Disabled People Can Still Enjoy Their Independence

A lightweight folding wheelchair weighs as little as 30 lbs, and it can fold down to the size of a golf bag. If you go for a vacation or a trip, or just go shopping or visit the doctor, it is an ideal solution for occasional wheelchair users. It folds easily and can be stored in very little space. All lightweight folding wheelchairs are ergonomically designed for comfort and crash tested for safety and durability. They are technically advanced and performance-oriented.

The lightweight folding wheelchair has a steel frame, which weighs a maximum of 13 lbs. The foam padded armrests can be folded down to seat level and all the upholstery on the wheelchair is padded as well. Most of the time the frame can be folded so that it can be transported easily. But there are lightweight rigid frames available too in the market.

A lightweight folding wheelchair is actually more appropriate for older users who want the convenience of an easy-to-fold design. Nevertheless, it is not possible for the wheelchair user to fold it; hence it is designed keeping the users companion in mind. Besides, the energy that a wheelchair with a rigid frame has is much less in a lightweight folding wheelchair, because some of its energy gets lost is the moving parts of a foldable frame.

The lightweight folding wheelchair cannot be designed to fit the user as in the rigid frame wheelchairs. It has to fold into a compact shape; hence its ability to fit or adjust is greatly reduced. Therefore it does not offer high comfort benefits, but its main ability to quickly fold and store in the trunk of a car makes it popular among older users who are not traveling too often. The folding wheelchair ramp with it can easily be taken on trips and vacations and used in places, where there are no special arrangements for wheelchair users.

Another consideration to buying a motorized wheelchair is that it is not a device that folds up when not in use and this means needing to have enough storage space and even buying a van in order to transport the motorized wheelchair with you when you travel. Also, you will need to ensure that when using the motorized wheelchair you always wear the safety belts, and in addition, you need to also ensure that the wheelchair also comes equipped with foot straps to prevent your feet from slipping whilst the motorized wheelchair is in motion.

Thanks to the motorized wheelchair lift, disabled people are now able to enjoy greater independence as far as their mobility is concerned. The excellent Extreme 4 by 4 can also be folded and this is a feature that is not normally available with most motorized wheelchair lifts.

Sometimes, you may only need to use your motorized power wheelchair temporarily and in such circumstances, you may be better served by checking out a motorized wheelchair rental rather than purchasing the wheelchair outright.

The bottom line as far as using this kind of mobility device goes is that it provides users with several advantages including more sophistication as far as control and stability are concerned, and these wheelchairs are also available in various types and are easy to use.

About the Author:

Debbie Normski has been working with wheelchairs for 12 years and you can visit her site at Used Wheel Chairs which include information on wheelchairs vans for sale.

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Coffee and Heart Disease:

Drinking five or more cups of coffee a day increases the risk of having heart problems 2.8 times, according to researchers at the Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions in Baltimore. After correcting for other factors — such as age, smoking habits and hypertenstion — they found heavy coffee drinkers still have 2.5 times the incidence of coronary heart disease compared with nondrinkers. Those who drank a moderate amount (from two to four cups a day) had a twofold risk of heart disease.

Scientists suspected that any adverse effect must trace to caffeine. However, a study by H. Robert Superko of the University of California's Center for Progressive Atherosclerosis Management in Berkeley reported that decaffeinated coffee — but no regular — may nudge cholesterol levels in the direction of increased heart risk. The 16-week study involved 181 healthy, nonsmoking men who routinely drank three to six cups of coffee per day. The researchers provided all volunteers with regular, drip-grind coffee and instructed them on how to brew it. Eight weeks later, they randomly assigned each man to one of three regimens: the same coffee, a switch to decaf, or abstinence from coffee. Participants were asked to avoid other caffeine sources throughout the study.

Those who drank regular coffee and those who abstained showed no changes in blood cholesterol levels during the study, the team reported in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. The decaf group, however, experienced a roughly 6 percent increase in low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, the so-called “bad” cholesterol linked to heart attacks.

