Choosing a powerchair

Wheelchair user and friend at a bar having a drink. Photo by ELEVATE on Pexels.com

Choosing a power wheelchair can be a daunting task. There are so many different models and features to consider, not to mention the importance of finding one that fits your needs and lifestyle. In this article, we will explore three essential factors to consider when choosing a powerchair: ensuring proper fit, comfort, and safety; considerations for indoor vs. outdoor use; and evaluating comfort and support.

Ensuring proper fit, comfort, and safety

Ensuring proper fit, comfort, and safety should be the top priority when selecting a powerchair. A well-fitting chair will provide better support and stability while reducing the risk of injury or pain. Here’s what you should keep in mind:

1. Seat width and depth – The seat width should accommodate your hips comfortably while the seat depth should allow your upper legs to rest on the seat without touching the backrest.

2. Backrest height – The backrest height should support your entire back from your shoulders down to your tailbone.

3. Armrests – You should be able to rest your arms on the armrests comfortably without raising or lowering your shoulders.

4. Footrests – Your feet should rest comfortably on footplates with leg rests that are adjustable for length and angle.

5. Headrest – If you need extra head support, select a chair that includes an adjustable headrest.

6. Safety features – Make sure that there is a reliable locking mechanism for parking brakes in place.

7. Battery life – Depending on how long you plan to use the chair each day, make sure it has enough battery life to last throughout the day without needing frequent recharging.

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Considerations for indoor vs outdoor use

One crucial factor when choosing a powerchair is where you plan to use it most often: indoors or outdoors?

Indoor chairs are usually smaller with shorter wheelbases making it easier to maneuver through doorways and tight spaces like hallways or kitchens in homes or apartments.

However, if you’re planning on using it primarily outdoors where you’ll encounter uneven terrain such as grassy fields or inclined hillsides then an outdoor model might be more appropriate because of its larger wheels with thicker tread patterns which offer better stability over less predictable surfaces.

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Evaluating comfort and support

Comfort is critical when choosing any wheelchair including powered ones! A comfortable chair can help reduce fatigue during longer periods of sitting while also helping prevent pressure sores from developing over time due to improper positioning while in motion.

Here are some additional ideas:

1) Cushioning- Look at materials used inside as well as outside i.e., foam padding versus gel pads etc.; some may offer more flexibility than others depending on personal preference/needs

2) Ergonomics- The powerchair design should enhance posture rather than dampen it; extra lumbar supports along lower spine areas can provide excellent reinforcement

3) Adjustability- If someone has limited mobility/hand function & experiences discomfort when seated upright someone attaching tilt/recline mechanisms could alleviate chronic irritation & maintain skin health better by offering improved weight distribution.

In conclusion,

Selecting an electric wheelchair may appear overwhelming but keeping these three key factors in mind helps one achieve ultimate satisfaction when using them:

1) ensuring proper fit
2) considering intended purpose (indoors vs outdoors)
3) evaluating overall comfort/support

By taking these into meticulous consideration beforehand not only will individuals feel more secure but their investment will stand up longer fulfilling their expectations effectively!

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Crazy idea.

If I was given the opportunity to try any sport without endangering my life, I would definitely hop onto a bobsleigh. Who wouldn’t want to feel the chill of adrenaline rushing through their veins as they zoom down an icy track like a bat out of hell?

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The rush must be absolutely invigorating, but let’s face it; being strapped into a tiny metal capsule hurtling down hills at insane speeds is not for the faint-hearted. Nevertheless, if there was a risk-free way to sacrifice all your senses for speed and excitement, sign me up! Until then, I’ll have to settle with watching it.

4 man bobsleigh speeding along. Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com
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What is your favourite type of weather?

Oh my goodness, I absolutely LOVE the days when the weather is gorgeously warm and breezy! There’s just something about that perfect combination of sunshine and light winds that fills me with excitement and joy.

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It’s like the world just comes alive around me, with birds singing and flowers blooming everywhere I look. I feel so invigorated on days like this, like anything is possible and all my dreams can come true.

