Medical Store Costa Mesa - Blog
April 19, 2024
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Golden Launches Two New Lightweight, Foldable Power Wheelchairs
Old Forge, PA – Golden Technologies is excited to announce that they launched two new lightweight foldable power wheelchairs, further expanding their current line of mobility products. Golden retailers are already experiencing great success with the all-new GP301 Stride aluminum folding power wheelchair and the GP302 Cricket carbon fiber folding power wheelchair. Both the Stride and Cricket are super-portable, lightweight, stylish, and fun to drive.
“The Golden brand promises superior design, technology, and performance. This new product launch represents yet another level of innovation for our end-users while further differentiating Golden’s long-standing presence in the power wheelchair and mobility market,” said Rich Golden, CEO of Golden Technologies.
The Cricket is the lightest 300 lb. capacity folding power wheelchair on the market
making it perfect for transporting for any new adventure. “Due to its 100% carbon fiber frame, excellent performance, and ease of movement navigating indoors and out, we expect the Cricket to be very popular with our customers,” said Golden.
The sporty new Stride has an aluminum frame making it one of the lightest power wheelchairs on the market. It is easy to transport and offers comfort spring suspension adding to the smooth ride. It’s easy to stow in a car and stands on end for space-saving storage. “Our customers will love the new Stride for their active lifestyle with impressive standard features such as comfort spring suspension and convenient storage,” said Golden.
Golden retailers are promoting these incredible, new profit-producing mobility products successfully driving traffic to their stores and making the sale to happy customers. The Cricket and Stride folding power wheelchairs allow them to optimize their mobility merchandising strategy.
“We look forward to serving our retailer’s lightweight, foldable power wheelchair needs,”
he added. “Thanks to the support of our thousands of retailers, we are positioned stronger than ever to help more Americans maintain their independence and enjoy a new level of comfort with our innovative products and technology,” said Golden.
June 23, 2023
How A Golden Lift Chair Aids Patients with Neuropathy
If you or someone you love is suffering from neuropathy, a Golden power lift recliner is the best choice to aide in treatment and relief.
According to this Google review, Amy H. wrote, “This chair has helped my mother-in-law immensely as her neuropathy has made it hard for her to use her feet/legs. Using the lift component has made it much easier for her to get out of the chair when she needs to. I also love how the controller has a USB port at the top so she can charge her devices right there – genius since her mobility is so limited. The chair is also sized correctly for her…Highly recommend this product.”
Neuropathy is a form of nerve damage that causes symptoms such as numbness, muscle weakness, burning and tingling in the hands and feet, and loss of balance. Patients with peripheral neuropathy lose sensation in their feet, making them more prone to injury. Loss of sensation is usually precluded by tremendous nerve pain and tingling. According to the Cleveland Clinic, “It is estimated that around 60%-70% of individuals with Diabetes also have peripheral neuropathy. About 25%-30% of Americans are estimated to have it.”
The main obstacle that neuropathy presents is loss of balance, which can lead to falls and broken bones. “In a study of more than 500 women with chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN), 45% reported numbness in their hands and feet. These women had an altered gait pattern and were twice as likely to fall,” according to an article by the National Cancer Institute.
The sit-to-stand transition is seen as one of the most physically demanding motor functions needed to maintain our independence and that motor function can be impeded by the muscle weakness associated with peripheral neuropathy which can increase the risk for falling. With Golden’s MaxiComfort® lift chairs, including those with Twilight, the backrest opens slowly as the chair rises to provide supportive lift assistance that allows the user to gently exit the chair when they are ready.
As neuropathy progresses, wound care is also inevitable as patients have an increased risk for neuropathic ulcers and broken bones from toe-stubbing and falls. Diabetes is not the only cause of peripheral neuropathy. According to the Mayo Clinic, “Health conditions that cause peripheral neuropathy can include:
- Autoimmune diseases such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, Sjogren’s syndrome, Guillain-Barre syndrome, vasculitis, etc.
- Infections
- Inherited disorders
- Tumors
- Bone Marrow disorders
- Hypothyroidism
Due to nerve damage, many individuals living with peripheral neuropathy often are unable to tell when they have injured their foot be it a broken toe stubbed on a coffee table or a cut from a sharp object. Some aren’t able to tell until they are already dealing with an infection. It is highly recommended by the medical professionals at the Cleveland Clinic that, “people living with diabetes (or their caregivers) inspect their feet daily for infections and wounds and never go barefoot.”
