CMS Education Articles

Pros and Cons of the Rollator/Transport chair combination devices you see all over the internet!

I see this dilemma all the time: customers are looking for the perfect mobility aid to fit their loved one’s needs who is having trouble walking or getting around, whether it is due to lack of stability, support, or balance. With the added bonus issue of them tiring easily and needing to rest or take a break, but not wanting to stop. This predicament often comes with stories like “we need something that (insert name) can use on their own when walking, and they also often need to be pushed around when they get tired. But we don’t want to lug 2 devices around all the time”. Followed by questions such as “can’t they walk holding onto the back of a wheelchair/transport chair when they aren’t using it?” or “can’t I just push them in their rollator when they get tired?”. The short answer is NO. Those two frequently used options are very unsafe, and safety should always be your #1 concern. Each of the traditional mobility aids are designed for one specific use, either walking with (Rollator or Walker) or sitting in (Transport Chair/Wheelchair), and when you use these devices outside of their designed parameters accidents and falls are more likely to occur. So what do you do?!

Understanding Continuous Flow Cold Therapy.  It’s something to be thankful for!

I got it yesterday!  The official announcement that the Pumpkin Spice Latte (PSL for those true fanatics) is now available.  I know it is terrible to say this, but that announcement is the official start of fall and all its goodness for me.  Goodness like turkey (mmmmm Turkey!!!).  The thing is when I think of turkey, I can't help but think of cold therapy.  “WAIT WHAT?.?.?. Cold therapy?”  Hang with me through this article and hopefully you’ll see why I think this way.

Understanding Plantar Fasciitis and what to do.

At the time that I am writing this summer is coming to an end.  September is about to start. Kids and parents are gearing up to get back from work.  And there is a chance that your heel still hurts.  Especially when you get out of bed in the morning.  Most likely you, like many other people, have developed a case of plantar fasciitis over your holidays.

What is plantar fasciitis?  In short, you’ve injured a big band of tissue on the bottom of your foot that attaches to bone right at the heel on the bottom of your foot.  Now I hear you saying “but I don’t remember doing anything, I just woke up and it hurt.”  And in many respects, you’re right.  Plantar fasciitis is an overuse injury.  What that means is that you repeatedly put too much strain of your plantar fascia tissues.  Walking on soft unstable surfaces, such as sand, in bare feet can cause this.  Conversely, walking on harder surfaces like decks or sidewalks in loose supportive footwear, such as flip flops, can be another overuse producing situation.

The "4 Fs" of mask selection

1. Filtration: When smoke is present or when interacting with a tuberculosis-infected patient, use a high filtration mask (N95 respirator).

2. Fluid resistance: Choose a fluid-resistant mask when there is any chance of blood or other bodily fluid splatter. ASTM level 3 surgical masks are recommended.

3. Features: Always use a level 3 surgical mask with ties in surgical settings. Anti-fog film, foam and tapes reduce fogging issue distractions, and shields and protective eyewear keep eyes clear of blood and splash.

4. Fit: Even the correct mask could put you at risk if it is not worn correctly. The nose and mouth must be completely covered and create a seal around the face to prevent gaps that increase the risk of inhalation exposure.

Better Understanding Sleep Apnea Types & Symptoms

The quickest and easiest way to explain sleep apnea is that a person stops breathing while they sleep. To get more detailed, it is a series repeated stoppages and starts of breathing. Now, it is normal for a person to quickly stop breathing while they sleep. To be considered an apnea, this series of events has to exceed 5 times per hour for over 10 seconds per event.

The good news is that your body stays aware of your breathing and usually won't let a stoppage continue for long. The bad news is that your body's defense mechanism is to wake you up. So, if you are not sleeping well and suspect it might be the result of sleep apnea here is a quick article to give you some of the details of sleep apneas.