Whether I’m lounging outside with a good book, going for a walk through breath-taking scenery, or simply in the garden soaking up some rays, every moment feels magical and full of promise. These are the kinds of days that make me grateful to be alive and remind me to cherish every precious moment in life.

Photo by PhotoMIX Company on Pexels.com

Teaching kids about money.

Hey, teaching children about the value of money is one of the most important life skills they can learn. It’s not just about saving up for that cool toy or gadget they want; it’s about understanding the bigger picture of how money works in our lives.

Start by giving them small chores and paying them a reasonable amount for their work. Encourage them to save some of their earnings instead of spending it all at once. Talk to them about budgeting and how different things cost different amounts of money.

Child counting their coins. Photo by cottonbro studio on Pexels.com

Consider setting up an allowance system, so they learn to manage their income over time. It’s important to teach kids about the value of hard work and responsibility because these virtues lay a solid foundation for fiscal awareness that will serve them well in adulthood.

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Ways to make your events more inclusive

Figures of people who all appear to have different needs, it’s done in rainbow style. Photo by Katie Rainbow ud83cudff3ufe0fu200dud83cudf08 on Pexels.com

Inclusivity matters in events because who wants to be a part of a party where they are constantly being excluded while others are frolicking around, having the time of their lives? Yawn! Inclusivity fosters an environment that promotes diversity and shows that everyone from different backgrounds is equally important. We all deserve to feel comfortable and included to express ourselves without fear of being judged or ridiculed. So let’s get our inclusive game on and make sure that everyone feels welcome at every event, whether it’s a small gathering or a grand ballroom dance. Remember, life can sometimes be tough, but sometimes all we need is a good party to ease our minds and bring us together as one big happy family!

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Here are some ideas of ways to make things more inclusive.

  • Consider accessibility needs for all attendees
  • Provide gender-neutral restrooms
  • Offer diverse food options to accommodate dietary restrictions
  • Ensure speakers and performers represent a range of backgrounds
  • Use inclusive language in all event materials and communication
  • Create a safe space policy and enforce it consistently
  • Provide ASL interpreters or closed captioning for presentations
  • Offer childcare services to make events more accessible for parents
  • Encourage feedback from attendees to continually improve inclusivity efforts
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A new day.

As the first rays of the sun peeked over the horizon, the sky was painted in hues of pink, orange, and gold. The world was still and quiet, as if holding its breath in anticipation of the new day. I sat on the edge of the cliff, watching the sunrise with a sense of wonder and awe.

The sun rose higher and higher, casting its warm glow over the landscape. The birds began to chirp and sing, and the world slowly came to life. It was as if the sunrise had breathed new energy into everything around me, and I felt invigorated and alive.

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As the sun continued to rise, I couldn’t help but feel grateful for the beauty of the world around me. Watching the sunrise was a reminder that every day is a new beginning, full of endless possibilities and opportunities. And as I sat there, basking in the warmth of the sun, I knew that I was ready to embrace whatever the day had in store for me.

Silhouette of a woman in front of a sunrise. Photo by Jill Wellington on Pexels.com

The Future Is In Our Hands

There has never been a more crucial time to start thinking about the future. With climate change, social injustice, and economic disparity threatening our planet’s well-being, it’s up to each of us to make a positive difference. Small individual actions can have a significant impact when combined with collaborative efforts towards a better future. Moreover, we must ensure that equality and social justice are at the forefront of all our initiatives. Here are some actionable ways that we can all work towards shaping a brighter tomorrow.

Individual Actions for a Better Future

Every little bit counts when it comes to protecting the environment and building communities where everyone has access to opportunities. Here are some simple actions that individuals can take:

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Reduce your carbon footprint

One significant step you can take is reducing your carbon footprint by using public transportation or biking instead of driving, consuming less meat, reducing water usage, and buying from eco-friendly companies.