Another way Golden lift chairs with our patented Twilight positioning can benefit the caregiver and patient alike is providing better accessibility to the feet to aide in would care. Neuropathic ulcers generally occur under the bottom of the feet and debridement techniques are often recommended to treat them. This positioning offers a safe and comfortable means for the caregiver to access and treat the ulcers. While the average lift chair footboard may raise to approximately 21-22” and generally run parallel to the floor, the 5th zone that activates Twilight positioning raises the front of the chair, which puts the feet at an angle that is highly visible and accessible.
According to Mizisin, Department of Pathology (Neuropathology), University of California, “Nerve edema is a common response to the nerve injury seen in many peripheral neuropathies and is an important component of Wallerian degeneration.” Edema is swelling caused by a build-up of fluids around the nerves. In this case, a doctor may recommend a variety of mechanical treatments such as leg elevation, massage, compression, movement, and other measures. Be sure to discuss with your doctor which options are right for you.
Golden power lift recliners with Twilight Technology make regular foot inspections much easier for caregivers because their exclusively patented positioning technology provides a 15° ergonomic tilt after the footboard is raised, making feet visible and accessible for inspection and for dressing wounds. With so many positioning possibilities, it can be a great tool to ease the physical strain of being a caregiver and provide a useful station to offer care such as toenail trimming, foot moisturizing, or other recommended care. Whether you require leg elevation for foot inspection, or for longer use like elevation for drainage, Golden power lift recliners offer better leg elevation than any other power lift recliner around. Our Twilight models contain five Comfort Zones so that you can reposition easily for lasting comfort.
These are just a few ways that lift chairs can help make life easier for patients suffering from the long-term effects of peripheral neuropathy. By providing assistance with balance, relief of pressure points, and an ergonomic aid for wound care associated with neuropathic ulcers, Golden lift chairs can enrich the lifestyles of their owners.
Taken from Golden Technologies Webpage Blog
June 5th, 2023
HAPPY SUMMER!
February 2, 2023 Happy Groundhog Day!
Golden Expands Power Wheelchair Line with All-New BuzzAbout & LiteRider Envy LT
Old Forge, PA – Golden Technologies has launched new innovative product in the mobility division. The introduction of two new power wheelchair designs with added comfort and performance features will help retailers drive cash sales in an increasingly competitive market for mobility aids.
“We invested heavily in new and exciting mobility products to provide our retailers with high-performance products designed for comfort and style to increase their retail cash sales,” said Rich Golden, CEO of Golden Technologies. “We continually strive to be at the forefront of innovation and design with all our products,” he added.
“The GB164 BuzzAbout power wheelchair ushers in the next level of power wheelchair options across the home health care industry and has been enthusiastically received by our retailers for both functionality and design. The new entry-level GP161 LiteRider Envy LT rounds out the line-up and continues to mean quality and value. The combination of these three power wheelchairs on our retailer’s showroom floor gives them a powerful good, better, best retail offering,” said Golden.
Full-time luxury on the go comes with the convenience of true portability on the revolutionary new BuzzAbout, the first power wheelchair in our popular Buzzaround Series. Perfect for travel, the BuzzAbout power wheelchair is in a class all its own. It has a stylish captain’s seat with contoured support and higher back for longer seating tolerance and comfort. It features motion sensing LED running lights on the footplate and rear handle activated when the controller is moved. It also features a 300 lb. weight capacity, 2-22 AH batteries standard, convenient offboard charging, and easy disassembly for transport. The BuzzAbout offers excellent performance and maneuverability indoors and out for an active lifestyle.
The all-new LiteRider Envy LT power wheelchair is both stylish and durable with a silver powder-coated frame and tubular design that is unique to the Golden LiteRider family. The Envy LT features a compact controller and well-styled joystick designed to make everyday tasks easier such as driving up to a table or maneuvering through a doorway. The Envy LT has an impressive 27” turning radius, making it perfect for indoor or outdoor use, and offers a 250 lb. weight capacity with an operating range of up to 11.4 miles on two 12V 18AH batteries. It also offers convenient offboard charging and easy disassembly for transport. The Envy LT offers excellent value and performance.
