Protect your freedom with gadgets in your property or automobile.
Exercise will help.
If you're capable of exercise, try strengthening the “glutes” and quadriceps with regular exercises you may do across the house.
For example, strengthen the quadriceps by stretching your legs out in front of you and squeezing the muscles at the highest of your thighs for 10 seconds at a time.
Strengthen your gluteal muscles by doing leg lifts, repeatedly lifting your leg behind you toward the ceiling.
Or strengthen each quads and glutes at the identical time by doing sit-to-stands (see “Move of the Month”), which involves 10 sit-ups.
Move of the Month: Sit to Stand
Photos by Michael Carroll Sit in a chair together with your feet hip-width apart. Place your hands in your thighs. Tighten your abdominal muscles and hips. Exhale as you slowly rise up. Breathe with control as you slowly sit up. Repeat this exercise eight to 10 times. |
Tools that make a difference.
If exercise isn't enough, use tools that may enable you to rise up from a sitting position. You'll find them at big box stores, medical supply stores, or on the Internet. Most cost lower than $50 or $100. Don't start using a tool without first ensuring you already know how it really works and that it's configured properly. Ask a friend for guidance when you need it.
Here's our tackle some common tools.
Sofa bed. There are two versions of this tool. There is a metal frame that appears just like the front half of a chair with low arms. The seat area suits under a settee or seat cushion, and lets you rise up by pushing the armrests. The second tool is an L-shaped tool that's in regards to the height of a cushion. The horizontal a part of the L sits on the ground, tucked under a chair or sofa. The vertical a part of the L stands in front of the chair, supplying you with just one support when standing. “The single support forces you to put your weight on your shoulders, which can cause injury. But the one-armed tool allows you to push down and use your leg muscles to do the work, which That's better,” notes Safran-Norton. Cost: $80 to $120.
Car catch bar. This little tool looks like a screwdriver with a bent handle. It slides into the door latch and acts as an additional support you may lean on whenever you get in or out of the automobile. “You have to hope it stays in and doesn't fall out,” points out Safran-Norton. “If you put it in the latch and it's secure and doesn't move, it might be safe to use. And if the door latch is too low, don't use it. It's not a tool you can pull. are.” Cost: $10 to $40.
Swivel seat cushion. This flat, round cushion rotates so you may swing your legs in a standing position. It may be utilized in the automobile or in a typical chair. “This may be useful if you could have trouble initiating turns, especially in case your spine is stiff. That is, until the cushion falls off the seat. Make sure it's not half or half off the seat. Safran -Norton says getting a cushion that's a contrasting color will enable you to see if it's placed appropriately.Cost: $10 to $25.
Furniture movers. When you place the sofa on a riser, you don't need to go as far to rise up. Make sure the furniture is against the wall, so it doesn't tip over when you bump into it, and that the risers will support the burden of your couch or chair. How high should risers raise the seat? “When sitting, you still want to be able to keep your feet flat on the floor,” says Safran-Norton. Cost: $10 or more for a set of 4.
Automatic lift chair. The ultimate aid in getting out of a chair is an automatic electric recliner. At the touch of a button, the chair slowly moves forward until you might be in a standing position. “The danger is that you can slip and fall from it. It's not good for someone who has bad balance, or someone who is confused or doesn't understand the technology. would much prefer someone to use their leg muscle strength. Those chairs would be nice to have a little help if you can't,” says Safran-Norton. You also can get an automatic rising cushion that you simply place on the couch to assist propel you as much as a standing position. Safran-Norton fears it can sink and cause an accident. Cost: $200 or more.
Photo courtesy of Stander, Inc