Breathing deeply is one of the keys to good health. It’s an easy way to relieve tension and pain, and promote relaxation. Increasing the flow of oxygen into the lungs results in improved circulation and cellular health throughout the entire body. Exhaling expels toxins, including carbon dioxide, from the body. Breathing deeply before bedtime is a great way to relax, ensuring a peaceful night’s rest.

For people with respiratory difficulties, including sleep apnea, the CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) machine can literally be a life-saver. The CPAP machine brings a steady flow of pressurized air that is directed into the airways via a mask that fits over the nose and mouth.

Keeping the mask clean is an important way to maintain good respiratory health, because all of the germs and toxins that are exhaled, as well as pore secretions from the skin, remain on the mask, and will be inhaled during the next use. Therefore, cleaning the mask before and after each use is recommended.

Specially-formulated CPAP cleansing wipes are an easy, convenient way to keep CPAP equipment sanitized. Because the CPAP mask comes into contact with the sensitive skin of the face, it is essential to use all-natural, alcohol-free and chemical-free wipes that are safe to use on the skin. Also, because any residue that remains on the mask may be inhaled, CPAP wipes should be fragrance-free. Many people are sensitive to fragrances, or may become sensitive to them if they are exposed to them for a prolonged period of time. Fragrance and chemical sensitivities can cause a multitude of health problems, including headaches, nausea, skin rashes and difficulty breathing.

Look for 100% pure cotton, biodegradable wipes that are unscented, and won’t dry the skin. Wipe both the inside and outside of the mask completely, and allow to air dry, before using. Dispose of the wipe after cleaning.

To enjoy peace of mind and a restful, therapeutic breathing experience with the CPAP machine, use gentle, all-natural and non-toxic Original World of Wipes Professional CPAP mask wipes.

Having trouble falling asleep? Here are some tips to help you breathe deeply, relax and enjoy a good night’s sleep:

1. Make sure your bed is comfortable, with clean linens, warm blankets and supportive pillows.
2. Avoid vigorous activities or exercises before bedtime.
3. Avoid drinking caffeinated beverages before bedtime. Instead, try a soothing herbal tea, such as chamomile or spearmint.
4. Turn off TVs, computers and other electronic devices at least half an hour before bedtime.
5. Take a warm bath or shower before bedtime.
6. Dim the lights and put on quiet, soothing music.
7. If you have too much mental agitation, keep a journal beside your bed to write down your thoughts, so they won’t be repeating in your mind as you try to sleep.
8. Focus on your breath. Inhale fully and feel your lungs, rib cage and belly expanding. Concentrate on exhaling completely. With each exhale, let go of any tension you may be feeling in your body. Consciously breathe slowly and deeply. Visualize life-giving oxygen flowing throughout your body and regenerating all its cells.

Avivo Shower Sandal with EasyFeet

Keeping the feet clean is important to our health. Inadequate cleaning can unfortunately lead to problems like foot odors, buildup of excess skin, and even bacterial and fungal infections.

Cleaning the feet is challenging for those with limited mobility. The elderly, overweight, and people with injuries can have difficulty bending over to do this.

New products have come to the market to address this problem. We recently tested and compared two products: The Avivo Shower Sandal and EasyFeet.

Our testers were: an overweight, diabetic man in his 40s who has trouble bending over; a woman in her late 60s who is recovering from surgery and has occasional dizziness; and a healthy woman in her 30s.

Upon initial inspection, EasyFeet and the Avivo Shower Sandal look very similar. Both are made of durable hard plastic and resemble a slipper-type shoe, with suction cups on the bottom to secure the sandal to the floor or wall of the shower or tub. Both are lined with nylon brush bristles on the footbed and on the top part of the sandal, for scrubbing the feet.

Here are some observable differences: EasyFeet has an embedded pumice stone on the heel part of the footbed that cannot be removed. The Avivo Shower Sandal has brush bristles on this part of the footbed, and no pumice stone. EasyFeet’s footbed is made of a solid, inflexible piece of plastic, and the Avivo Shower Sandal’s footbed can be flexed. Avivo Shower Sandal’s footbed has a more ergonomic shape that mimics the sole of a foot, and curls up slightly in the toe area. Also, the Avivo Shower Sandal has many more suction cups on the bottom, and these suction cups are smaller. EasyFeet has larger suction cups, and there are fewer of them. The Avivo Shower Sandal seems to have more brush bristles as well.