January 13, 2023
Living Empowered
Living Empowered
Life is all about going through challenges, and overcoming adversity isn’t new to mankind. It has always been the case since the beginning of time and it always will be. But sometimes when we are caught up in life challenges and are experiencing negative emotion, it’s difficult to see or believe that we will get past it. We are emotional beings with a constant influx of thoughts and emotions and it’s normal to feel discouraged at times.
What helps is to realize that we are built to be able to overcome whatever we experience in this life. It is simply how we are designed. No matter what our specific circumstances are, we all have the ability to live an empowered life filled with many moments of peace, love, fulfillment and joy.
The reason for that is that our state of being is different from our life situation that sometimes consists of life challenges and adversities.
Our life situation is always changing and based on circumstances, surrounding and experience and some things are under our control while others are not. Examples are: being single, married or divorced; young or old; adored or rejected; alone or in a relationship; working or unemployed; financially successful or going bankrupt; healthy or chronically ill; disabled or able-bodied; rich or poor; in celebration or bereavement; with blessings or loss; etc… and the list goes on and on, forever.
When you believe your level of joy and peace is based on your life situation, there is never a guarantee that you will be okay because your life situation is always changing and nothing is ever guaranteed. That in turn would mean that your ability to experience joy and peace is also not guaranteed. Following that logic, what happens when hardships fall upon you that force you to change your identity and way of life? What happen if you experience a chronic illness that you do not recover from or another major pitfall in your life? Does that mean you will never be happy ever again?
No, it doesn’t.
Who we truly are and our ability to feel positive emotion is something independent and far beyond our bodies, identity, and fluctuating life situation. We are powerful beings, having a human experience. We are timeless souls, whose true essence is peace, joy and love. We are pure potential and resilience and no circumstance that we come across in our life experience can ever prevent us from tapping into those states because they are innately what we are and what we are made of.
Only our own thinking prohibits those feelings from coming through.
When we realize that something shifts within us and it allows us to experience life from a different perspective and to begin truly living in gratitude, mindfulness and the awe of it all, no matter what the experience is.
I can honestly say that I’ve experienced more levels of conscience happiness and peace in my life now, having a chronic illness and being disabled, than I ever have in my life. That’s not to say that you have to go through hardships in order to feel this way, but sometimes life puts you into circumstances that nudges you in the direction where glorious self-discovery is found.
Happiness comes from within and not surroundings. When you don’t realize that you can have the most perfect life experience, but you will still suffer every day. When you tap into the love within you and understand that it all comes from within you, you can have many life challenges, but know you will always have the ability to bounce back and be okay.
Rise Above Limiting Beliefs
I’m often surprised by the reaction I receive from people at random times and in different situations when I show up somewhere with a mobility device. They assume I am suffering, depressed or unsatisfied with my life. They show concern like putting their hands on my shoulder and asking, “How are doing?” and often when I say I’m fine, they assume I’m just trying to be strong and say things like “Hang in there” or “It’s okay not to be okay”.
Here are some other reactions I’ve received and what people have said to me in those situations. Most of these have been at social events when I am simply there to celebrate and have a good time:
- Someone will start to cry and say how badly they feel for me.
- “Well, look at you, how can you be fine?”
- “Well, you must have your dark moments.”
- “I would rather die than be in a wheelchair.”
- “I don’t know how you do it.”
- “You need to stay strong for your kids.”
- “Life is so hard, especially for you.”
- Someone will give me examples of other people they know with chronic illness and/or who have died.
- No matter how I try to change the conversation, they will drive it back to me being ill or disabled.
- I’ve been randomly approached at the gym and told it isn’t the right place for me and I’m liable to get hurt.
- I’ve been offered unsolicited medical advice about everything under the sun more times than I can count and even told to go to church and receive Holy Communion.
I truly don’t hold any bad feelings against anyone, but these examples reinforce a victim way of thinking that our lives are ruined when we are faced with challenging life situations, in my case, having Multiple Sclerosis and disability and that we lose our ability to ever feel happy and fulfilled ever again.
If I believed this way of thinking I would probably spend most days stagnant and depressed at home.
