote the best price from the start.

If possible try a lift out in a Disabled Living Centre showroom. A stair lift is not suitable for everyone.

Do as much research as possible, there are many companies in this industry who sell at highly inflated prices.

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

Buying a stairlift can have huge benefits for your quality of life, giving you back some freedom and independence. Stairlifts can be adapted to your individual needs, so no matter what your requirements are, there’ll be one to suit you. The stairlift company representative who visits your home can assess what type of design would be best for you. There are two main sorts. Straight stairlifts are suitable for staircases that don’t have any bends. They glide in a straight line up and down the stairs. If your staircase has corners or curves, a curved stairlift will be necessary to negotiate the turns.

Your mobility needs will be taken into account. As it is safer to sit down when using a stair chair lift, seated stairlifts are the most common design. It is possible to install a stand-on stairlift if you have difficulty bending your legs, but this type of stair lift can usually only be installed on a straight staircase and may have a weight limit. A perching stairlift is an option for people who can’t bend their knees to a sitting position and are unable to straighten their legs out. Some public buildings have stairlifts with wheelchair platforms, but these need a lot of space and are often too wide to be fitted to a residential stairway.

Your new stairlift can also be adapted to make it easier for you to use. It’s essential to be safe and comfortable when using a stairlift. Special features can be added to give you more confidence to operate the lift on your own. For example, if you suffer from arthritis in your fingers, you can have a joystick instead of button controls. By choosing a reputable company you can expect to get expert advice to help you choose the best sort of stairlift for your particular needs, which should make life easier and take the fear out of struggling with the stairs on a daily basis.

A reputable stairlifts company can assist you in getting the most out of your new stairlift, so there’s no need to struggle with the stairs any longer.

Caroline Smith is a successful freelance writer who has written many articles for http://www.1-stair-lift.com the leading information resource on stairlifts, including curved and straight stairlifts from a vast selection of quality manufacturers.

Are you worried that you may lose all your life’s earnings and nest egg due to the rising costs of in-home long term care? As you get older do you have the necessary finances to protect yourself from going broke while slightly incapacitated? Many seniors are worried about are worried about the costs of long-term health care.

Are you worried that if something happens to you, that you may run out of money and burn thru their reserves and all your nest egg. Even be forced to sell your paid for home to survive? The costs for long-term in home care are rising, just like the current costs in health care. The average nursing home stay is 2.5 to 5 years of care with a cost of $135.00 per day. At that rate it will not take log to burn thru piles of cash. This is a concern of seniors and rightfully so.

It is very important to have long-term care insurance in order to protect your assets and give you peace of mind. You need the assurance of quality care, choice and control over receipt of care.

As we get older we do not wish to burden our offspring to come take care of us as they have their own family obligations; so we will want to avoid dependence and it might be nice to receive some tax advantages too. Paying for Long-Term Care requires some strategic planning; either thru family pact to take care of you or long term care insurance. Nothing is not guaranteed and do not expect the government to foot the bill. You see medicare is great but this program may pay for skilled nursing facility care for a very short period of time – but no longer than 100 days and only when you meet all the Medicare requirements for daily skilled care. If you live in California there is Medi-Cal, but this program, called Medicaid outside California, may pay for skilled, rehabilitation and custodial care that is not covered by Medicare, but only if you first “spend-down” assets to federal and state legal impoverishment level guidelines. Can you pay for your care thru personal or family assets without selling your home? Most people provide for long-term care expenses from personal or family income, assets and resources.

Your more strategic choice for Long-Term Care may involve having an insurance program. Specially designed programs to pay for long-term health care expenses are viable option. HIPAA defines Federal tax treatment of insurance policies that provide long-term care coverage. Policies that meet certain criteria are designated as “qualified long-term care insurance” and will receive certain tax incentives: the cost of coverage may be deductible and long term care benefits received will not be reported as taxable income. Please consult your tax advisor for information about your personal situation.

Play it safe and know your options regarding long-term health care and know protect your assets. Think on this.