Volunteer

You could also consider volunteering for local organizations working on issues like homelessness, education, mental health or environmental protection. Not only will you be making an impact on important causes, but you’ll also meet new people and learn valuable skills.

Stay informed

To stay informed about current events that affect the world around us, read reputable news sources regularly. Follow organizations working toward sustainable development goals and support them by sharing their content on social media.

Collaborative Efforts for a Better Future

No one person can build a better future alone; it requires collective effort from government organizations, businesses and citizens alike to achieve long-term goals. Here are some ways we can collaborate:

Mobilize your community

Talk to your friends and family about important issues affecting your community such as infrastructure development or waste management policies. Attend town hall meetings or write letters to elected officials advocating for change.

Promote sustainable practices in your workplace

If you work for an organization or company, encourage co-workers to adopt eco-friendly habits like recycling or composting. Suggest carpooling incentives to reduce carbon emissions from employee travel.

Equality and Social Justice

A sustainable future must prioritize equality and social justice above all else. No one should be left behind when progress is being made. Here are some ways we can fight for equality:

Raise awareness

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Social media platforms offer powerful tools for raising awareness about injustices in communities worldwide. Together with friends, you could create videos highlighting these issues and share them widely on social media platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. You could also organize charity events or fundraisers for marginalized groups.

Sponsor educational programs

We need educational programs aimed at promoting empathy, multiculturalism, and inclusivity among young people. Schools, colleges, and universities can facilitate debate sessions around topics related to different cultures ,histories, and religions. Together with others, you could sponsor such programs both online and offline. Encourage schools in underprivileged areas, to prioritize equal access to membership in these clubs too.

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Closing Thoughts

The future lies in our hands: each small action contributes significantly towards ensuring that our planet continues to thrive. We’ve seen how joint efforts between individuals ,government organizations, and businesses have led to significant strides on various fronts. Equally important is ensuring that no one is left behind in the process. We must fight against inequality and promote unity in diversity. By acting collectively today, in meaningful ways we secure a brighter tomorrow for generations to come. Thus ,it’s all upon us as individuals and societies, to build a better future!

Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

St Patrick’s Day.

Saint Patrick’s Day: A Celebration of Irish Heritage. Every year on March 17th, people all around the world don their greenest attire and raise a pint of ale to celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day.

This holiday is not just an excuse to party, however; it is a celebration of Irish heritage and culture. In this article, we will explore the history and origin of Saint Patrick’s day, the traditional foods and drinks associated with this holiday, the various traditions and celebrations that take place on this day, as well as how it is celebrated around the world.

Saint Patrick’s Day has been celebrated for over a thousand years in Ireland. It is named after Saint Patrick, who is credited with bringing Christianity to Ireland in the fifth century. According to legend, St. Patrick used a three-leafed shamrock to explain the Holy Trinity to Irish pagans. The holiday was originally observed as a religious feast day by the Catholic Church and was made an official Christian feast day in the early seventeenth century.

The first St. Patrick’s Day parade took place in New York City in 1762 when Irish soldiers serving in the English army marched through the streets of Manhattan. Over time, this parade grew into a celebration of Irish culture that spread throughout America and eventually all around the world.

Traditional Irish fare is an essential part of any Saint Patrick’s Day celebration. Corned beef and cabbage are staples at many St. Paddy’s Day dinners. Although corned beef is not typically eaten in Ireland on this holiday (it was more commonly pork), it has become synonymous with St. Patrick’s Day in America due to its popularity among early Irish immigrants. Irish soda bread or brown bread is another common dish associated with St. Patrick’s Day meals, made from flour or wholemeal flour, baking soda, buttermilk or sour milk (or yoghurt or stout beer) baked into a round shape with a cross cut into it before baking.

Drinks also play an important role during these festivities – Guinness stout beer being one such drink that has become synonymous with St. Patrick’s Day itself worldwide. But whiskey too holds its own against beer for consumption on this lucky occasion – Jameson being one among many other brands which make whiskey drinking popular during festivities surrounding St.Patrick’s day celebrations.

