When to Use Walking Aids
There are many factors that contribute to the possession and use of walking aids. From childhood, almost all of us have been in a situation wherein we have needed and relied on walking aids, at certain times in our lives and during certain periods of time. Several factors may be due to leg injuries and bone dislocations that resulted from accidents, sports-related injuries and even those as simple as sprains. Some people also possess and use walking aids due to acquiring diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis, which primarily affect the bones. These factors became apparent when the Center for Rehabilitation and Rheumatology at Amsterdam, The Netherlands spearheaded the conduct of a medical investigation on the possession and use of walking aids among patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) or osteoarthritis (OA).
The medical investigation was also conducted in order to identify factors contributing to possession and actual use of the walking aids. Method of investigation induced was through a random sampling of 640 patients with RA or OA. They derived this number from a database of 6,500 registered patients. A standard questionnaire sheets on possession and use of walking aids were released to the patients for answering. Overall, 410 or 64% of the target 640 patients completed the said questionnaire.
Among the 410 patients, 223 have RA and 87 have OA. The assessment on demographics, disease-related characteristics and information about possession and use of walking aids was completed as based on the patients' answers. In determining which factors are associated with the possession and use of walking aids, logistic regression analyses were used. The result of the study was that forty nine (49%) of the OA patients owned a walking aid. The aids they most frequently possess vary ? from canes, forearm crutches, walkers and orthopedic footwear.
Age and disability were the factors associated with their possession of walking aids. Meanwhile, in the group with rheumatoid arthritis, factors associated with their possession of walking aids are age, education, frequency of pain and disability. Approximately 30% of patients do not use their walking aids. The actual use of an aid were determined by higher age, a high intensity of pain, more disability, decrease in morning stiffness by the aid, and a positive evaluation of the aid. As far as the medical investigation's findings are concerned, almost half of the patients with rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis possess walking aids.
The need for the walking aids was determined because of the following common factors: disability, pain and age-related impairments. Those who do not use the walking aids were mostly because of less need for it, negative outcome and negative evaluation of the walking aid.This medical investigation shows that most individuals with RA or OA, will, depending on several determinants, sooner or later, are going to need walking aids for support. It would also help to come up with new walking aid models that would particularly address the needs of individuals with RA or OA. -30-For comments and inquiries about the article visit http://www.walkingaidsplus.com/.
Kay Zetkin discovered the pleasure of writing through her daily journals as a teen-ager. Writing in it helped sort out her thoughts, relieve her feelings and record what she observes of the world.For her, writing is an effective tool to express your viewpoints... To write is already to choose, thus, writing should be done along with a critical mind and a caring soul. She hopes to become more professional, skilled and mature in her craft.Advances in Digital Hearing Aid Technology Making People Turn a New Ear
Guelph, Ontario (ContentDesk) October 14, 2005 -- Just ask Henry Foucault of Exeter, Ontario and hell tell you. People cant tell Im wearing a hearing aid, as he motions towards his left ear. Hes quite right. All that is noticeable is a thin, inconspicuous wire, virtually invisible compared to the bulky ear pieces of some of the other residents in this home for the aged. My old hearing aid was such a pain, says Foucault, I couldnt hear my hockey commentary with it on, so it stayed in my dresser drawer. Foucault is referring to the new streamlined appearance and sound improvements that are helping to make wearing a hearing aid worth its weight & or rather lack of it.
Anna Fleet, Editor for http://www.hearingaids101.com/, a website devoted to educating those on hearing aids, hearing accessories and hearing loss, agrees that Thanks to recent improvements in hearing aid technology, especially from the digital market, a hearing aid can now address a patients exact hearing...
Advances in Digital Hearing Aid Technology Making People Turn a New Ear
Hearing aids > Advances in Digital Hearing Aid Technology Making People Turn a New Ear
Medicare and Hearing Aids
While approximately .08% of children born in the U.S. have some degree of hearing impairment, the vast majority of audio-impaired people are over age 50. Because the people in this age range often have limited resources for health coverage, purchasing hearing aids can be financially difficult.
It is not unusual for older people to procrastinate about going to hearing evaluations. They usually know if they are losing their hearing and know that hearing aids are expensive.
If they are uninsured or underinsured, they may have trouble making such a purchase.
Unfortunately for those without private health insurance, hearing aids may have to be purchased out-of-pocket. The debate of the issue of Medicare and hearing aids has been a lengthy and ongoing battle. With only a few exceptions, Medicare continues to exclude hearing aid coverage in both of the plans: A & B. Even people who purchase additional Medigap policies through private insurance companies...
Hearing aids > Medicare and Hearing Aids
Hearing Aids: Convenient and Affordable
Cranbury, NJ (ContentDesk) January 21 2004--The Songbird 400 is an over-the-counter hearing aid with extraordinary sound quality provided by an imbedded digital chip.
Persons with mild to moderate hearing loss, who have never before used a hearing aid, can now enjoy clear sound.
The volume automatically adjusts to any environment.
The advanced design of the Songbird 400 makes it a convenient, comfortable device.
It can be easily inserted when and where necessary, according to the needs of the individual user.
Since the device is used "as needed," the wearer never pays for more use than required.The Songbird 400 is priced at $59 each and, after the 400-hour/90-day battery life, the disposable unit is simply replaced by a new one.
No batteries to change, no costly repairs.
Offered with a 30-day money back guarantee and no restocking fee, the Songbird 400 is available online at SongbirdHearing.com or by calling 1-800-251-6622.Songbird...
Hearing aids > Hearing Aids: Convenient and Affordable