A meta-analysis by Martin G. Myers, M.D., University of Toronto and colleagues from other institutions, involving 11 published studies, was published in the Archives of Internal Medicine. These studies lasted from two to 35 years and followed people who initially had no evidence of heart disease. Only three of the studies found that increased rates of coffee drinking are associated with the development of heart disease. Most (eight) found no evidence of an association at all. The authors concluded that people who consumed up to one cup of coffee daily had the same incidence of heart disease as those who consumed more than six cups a day.

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Adam Khan Buy Quality Exercise Bikes, Treadmills and Table Tennis Tables at Argos Sports & Fitness Equipment

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Seeking Relief from the Symptoms of Chronic Fatigue Fibromyalgia

There are many people who suffer from the symptoms of chronic fatigue fibromyalgia but because it is not a well known disease many of these people do not realize that they have it. Most people do not learn about this disorder until they make an appointment with their doctor to find relief from the symptoms. When the symptoms of chronic fatigue fibromyalgia first appear they are usually little more than a minor annoyance that may come and go for several years before they intensify. What starts out as minor headaches, tingly or numb body parts, body aches and general fatigue can become more severe over time and lead to joint pain, long periods of fatigue and lethargy, and light headedness. When these symptoms become unbearable those who suffer them are forced to miss work, family events and seek relief with frequent visits to their doctor. There is no known cure for chronic fatigue fibromyalgia but for those who suffer from it there are a variety of treatments that can bring relief from the symptoms. Relocating to a warmer climate or finding a job that does not require lots of energy are two ways in which one can reduce the symptoms of this condition. Reducing stress in daily life is one of the best ways to alleviate the symptoms as well. Because stress is such a factor in aggravating the symptoms of this disorder learning how to take it easy, relax and conserve energy is very important when it comes to gaining relief. Another known way to deal with the symptoms of chronic fatigue fibromyalgia is eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly. Chronic fatigue fibromyalgia does affect women more then men but anyone at any age can be affected by it. Anyone who experiences the symptoms of this condition should seek a doctor's treatment because many of the symptoms can appear to be caused by other illnesses. A doctor can perform a number of tests to rule out other diseases and narrow down the diagnosis to chronic fatigue fibromyalgia. Medical science is unsure of the origins of chronic fatigue fibromyalgia but there are two theories as to its causes. The first is that it a genetic disease that is passed down through families while the second theory points more towards the stress of daily life in the modern world as a contributing factor. The one factor that remains the same is the idea that anyone who suffers from chronic fatigue fibromyalgia will have to make lifestyle changes if they are to effectively deal with the disorder.About the Author:

Seeking relief from the symptoms of chronic fatigue fibromyalgia can be frustrating. To find out more about this disease, its symptoms and treatments click here.

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Diagnosis and Tests For Throat Cancer

The symptoms for throat cancer mostly include teeth pain and other teeth related problems. So at first the dentist consultant should be made. The physician needs to gather the medical history of the patient. Then an otorhinolaryngologist is considered for further diagnosis. The throat is examined with the help of a small mirror or fiber optic material. A tissue sample will be collected for the further examination. The throat cancer begins on the line surface of the throat. It starts from the squamous cells. The throat cancer will spread rapidly beyond the line surface of the throat. To determine the extent of the cancer, the physician will undertake the following test …

X-rays: the x-ray gives the image of the mouth, head and chest in one-dimensional.

Computer tomography (CT): In the CT scan, the x-ray is used to produce two-dimensional image of the internal organs that are not covered by the general x-ray scan.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): The exact extent of the cancer in the throat can be determined by this MRI scan. The MRI scan is also used to find the involvement of the lymph nodes in the cancer. The MRI scan produces image that can be viewed from any direction. The above process needs magnetic field and the use of the radio waves.