In addition to feasting on traditional food dishes and enjoying hearty drinks like beer & whiskey – people have embraced certain customs unique to celebrating St. Patrick’s day!

Photo by Laura Tancredi on Pexels.com

One such custom includes wearing green clothing items like shirts, hats, sweaters etc…to honour Ireland (The Emerald Isle) itself because green symbolizes new beginnings & good luck!

Shamrocks are also widely popularized during these celebrations due to their link back to Saint-Patrick himself – They are symbolic of his teachings regarding Christianity and became known as “the emblem” for Ireland post his arrival there centuries ago!

Parades are also held worldwide often including music, dance performances involving traditional tunes played by bagpipers along with floats featuring art displays depicting scenes from mythological legends tied back to Celtic heritage!

In addition to parades held across major cities like Dublin, Cork, Galway etc…they also celebrate through attending mass at church! Another way they celebrate involves visiting family members’ gravesites where they leave flowers or decorate them using colourful ribbons etc…as part homage paid towards ancestors past!

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This often continues through ceilidhs-an evening filled with socializing, singing, dancing ending late into night hours involving lots of fun-filled revelry-which takes place at community centres throughout rural areas within Ireland.

St.Patrick’s day may have originated within Ireland but today its reach extends far beyond borders. To put things into perspective, it is estimated that over 100 million people around globe celebrated this event last year alone-chances are you were probably one among many too, right?

New York City hosts one amongst largest iconic parades leading up Fifth Avenue lasting hours showcasing marching bands adorned colourfully dressed participants wowing audiences lining streets often culminating outside city hall where grandstands await crowds eager see what happens next!

Chicago dyes its river bright green each year adding extra charm during weeks leading up till celebration time! And did you know Tokyo has its very own parade filled with dancers decked out head-to-toe dressed up as leprechauns & other mystical creatures?!

Photo by Pressmaster on Pexels.com

St.Patrick’s day may have started out as small religious feast-day centered around honouring Irish patron saint for his contributions towards introducing Christianity but over time has transformed into much larger global phenomenon associated with merriment, cultural heritage, and yes – lots of fun!

From feasting on delicious foods like corned beef, cabbage, potatoes, stews & soups, to indulging rich hearty drinks like Guinness Stout Beer/Irish Whiskey ,to participating variety activities including music, dance, -it can’t be denied that St.Patty’s Day brings together communities celebrating all things Irish while fostering sense unity across cultures too… Sláinte!

Time Alone.

I thought I’d write a list of ways to spend time alone. Some are useful in that they get a task done, the others are good because they help you learn more about who you are as a person and to do what you love. Whatever you choose, embrace that time spent alone, we often don’t take advantage of it as we should when we get it.

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  • Watch a sunrise or sunset.
  • Read a book.
  • Watch your favourite movie.
  • Go for a walk in your favourite place.
  • Visit somewhere new.
  • Sort through that important pile of paperwork.
  • Organise your wardrobe. If there’s anything you no longer wear, pop it in a bag to take to a charity shop.
  • Start a garden, or spend time in the one you already have.
  • Do some cooking, make your favourite meal or do some batch cooking to save time in the future.
  • Have a spa time, and pamper yourself.
  • Reflect on your goals, and how you want to get there.
  • Visit a bookstore and choose a new book. A library is the free alternative if you prefer.
  • Organize all your photos.
  • Send out some handwritten letters to people you haven’t spoken to in a while.
  • Listen to a podcast or audiobook while getting some chores done.
  • Take an online class about something you’ve been curious about that’s unrelated to your work.
  • Do a workout.
Sunset scene. Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

Silent Does Not Mean Stupid

Photo by Sasith Mawananehewa on Pexels.com Imagine you became quadriplegic and lost the ability to speak at the same time. Despite your intelligence, you were shoved in a corner and made to sit all day in your wheelchair, listening to tales from ** ‘In the Night Garden’. While Iggle Piggle and Upsy Daisy steal a […]

Silent Does Not Mean Stupid