Both products are used in the exact same way. The sandal is affixed by the suction cups to either the floor of the shower, or, if using it while lying in the bathtub, it can be affixed to a tiled wall. Get your foot wet, then squirt liquid soap onto your foot (easy to do if you are standing up or sitting in a shower chair) and slip your foot into the shower sandal. Moving your foot back and forth in the sandal across the brush bristles, you scrub and lather your foot. Do this first with one foot, then the other. Then remove your foot from the sandal, and rinse the soap off. If using the product in the standing position, it is recommended that you are holding onto a secure handrail, since you have all of your weight on one foot.

How do the two products compare for safety, effectiveness and ease of use?

While EasyFeet and the Avivo Shower Sandal look similar, our testers found major differences.

Safety may be the most important issue. EasyFeet and the Avivo Shower Sandal are especially meant to help people with injuries and limited mobility. Since these products are used in a wet, slippery environment, it is essential that these products are safe to use.

An instruction sheet that came with the EasyFeet includes the following “Caution” notes: “Diabetics must consult with their physician prior to use of this product.” and “Those with equilibrium impairments or the elderly should only use this product in the sitting position.”

The first test was securing the products to the floor of the shower using the suction cups. The surface of the floor had to be first moistened with water to make the suction cups stick. Once the Avivo Shower Sandal was affixed to the floor, it stayed in place while it was being used. This was not the case for EasyFeet. While our testers moved their foot back and forth across the footbed, EasyFeet slipped all over the floor’s surface. Add to this situation an injured or elderly person balanced on one foot in the shower, and this is a recipe for disaster! EasyFeet’s instruction sheet states: “Small shifts and movements during use are normal. Use caution when placing your weight on this product for risk of falling.” Our testers actually found these movements to be more than “small shifts” and more like major slides of several inches.

Another safety issue is EasyFeet’s embedded pumice stone. While a pumice stone is a good tool for sloughing away dead skin and calluses, our testers actually found this feature problematic. The stone is a poor quality stone that arrived broken in transit. It had a crack in the middle of the stone that could potentially catch and pinch the skin of the feet.

The pumice stone is of particular concern for diabetics. This stone could cause abrasion to the skin of the feet, possibly resulting in scratches or small cuts that could become infected and difficult to heal. This is why this product may be dangerous for diabetics. So, our diabetic tester was unable to even try this product. That is a big minus for EasyFeet.

For safety, the Avivo Shower Sandal is the winner.

How about effective cleaning?

Our testers found the Avivo Shower Sandal’s more secure grip helped with cleaning the feet better. Since moving the foot back and forth didn’t result in moving the shower sandal, there was more scrubbing power.

More brush bristles resulted in better lathering and scrubbing. The Avivo Shower Sandal’s ergonomic shape resulted in superior cleaning as well. The Avivo Shower Sandal’s contoured footbed curls up slightly in the toe area, positioning the brush bristles at the optimum angle to scrub the tips of the toes and to get in between the toes (the most difficult parts of the feet to get clean).

Our testers preferred the feel of the Avivo Shower Sandal’s brush bristles on the feet. They reported that the brush bristles felt strong, yet soft and luxurious. They created an excellent lather, gentle exfoliation and good stimulation of the feet. In comparison, EasyFeet has fewer brush bristles and they don’t seem to scrub as well or feel as nice. There are not enough bristles in the toe area to create much lather, or thoroughly clean in between the toes.

EasyFeet’s embedded pumice stone also made it nearly impossible for our testers to clean the heel area of the foot. To get the heel of the foot scrubbed, our testers had to turn their feet in an awkward position and rub their heel over the middle part of the footbed. But their feet kept bumping against the top part of the EasyFeet. For people with larger feet, scrubbing the heel using EasyFeet would be truly impossible.