"Lance Winslow" - Online Think Tank forum board. If you have innovative thoughts and unique perspectives, come think with Lance; www.WorldThinkTank.net/wttbbs/

Wheelchairs come in every shape and size with sufficient options that you can find the wheels you like to take you where you want to go with the assistance you need. To enhance the comfort and convenience of your journey, choose accessories tailored to provide the best support for your activities and your health concerns.

A manual powered wheelchair is a good choice if you have reasonable upper body strength, but electric wheelchairs are preferred by people with upper body impairments. A manual chair could be suitable for years, but increasing age, pain, or fatigue might make it clear that it is time to switch to a motorized chair and save the wear and tear on your body. If you are an active sportsperson, you’ll want a lightweight manual; if you live in an area with rough terrain, you’ll need wheels and tires that are up to the job. For people whose problem is simply limited ability to walk or stand for long periods of time, motorized scooters are probably the preferred choice. Once you have considered your needs and made your chair selection, check out the wonderful choice of wheelchair accessories that can change your ride from good to great.

The Perfect Cushion is a Necessity not a Luxury

A good seat cushion for your chair is too important to be considered a luxury item and you should find one that fits your requirements exactly. A good cushion can save you not only from pressure sores but also from the incorrect posture that can generate a variety of back and neck problems. If you have a neuromuscular disease, respiration, circulation and swallowing are also concerns that need to be addressed by correct posture, which means being supported by a good cushion.

1. Foam cushions are the least expensive, are lightweight, and are available in a variety of densities. You can also cut and trim them if pressure problems develop. They will, however, lose their shape eventually, which, in itself, can create pressure problems.

2. Air floatation cushions will give you even pressure distribution and some models can be inflated to the exact height needed. You can purchase them as single-chamber cushions or dual-chamber cushions that allow the sides to be at different heights. They are lightweight and waterproof, but can, however, develop leaks or punctures. The pressure should be checked regularly.

3. Gel cushions are particularly comfortable and distribute pressure very evenly. They are heavier than foam or air, however, and it is important to check these products to make sure the design you are considering will not allow the gel to push out to the sides and cause the cushion to lose its shape.

A Wheelchair Ramp Gets You to Where You Want to Be

We’ve come a long way, baby, from the days when it was difficult or impossible for wheelchair riders to gain entrance to most public buildings. There are now ramps, enlarged doorways, at least one large stall in most public restrooms, and areas in the parking lot designated for handicap parking. There are older buildings, however, that have not yet made accommodation for mobile chairs, and, of course, most private homes are difficult to access with a wheelchair. You will need to travel by car or van on occasion, which means you need some kind of ramp, lift, or hoist to use with the vehicle, and a lift in the home may be necessary for a wheelchair user to access an upper floor. Fortunately, there is a wide range of new and used lifts, ramps and hoists, and you should be able to find a suitable product among the many wheelchair accessories available for any situation you encounter.

The term "permanent wheelchair ramp" is self-explanatory; "semi-permanent" means that it is assembled using bolts, which, of course, can be loosened so that the ramp can be moved and used elsewhere. A portable ramp can be folded or rolled up and will have some kind of carrying case – one model has suitcase handles. Ramps can have such safety refinements as side rails and non-skid tracks. You can select portable ramps that are suitable for use with thresholds only or for use with minivans. Van ramps are less expensive than lifts, fold in half, and are stored vertically.

Wheelchair lifts will have either electrical or hydraulic operating systems. Hydraulic lifts have the advantage of working even when there is a power outage, and they will provide a smooth and fluid ride. Electric lifts are cheaper, are quiet and comfortable, and can be fitted with automatic door openers and even telephone jacks. Make sure you choose one that has a battery for use in case of emergency. Stair lifts are very convenient and popular for home use and for accessing ordinary cars, and are easy for one person to operate. Automotive lifts can be quickly assembled and taken apart.