Ultrasound: The ultrasound scan is used to find the exact size and nature of the tumor present. The scan uses transducer to use the combined high-frequency sound waves and the computer processing to produce the image. The transducer is wand like object used in this method.

Positron emission tomography (PET): The tissues that consume more energy in the body will absorb more radioactive tracer when sent inside the body. The tumor will also absorb more tracer. This method is applied in the Positron Emission Tomography to find the tumor in the body. The PET scan uses a small amount of a radioactive tracer for the above process.

TUMOR STAGING:

The throat cancer is classified into different stages based on the condition of the cancer. The stage of the cancer plays important role in the diagnosis part. The treatment is carried out depending on the current stage of the cancer.

Stage I: The stage one mean the cancer is in the same area where it was found. The cancer has not spread since its discovery. The effect of the cancer may not be severe. The part of the body having the tumor may function normally.

Stage II: In stage two the cancer remains in the area where it has started but it must have grown in size than in stage one.

Stage III: In stage three the cancer will spread out to the near-by areas and the effect of the cancer is felt in the area it has started. The symptoms of the cancer are easily found in this stage.

Stage IV: In this stage the cancer is grown into large shape and spreading extensively. This stage requires immediate treatment.

About the Author:

Visit Health Care Guide to know about Throat Cancer.

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Five Ways to Keep Men Cancer Free

Generally speaking, men are notorious for ignoring their health, and delaying going to see a doctor
about any kind of problem.
This is a dangerous tendency, as in more than half of all recorded prostate cancer cases, as well as
at least a quarter of testicular cancer cases, the disease will have spread by the time of
diagnosis.
A quick five minute check once a month is all that is required to test yourself for testicular
cancer. Becoming more aware of what's normal for your body is also vital. For example, an ache in
the groin that has not disappeared after a few days should be investigated.
Prostate cancer can be particularly difficult to detect, yet 1 in 11 men will suffer from it.
As it tends to strike older men, that proportion will increase in later life.
The average man's attitude that 'it won't happen to me' just does not make sense.
Scientists, researchers and doctors have come up with a few important suggestions for how to make
the men in your life take responsibility for their health:

1. Men are more likely to listen to women when it comes to health problems. Be supportive, and
offer to go with him to the surgery or hospital.

2. Don't nag and moan. It's a sensitive subject and talking needs to be done carefully. Men
respond best to straightforward information, so set aside some time to talk about the self-checks
he might do.

3. Work as a team. Get your partner to check himself. Look out for the unusual symptoms together.

4. Find out as much valuable information as you can about male cancers, and pass this on to him
in a practical way. Point out health items in newspapers and magazines.

5. Spread the word, and encourage other women to get their men 'checked out'.

Testicular cancer is most common in men under 35 years of age, but can affect men of any age.
Encourage your partner or son to check themselves regularly for lumps or changes.

Symptoms to look out for are:

Lump, discomfort, or pain in the testicle.
A heavy scrotum.

Prostate cancer mainly affects men over 65, although statistics suggest that all men over 50 should
be self examining.

Symptoms to look out for are:

Frequent, sudden urges to urinate
Difficulty in passing
Passing urine more often than usual, especially at night.
Blood in the urine or semen
The PSA blood test may show up prostate cancer, but levels may also be raised for other reasons,
which need to be discussed with your doctor.

See the website below for articles and solutions on health, fitness, diet and wellbeing.

About the Author:

Sandy Francis is a retired sportsman who now dedicates his time to his original vocation of writing. His latest website at http://www.dubbletake.110mb.com features articles and solutions on health, fitness, diet and wellbeing.