For thorough and effective cleaning, Avivo Shower Sandal is the superior product.

Which product is easier to use?

Our testers reported that because the Avivo Shower Sandal stayed in place, and doesn’t have the pumice stone in the heel area, the Avivo Shower Sandal is easier to use than EasyFeet.

They also liked that the Avivo Shower Sandal’s footbed flexes. That makes it easier to rinse completely clean of dirt, soap and debris. Also, the Avivo Shower Sandal is safe to wash in the washing machine or dishwasher.

For ease of use, our testers prefer the Avivo Shower Sandal.

For safety, effective cleaning and ease of use, the Avivo Shower Sandal is the clear winner. Our testers all found the Avivo Shower Sandal to be a well-designed, durable and high quality product that greatly enhances the bathing experience. While it is especially helpful for the elderly and people with limited mobility, it can be used for people of all ages, whether healthy or injured. Cleaning the feet effectively is an important task. The Avivo Shower sandal makes this easy to do. Keeping your feet clean never felt so good!

Avivo Shower Sandal in-use

Taking good care of our feet is vital to our health and well-being. Our feet support our weight, move us from place to place, and absorb the shock of hard surfaces. Yet, they are often the most neglected and abused part of our body.

Good cleaning is essential for optimum foot health. Inadequate cleaning can lead to problems like foot odors, buildup of excess dead skin, and even bacterial and fungal infections. Infections of the skin can lead to even more serious health problems.

People with diabetes, who are at especially high risk for infections of the feet, must take special care to keep their feet clean at all times.

Cleaning the feet is challenging for those with limited mobility. Many people have difficulty bending over to do this. In the slippery, wet environment of the shower or bathtub, this task could become quite dangerous. The elderly, overweight, diabetics, pregnant women, people with injuries, those recovering from surgery, or people who have had hip or knee replacements, often need help cleaning their feet.

For people who want to thoroughly clean their feet, without the pain or danger of bending over, the Avivo Shower Sandal is the perfect solution.

Designed for use in the shower or tub, the Avivo Shower Sandal resembles a slipper-type shoe, made of durable hard plastic, lined with nylon brush bristles on the footbed and on the top part of the sandal, for scrubbing the feet.

The sandal has suction cups on the bottom, to affix it to the floor of the shower, or, if using it while lying in the bathtub, it can be affixed to a tiled wall. Simply wet your foot, squirt a bit of liquid soap onto the top of your foot, and slip your foot into the shower sandal. Moving your foot back and forth in the sandal across the brush bristles, the Avivo Shower Sandal scrubs and lathers your foot completely, all over every part of your foot, even the toes and in between the toes. The Avivo Shower Sandal stays securely in place. Do this first with one foot, then the other. Then remove your foot from the Avivo Shower Sandal, and rinse the soap off. If using the product in the standing position, it is recommended that you are holding onto a secure handrail, for extra stability.

The Avivo Shower Sandal lathers and scrubs the feet quickly and easily. The ergonomically-designed, contoured footbed curls up slightly in the toe area. This positions the brush bristles at the optimum angle to scrub the tips of the toes and to get in between the toes (the most difficult parts of the feet to get clean).

Using the Avivo Shower Sandal is a wonderfully pleasurable and luxurious cleansing experience. Washcloths, sponges, and loofahs simply do not exfoliate the skin and scrub away dirt as easily, quickly and thoroughly as the Avivo Shower Sandal, especially in the hard to reach areas in between the individual toes. The Avivo Shower Sandal’s brush bristles also create a rich soapy lather, to deep clean the feet.

There are thousands of nerve endings in our feet, and the Avivo Shower Sandal’s soft brush bristles gently stimulate and massage them, improving circulation and making feet feel relaxed, refreshed and pampered.

The Avivo Shower Sandal is easy to keep clean and sanitary. Because it is made of durable hard plastic, it doesn’t harbor harmful bacteria, the way that loofahs, sponges and washcloths do. To clean it, simply rinse it well with hot water and let it air dry. The footbed even flexes, so you can get in between all the brush bristles. Multiple perforations in the footbed allow for good drainage and quick drying. The Avivo Shower Sandal is even safe to wash in the dishwasher or washing machine.