Other Wheelchair Accessories Provide Additional Comfort and Convenience

Wheelchairs provide independence and mobility, and, with the right wheelchair accessories, will maximize comfort, convenience, safety, and quality of life. These items might include:

1. Mounting systems for communication devices and laptop computers

2. Restraint systems for securing your chair in order to transport it in a car or a van

3. Adjustable hand controls and driving controls

4. Support aids:

* to help in sitting upright

* to prevent slipping from side to side

* to support the head

* to elevate the legs

5. Wheelchair locks and covers

6. Protective pads for arms, elbows and legs, and gloves for the hands and cushions for the back

7. Voice activated wheelchair controls

Take Advantage of Easy Online Shopping

Compare costs and find the best price for the right product online. Whether you need a wheelchair ramp and accessories, or equipment for adapting your chair for growth or loss of body strength or mobility, the Internet can be your best source of product information and cost comparison. Technology is always changing, and there are new products available to make your life easier every year, no matter what medical problems you have. Order replacement parts for your chair, such as batteries, tires, and wheels, as well as new or old and familiar products with confidence from the convenience of your home. We can help keep you independent and on the move with wheelchair accessories that are just right for you.

About the Author
Scott Gray is currently freelance writing and enjoys providing information and moneysaving tips to consumers who are in the market for a wheelchair, power wheelchairs, or looking for more information about wheelchair accessories.

If you have an injury or a health problem that restricts your mobility, you can achieve the independence you desire with a wheelchair that’s just right for you. Wheelchairs are constructed for people of every size, shape, and age, and have features designed to meet the many diverse interests of users and appropriate for the various levels of assistance required. Important factors to consider when choosing a wheelchair is the type of terrain and the general weather conditions with which you have to cope. There are wheelchair accessories as well as wheelchair ramps and lifts that will make life easier and more convenient if you experience life on wheels, permanently or temporarily.

The two broad categories of wheelchairs are manual chairs, powered by the users, and electric wheelchairs, powered by batteries. If you have reasonable upper body strength, you will probably be happy with a manual wheelchair, and it is only a matter of choosing one that fits you both physically and in terms of your lifestyle.

A Manual Wheelchair Is Lightweight and Easy to Transport

If you can propel a wheelchair with your arms, a manual chair is the least expensive chair, has no batteries to recharge, and the fact that it is lightweight makes traveling with it and transporting it relatively easy.

1. The standard manual wheelchair has fixed armrests, and footrests that are fixed but can be adjusted up and down. These chairs are built of steel, chrome, or aluminum, and the material used affects both the weight and price of the chair.

2. The detachable manual wheelchair has detachable armrests or footrests or both, and is especially appropriate if you cannot bear weight on your legs.

3. An orthopedic wheelchair is a good choice if you have hip or knee problems because it has a number of elevation footrests, allowing the legs to rest in various raised positions.

4. A reclining wheelchair with its reclining backrest is useful if you have difficulty in sitting upright or need to lie down frequently.

5. A wheelchair appropriate for a child must be suitable for the school environment and social setting of the child, and, if it is for long-term use, must be able to "grow" with the child. This means that it is not only important to find one with removable armrests and footrests, but also one that allows you to replace the crossbrace and the front frame sections.

6. Lightweight chairs vary in weight from twelve pounds to forty-five pounds and were originally designed for wheelchair sports. Today, they have become popular for everyday use because of their cool look and the ease of transporting them.

7. Specialty chairs are built for people who need very large chairs or chairs that can support extra weight, or for people who can propel the chair with only one arm, or whose center of gravity is less common because of leg amputations. There are chairs designed especially for patient in nursing homes; chairs that can be operated by programmable joysticks, head controls, or are voice activated; and chairs for indoor use only. No matter what your special needs are, you can find a chair that is right for you.

A Power Wheelchair is Great if You Need an External Power Source

If you have limited strength in your arms, an electric wheelchair will supply that power for you. Power wheelchairs use either gel cell or wet cell batteries that require regular recharging, and there are several different styles of chair depending on where the battery is mounted. It can be under or behind the seat, on a pedestal mounted on a power platform, within a round platform with the seat fixed to it, or as power-pack attachments, allowing a manual chair to be converted to a power chair. There are also electric scooters for anyone whose difficulty is limited walking and standing ability.