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Disease Information - Cardiovascular disease, Cancer and Diabetes

Before Bob Marley died, he said to his son Ziggy "Money can't buy life." He was right; all fortune on earth cannot buy health once it is too deteriorated. In fact, if gold and silver could buy health, there would not be so many diseases in the United States. Cardiovascular disease, diabetes and cancer, to name a few, are weapons that send thousands of people in the country of silence (death) every year.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) - despite Progress of Science, cardiovascular disease remains the number one killer in the United States. Cardiovascular disease (High blood pressure, coronary heart disease, heart attack, stroke, etc.) is without a doubt the leading cause of death in developed countries. According to the American Heart Association in 2005, cardiovascular disease killed 864,480 people, representing 35.3 percent of all deaths of that year. The problem is that the majority of patients rely on medications only to treat their heart conditions. There is no miracle treatment against CVD; you need a healthy lifestyle: avoiding smoking (including second hand smoke), limit your cholesterol intake, avoid becoming overweight, avoid physical inactivity, and more. Regular Exercise is the best tool to treat or prevent cardiovascular disease.

Diabetes - If CVD is raging in the developed countries, diabetes did not remain inactive in the world. There are an estimated 7 million people developing diabetes each year around the world. Complications from diabetes are responsible for almost one death every 10 seconds. The United States are not exempt from that disease. In fact, with a total of 23.6 million diabetics in 2007 (7.8% of the population), the United States are ranked third among the five countries with the greatest number of people with diabetes.

Cancer - you do not need a PHD to understand that the effects of cancer are alarming. When it comes to this disease, even optimists wonder if there is hope. Trillions of dollars are spent each year; the disease continues its destructive course. According to a collective expertise of French National Institute for Health and Medical Research (Inserm) published on October 2008, since the beginning of 1980, there is an increase in certain cancers: Lung cancer, mesothelioma, hematological malignancies, brain tumors and cancers of the breast, ovary, testis, prostate and thyroid.

With such an increase in diseases, it becomes more important that you take your health in consideration. Although some illnesses are quasi-unpreventable, there are certain primary prevention measures you can take to protect yourself from those scourges. In fact, some of these risk factors for these diseases, including cardiovascular disease, cancer and diabetes may be decreased or prevented. For more information on disease prevention, visit healthatlarge.com, or click on the link in the resource box below.

About the Author:

Remy is a multi-topic writer with years of experience in nutrition and medical therapy. He loves to share his own personal beneficial experience with others. For your research on health problems, beauty and personal care, please visit health at large.

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If You Want To Quit Smoking But Lack Motivation Then Try This

It’s a real challenge to break the habit of smoking and the addiction of nicotine; probably one of the hardest things you’ll ever do and I know because I’ve been there. Smoking can help us to cope with the demands of modern day living. I used to love to smoke just for the sake of it and if breaking the habit wasn’t tough enough on its own you also have to find the motivation to quit in the first place.

With this in mind, here is a step by step guide that I hope will get you to quit or at the very least help you to start thinking seriously about it.

1 – Drive to your bank

2 – Withdraw $1,825.00

3 – Take the money to a quiet, safe, secure spot and place it on the ground

4 – Light a match and set fire to your $1,825.00

5 – Stand for a while in utter disbelief at what you’ve just done

Okay this may sound crazy and I’m not suggesting for one minute that anyone actually does this but think about it. The price of cigarettes can vary quite dramatically but let’s say that the average cost of a pack is around the $5.00 mark. If you smoke one pack per day then you are quite literally putting a match to $1,825.00 per year. Would you like a pay rise of $1,825.00 per year right now?

In addition to the above please consider this. Let's say you stop smoking today and open a savings account. Instead of buying cigarettes, you put the money into this account. In ten years time you'll have amassed $18,250.00 plus ten years worth of interest. Of course, if you factor in inflation then the sum will be even greater than this so why not give it a try?

About the Author:

For natural supplements to help you quit smoking visit herbal health home and in particular smoke deter

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What Are Cold Sores and How Do I Recognize Them ?

What are cold sores? If you want to know, this article was written for you. Now you will know exactly what cold sores are - and what cold sores are not.