The Avivo Shower Sandal is a well-made, thoughtfully-designed, durable and high-quality product that is simple to use and keep clean and hygienic, and takes up very little space. This is a terrific enhancement to anyone’s shower or bathing routine. This easy to care for product is sure to last a long time and bring much satisfaction and enjoyment.

The Avivo Shower Sandal is perfect for people of all ages, in all states of health and mobility, and is safe, easy and sanitary to use. It is especially recommended for the elderly, diabetics and people with limited mobility, who are not able to bend down to clean their feet. To keep your feet as clean and healthy as possible and feeling their best, the Avivo Shower Sandal is a must-have product.

Here are several tips for preventing injuries and accidents in the kitchen:

• Always keep young children out of the kitchen while cooking and preparing meals. Institute a rule, no playing or running in the kitchen. If kids want to help with food preparation, make sure they are carefully supervised.
• Don’t allow distractions while you are cooking. Don’t talk on the phone or go to another room while something is cooking. Keep your attention on what you are doing at all times. Don’t allow pots to boil over, baked dishes to burn and cause smoke or grease fires. If you have something cooking on very low heat for a long time, make sure to use a timer so you don’t forget when to return to cooking.
• Be aware of spills on the kitchen floor that could cause someone to slip and fall. Mop up any spills immediately.
• When cooking on the stove, always turn handles of pots and pans inward, so they don’t stick out. This is so that no one can accidentally knock a hot pan or pot off of the stovetop.
• Keep the stovetop clean and clear of debris, grease, paper, or any objects that could potentially catch on fire. Periodically clean your oven of grease that could cause a fire.
• Tie up loose hair, and roll up shirt sleeves so they don’t accidentally touch the stove or cooking pots.

When preparing foods, take caution against burning yourself by putting your safety first:

• Never taste by dipping your finger into food that is hot or cooking. Use a spoon, and let the food cool down first before tasting it.
• Use a potholder or an oven mitt when lifting the lid off of a steaming pot, and protect your hands, wrists and face from escaping steam.
• When removing something from the oven, always use oven mitts or potholders, and place the hot dish on a cooling rack. Allow adequate time for the dish to cool, before touching or serving it.
• The microwave can create “hot spots” and make plates very hot. Always use a potholder to remove the dish. People with arthritis or limited mobility in their hands can use Buckingham Coolhand to remove the dish.
• Hot liquids can cause severe burns. Use the Buckingham Mug Holder to carry hot mugs safely and prevent spills.
• Consider using an insulated travel mug for hot beverages.
• Always let hot foods and liquids cool down before touching or consuming them.
• When using hot water to wash dishes, watch the temperature. Hot water can scald.
• Be careful when opening the dishwasher right after the cycle has completed. The dishwasher can release hot steam, which can burn.
• Exercise extreme caution with candles. Never leave candles attended and keep them out of reach of children. Avoid open flames, use glass or metal candle holders.
• Keep knives well-sharpened, because dull knives will slip instead of cut, increasing the possibility that you will accidentally cut yourself.
• Keep a fire extinguisher in the kitchen within easy reach, and know how to use it. Never use water to put out an electrical fire or grease fire!
• Keep a first-aid kit with band-aids, antibiotic ointment, alcohol or hydrogen peroxide, aloe vera gel, aspirin or other anti-inflammatory. Use the kit to treat minor injuries. In the case of major injury, go to the nearest emergency room or call 911.
• If you suffer a minor burn, hold the affected area underneath cool running water for several minutes. Do not use ice. If the skin comes off, it may be an indicator that you have a major burn, so call your doctor or seek to emergency care immediately.

The most important thing you can do to prevent accidents is to pay attention to what you are doing at all times. Be mindful and present, don’t rush, and you will enjoy cooking, as well as your meal!

Recommended Products:  Buckingham Mug Holder and Buckingham Coolhand.