A power wheelchair have a number of disadvantages compared to manual. They are bigger, heavier, and bulkier than manual chairs, and certainly more expensive. They are also difficult and expensive to transport and require regular battery recharging. The advantages, however, far outweigh the disadvantages when they contribute to your well-being. Power chairs are easy to propel and preserve the user’s strength and energy for other activities. They also reduce the pain and wear and tear on arms and shoulders from daily use. Power chairs permit continued activity and quality of life even if there is a decline in your body’s function. Not only that, but they have become sportier looking (e.g., like the Jazzy power wheelchair), and are no longer as big and bulky as they once were. As well, some models can be folded or disassembled for ease of transport. Check out the recent changes in power chairs.

To reduce the cost, powered wheelchairs can be purchased secondhand, but remember that a used wheelchair doesn’t have a transferable warranty from the manufacturer and the price should reflect that fact. If you have a disability, you can often receive assistance in purchasing a needed wheelchair through various charitable organizations, or can have part of the cost covered by your medical insurance. Make your needs known.

Good Wheelchair Accessories Make a Huge Difference in Comfort and Convenience

A good cushion for your wheelchair turns an uncomfortable or acceptable chair into a great chair. The cushion must assist the user in maintaining correct posture to help prevent pressure sores, and allow for good respiration and circulation. There are three main types of cushions:

1. Air floatation cushions are light and waterproof, but are subject to punctures and leaks, and the air pressure has to be checked regularly.

2. Foam cushions are lightweight and inexpensive and available in a range of densities. Unfortunately, they wear out faster than the other two styles and will lose their shape over time.

3. Gel cushions are heavier than the other two styles but are very comfortable. Make sure, however, that you don’t buy a product that allows the gel to shift out to the sides, which will cause the cushion to lose its shape.

Other accessories for comfort and convenience are mounting systems to hold communication devices and laptop computers, and restraint systems for securing a wheelchair in a car or van. There are also support aids to assist people to sit upright, to prevent slipping from side to side, and to support the head. Also available are gloves, seat covers, and arm, elbow, and leg pads. There are wheelchair locks and covers as well as car hand-controls and driving controls.

Wheelchair ramps, hoists and lifts allow wheelchair access to buildings that have not been constructed for wheelchair use, and there are automotive lifts and ramps for cars and vans. There are permanent, semi-permanent (using bolts), and portable ramps, and they operate electrically or with hydraulic systems.

You can find information about wheelchairs of every type and style, both new and used, on the Internet. There is a wonderful selection of wheelchair accessories, replacement parts and batteries, exercise equipment, and wheelchair lifts, ramps, and even plans for anyone willing and capable of building a wheelchair ramp. Shop, compare, and order with confidence online. On the Internet, you can find the wheels you need and the means to travel in comfort. Your wheelchair should liberate you; make sure you find one that does.

Scott Gray is currently freelance writing and enjoys providing information and moneysaving tips to consumers who are in the market for a wheelchair, wheelchair ramps, or wheelchair accessories.

Don’t think you need it? Consider this: a full 50% of Americans over the age of 50 will need long term care at some point in their lives. The average cost of nursing facility care (or home health care assistance) is $61,000 per year, and the average stay in a long term care facility is 2½ years. Can you think of a faster way to decimate your nest egg?

Or look at it this way: you would never go without homeowner’s insurance, would you—even though the chance of a house fire is just one in 1,200. Yet according to a recent study, if you are age 65 or over, you are ten times more likely to find yourself in a nursing home this year as you are to have your house burn down.

So if haven’t looked into Long Term Care Insurance—or LTCI—now is the time. Become an educated consumer. Find out how it works and what it covers, so you can determine if it is right for you. This overview will get you started.

What Exactly Is Long Term Care?

Long term care is the assistance you may need if you become unable to care for yourself because of prolonged illness or disability.

Generally, a person becomes eligible for LTCI benefits when he or she is unable to perform any two of six “Activities of Daily Living” (bathing, eating, dressing, toileting, continence, and transferring—say from a bed to a chair). People with Alzheimer’s disease or severe cognitive impairment are also eligible and those who receive doctor-certification that they require care for at least 90 days.