Cold sores, also called fever blisters and oral herpes, are painful, unsightly blisters that normally occur on the edge of the lips. They can also appear in other locations, such as nostrils, neck, cheek - and even on the fingertips.



Cold sores may also appear on the roof of the mouth or on the gums. This is very rare. But, because of this, cold sores are often confused with canker sores.



Here are some differences between the two that may help you determine what are canker sores and what are cold sores.



1. Canker sores always occur inside the mouth, usually on the softer tissue.

2. Cold sores are caused by a virus - canker sores are not.

3. Cold sores are contagious - canker sores are not.



Cold sores are very common. Nearly nine out of ten people worldwide carry the herpes simplex virus that causes cold sores. Only about 66% of these know what cold sores are because they get them regularly. Two strains of this virus - herpes simplex virus type 1 and type 2 - are responsible for cold sores and genital herpes sores.



Type 1 is most prevalent in facial sores. Type 2 is most apparent in below-the-waist sores. As far as we can tell, sores created by either type are identical in every respect. They appear the same, feel the same and last just as long.



Here are the main cold sore symptoms that define the five different stages of cold sores. Average duration from first itching to final healing can range from 18 to 28 days - depending on your health and the treatments you use.



1. Itching and tingling in the target area just prior to the outbreak.

2. Swelling of the area along with formation of small and painful fluid-filled blisters.

3. Large, open sore develops when these little blisters break and merge.

4. Headaches, fever and swollen lymph glands under the jaw are painfully apparent.

5. Yellowish scab forms over the sore and heals without a scar.



When first infected, these symptoms may not appear for 15 to 20 days - or not at all. Often, initial symptoms are so mild that you may not know you have been infected. These may include fever and sore throat. The herpes virus, for the most part, will lie dormant in your nerve ganglia (the nerve roots) below the skin.



Now, when conditions are right, it will travel to the surface to replicate. The virus, being exceedingly small, will enter a nerve cell. It then takes control and forces the cell to create copies of itself. Once the cell is full, the controlling virus destroys the cell to release the new virus. Millions of such exploded cells in close proximity cause the swelling and open sore.



Cold sores are contagious during the entire cold sore event. You are extremely contagious once the sore has broken open - until it is totally healed. The fluid that weeps from the sore is teeming with active herpes virus. Kiss or touch is the normal means of spreading this virus. If you have a cold sore, be particularly cautious around infants or others. Also, be conscious that if the virus gets in the eye, it can cause cornea blisters. The permanent result is damaged vision.



Cold sore remedies may include over-the-counter creams and ointments. These will provide comfort, but do not expect them to speed healing. Fever, headache and swollen glands can be treated with your usual medicine for fever and headaches.



Using ice, particularly before the scab forms, will give pain relief, reduce the heat, and help drive the herpes virus back into hibernation. Keep the wound clean with alcohol on a cotton ball or swab.



Prevention includes care in not spreading to others or other parts of your own body. Avoid kissing when active cold sores are present. Keep hands clean. Cold sores itch and hurt a lot. Only touch sores with a cotton ball or tissue. Avoid sharing items with others, such as towels, when you or they have an active cold sore.



As we have seen, cold sores are facial sores caused by the herpes simplex virus. We have also seen that they are extremely contagious to others as well as to your self. Finally, in reviewing what are cold sores, we talked about basic cold sore care.



The good news is there are newly discovered and simply amazing natural cold sore remedies coming out all the time now. Some of these can cut the healing time in half, or more. And can actually prevent them in the future. Not every cold sore remedy works for everyone. You will need to do some trial-and-error to find what works for you.



What are cold sores? For most folks, they are a source of much pain, embarrassment and irritation. But, with a little research and testing, there is simply no reason for you to suffer from cold sores again.

About the Author:

Denny Bodoh is a 35-year newspaper veteran and dedicated natural health research writer. Discover a lot more about Cold Sores and amazing Cold Sore Treatments at Denny's popular site: http://www.3DayColdSoreCure.com

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