Take crutches, for example. People with leg injuries were forced to use one-size fits-all crutches that were gripped by the hands and held in place at the underarm. The problem with this design is that putting so much pressure and weight on this part of the body causes the arm to become sore, and cuts off circulation. This actually impedes the ability to use the arm to grip the crutch properly. Bruising and pain can result from use of these crutches. People who use these types of crutches must stop to rest often to restore proper recirculation of blood to their arms.

New ergonomic designs for crutches eliminate this problem. The crutches have been drastically shortened. Now there is a right and left hand crutch that better aligns with the body. The top part of the crutch is now a cuff that holds the forearm below the elbow, so there is no risk of damage, pain, or loss of circulation to the upper arm. This is a much more natural way of moving, and reduces the risk of injury to other parts of the body.

Other features for safety and comfort have been incorporated into the new styles of crutches. For example, the hand grips have extra padding and are ergonomically shaped. The handles also include reflectors, for better visibility. And a patented locking system allows the user to lock the crutches together when they are not in use. For people who like even more personalization, the crutches are available in various colors. More agility, comfort and style!

For ergonomically designed crutches, see the variety of crutches offered at the Windsor Direct Store.

Recommended products:  Forearm Crutches with Anatomical Handles, Forearm Crutches for Children.

In addition to keeping your body clean and refreshed, it’s also important to keep your environment germ-free. Items that are frequently used and touched should be regularly cleaned with sanitizing agents. Some examples of items that are frequently touched and could harbor germs include exercise equipment, health equipment, jewelry and eyeglasses, remote controls, doorknobs and handles, telephones and computer keyboards. Public facilities, gyms and hotels get a lot of use from many people and often are not adequately cleaned.

It’s important to safeguard your health, especially if you are vulnerable to infection. Here are some tips for keeping clean and preventing illness:

• Wash hands frequently with warm water and soap.
• Avoid touching your face, especially nose and mouth, with your hands.
• Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer when you can’t wash your hands.
• Keep clothing and personal items clean with frequent washing and cleansing.
• Clean your home regularly, especially kitchen and bathroom.
• Change cleaning sponges regularly.
• Never share eating utensils, drinking glasses or cosmetics with others.
• Use cleansing wipes to sanitize items that are frequently touched or used.

Keep yourself and your environment clean, with the convenience of ‘World of Wipes’ broad range of purpose wipes, from anti-bacterial hand, fitness, foot and make up remover wipes to furniture, glass, floor and all-purpose wipes.  It’s the simple way to achieve better health!

Recommended Products: A World of Wipes anti-bacterial hand, fitness, foot, make up remover wipes and A World of Wipes furniture, glass, floor and all-purpose wipes.

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It’s for plane, train, and automobiles! Fly like a bird, and let this new concept lap tray make your mobility as easy as it can be! The Trabasack is a multi-purpose personal accessory that adds functionality to people in all sorts of ways. In the home and on the go, the Trabasack will help you be more independent.

From assisted living needs to simply traveling comfortably, Trabasack is the superstar of lap trays as it doubles as a travel bag, which easily hangs on the back of your wheelchair or off your shoulder. This ingenious lap tray can even be utilized as a backpack, with all your necessities packed inside.

The tray sits comfortably on your lap, creating a flat surface that makes writing, eating and any leisure activity easy. The “bean bag” bottom side lies on your lap smoothly! For anyone who uses a wheelchair, this is a great accessory since it’s functional and easily stored on the back of the chair.

Trabasack offers three designs: The Original Curve, Curve Connect and the Mini Trabasack. The Original and Curve Connect offer an ergonomic curve that hugs the body’s contours and fits snuggly against your waist. The Mini is a perfect rectangle that can accommodate your flat surface needs too.

Aside from the flat surface, there is also an optional Connect Surface feature for the Curve and Mini! Use the “hook”or small Velcro technology to attach anything you’d like – your laptop, cellphone, remote control, notebook, toys or anything else you need to be stationary. This attachment feature is perfect for anyone who needs assistance in keeping items secure, such as people with physical limitations and children. The Trabasack Original features a vinyl surface.

Trabasack begs to be used in creative ways, for everyone! Great for you, your friends or your toddlers in the stroller! No matter where your journeys take you, let your Trabasack lead the way in independence, comfort and productivity!