LTCI provides coverage for such care, whether received in a nursing home or in your own home. In fact, one of the advantages of LTCI is that it allows you to make your own healthcare choices—such as electing in-home care that permits you to remain at home.

No, Medicare Doesn’t Cover It!

One of the myths of long term care is that Medicare will foot the bill. But Medicare pays for just a very small percentage of nursing home care, and eligibility is very restrictive. (For a nursing home stay, Medicare requires that you must be hospitalized for at least three days and must receive skilled care daily. In addition, you must enter a Medicare-approved facility and stay in a Medicare-approved bed.)

Here’s how it works: Medicare covers all eligible expenses for the first 20 days. For days 21-100, you first pay a co-payment as of 2005 is $114.00 per day; Medicare pays the difference. After 100 days, Medicare ceases to pay altogether.

In other words, Medicare is designed to cover short term recuperative care. But for most long term care patients, the average period of care exceeds 900 days. And unless you are impoverished and qualify for Medicaid (public aid), you are responsible for those staggering bills. That’s where LTCI comes in.

What’s the Best Time to Buy?

The best time to buy, quite simply, is now. The younger and healthier you are, the more insurable you’ll be—and the lower your premiums. Already in your 70s? If you’re in fair health, chances are you’ll be able to obtain coverage. You won’t know unless you ask, so by all means ask.

Here’s a good thing to know: once your policy is in effect, premiums never increase due to changes in your age or health. Premiums remain level unless your insurance carrier raises premiums for an entire class of policyholders in your state. Most policies are guaranteed renewable, which means that the company cannot cancel the policy or reduce benefits regardless of age.

Another excellent reason to buy right now: you’ll have the protection in case you need it.

What Should I Look for in a Policy?

Believe it or not, LTCI has been around for more than 30 years. During that time, policies have evolved to become quite sophisticated. As a result, there are a number of plan design features you’ll need to consider when evaluating a plan:

Coverage: A good LTCI plan includes coverage for nursing facility care, home care, adult day care, assisted living facility care, hospice care, and homemaker or companion services. In addition, the plan should cover your pre-existing conditions and offer complimentary care management and consultation, which can be invaluable in mapping the course of care.

Daily Benefits: LTCI benefits range from $100-$500 a day. Your choice should be driven by the cost of living in your area. Find out the actual long term care costs in your region, and use that knowledge to determine your benefit. (Your insurance agent should be able to provide this information.) And don’t forget to consider inflation! Will the benefit you choose today be viable ten years from now? Because healthcare costs are rising faster than the cost of living, you may wish to purchase an optional inflation rider, which automatically increases your daily benefit at regular intervals.

Benefit Duration: Most LTCI carriers offer a choice of two, three, four or five year benefit durations, as well as an unlimited duration. The longer the benefit duration, the higher the premiums. Consider your age, health, and budget when choosing a benefit duration.

Insurance Carrier: Don’t be tempted to save a few dollars by purchasing coverage from an unknown quantity. When evaluating insurance carriers, ask for their industry ratings. Rating services such as Standard and Poors and A.M. Best evaluate insurance carriers based on their financial condition and claims paying ability. A strong, solid company will be eager to provide you with its current ratings. A number of solid, reputable insurance carriers—such as Met Life, Genworth, Prudential, John Hancock, and others—offer LTCI. Trust your instincts.

How Much Will LTCI Cost?

Premiums vary according to your age, health, and plan design.

How Do I Get LTCI?

LTCI is available on both an individual and group basis. If you are working, ask your employer if your company offers a plan. If not, ask if your spouse, children or even your children’s spouses can obtain LTCI at work. Group LTCI coverage is often available to extended family members.

Otherwise, find an independent agent who specializes in LTCI. An independent agent represents multiple top-rated companies, so he or she can find the most competitive plans. In addition, a knowledgeable agent will be able to answer your questions and help design the right plan for you.

Protect your nest egg—and your healthcare options. For seniors with an eye on the future, Long Term Care Insurance makes more sense than ever.

Murray Gordon is the president of MAGA Limited, a long term care insurance agency in Deerfield, IL, http://www.magaltc.com. Contact: Lekas & Levine PR, Joannepr@aol.com.