The worst thing is not what others say or believe. It is if these types of conversations plant seeds in your mind, or reinforce beliefs that you have overcome, or bring to mind a way of thinking that makes you feel like your life is “bad”. Sometimes, I have even questioned myself, doubted myself, wondered if I’ve illusioned myself into thinking that my life is “good” when so many people around me appear to think it’s a tragedy. I don’t believe I have.
Thoughts
The perception of your life is based on your beliefs and thoughts. Our beliefs influence our thoughts, and our thoughts create our emotions. Positive thoughts create positive emotions and negative thoughts negative emotions.
For example, if you have thoughts that you are inferior, that your life is over and that you will never be happy again, and you believe them, then you will feel hopeless and depressed.
Instead, if you let those sad thoughts pass you like clouds and dwell on only the ones that make you feel good, like that you are full of potential, strong, capable, alive, etc … your perception will shift and you will begin to truly feel good, capable, appreciative and strong.
We can always choose which thoughts we dwell on.
The happier your thoughts are, the happier you are emotionally and the better you feel physically and are more in tune with your body’s natural flow.
No matter what your life situation is you always have the ability to process your thoughts in a manner to allow yourself to live empowered and have a fulfilling life.
In fact, even better, is to try and not think too much in general! Especially over thinking! Don’t think too much about the past and don’t think too much about the future but be so consumed with the present moment that you get lost in it. The more time we spend out of intellect, just being, existing free of thought, less control, more aliveness, the more our lives begin to effortlessly unfold for the better around us. The ultimate connection you can have with yourself and the universe is being fully in the present moment.
Create Your Life
Let go of the image and idea of what you thought your life should have been and meet yourself right now exactly where you are at in your life situation and accept all of it, fully loving yourself and every single aspect of your life, even the things you aren’t happy with.
It is from that place of peace, love and acceptance for yourself where the possibilities begin to unfold.
From that space of love and acceptance, get in the game of life and use your power to create the life you desire. Do what you can from what is within your control. Do what you feel passionate about. Do it healthy, ill, walking, standing, from a wheelchair or even your bed. Do it single, divorced, widowed, bankrupt or whatever else your life situation is, it doesn’t matter.
If you would like to make changes to your identity, understand that we are beings of full potential and that every passing moment is a rebirth of who we can be. Take positive action towards that.
If you feel that something isn’t possible, understand that when something is lost or ends that doesn’t mean all the avenues have been closed. Put your best foot forward, in any way you can, and take action in the direction that feels right to you. Do it with grace, ease and faith that you are on the right path. When you begin to take positive action, the next steps to take appear before you.
The key is to stay lighthearted and to keep moving forward while putting your focus and energy into the positive things in your life. The river of life is always flowing and we are just along for the swim.
You are the hero of your own story, write it.
You are the writer, director, and star of your own movie, enjoy it.
You are the miracle of life, believe it.
My Journey
When I was diagnosed with MS, my life started to change and my old life didn’t meet my new life anymore, so it forced me to move, and that is what life is always about. Nobody’s life stays exactly the same all the time, and if it does, we wouldn’t really be fulfilled.
When I became disabled, my life changed some more, my career changed, the people I hung out with changed and the activities that I did changed. I was forced to mourn my old identity. I didn’t realize though, that slowly and organically, my life started to shift. As I started accepting the changes in my life, I began gravitating to a new direction. Now I find myself more in my peace of mind, happy in my career, fulfilled with my activities, appreciating the people in my life, and I have a whole new life. It wasn’t easy but it’s fine, I’m just as happy, if not happier than I’ve ever been. I am not inferring that adversity is required for positive life change, what I mean is that life will shove you in different directions but we can always find the right path for us to discover who we truly are.
Embrace the changes in your life that have fallen upon you. Work with them. The path is different for all of us but the game of life is the same for us all. There is always something to learn and new growth to experience.
With all my flaws, life challenges, grievances, hardships, moments of heartbreak and sorrow, mistakes and regrets I have still made it to this point in my life and I feel at peace with it all choosing the feeling of love and gratitude in my heart over anything else. I believe that moments of pain and happiness are one of the same and both gifts of this life experience. I try and use the energy I have to invest in my life and not complain about it.
Go through the ups and downs of the journey of life but don’t take any of it too seriously, we are all heading to the same place anyway. Lead with your heart and have faith that you’re on the right path and that your soul will always guide you home.
Written By: Anna Giannakouros
July 15th, 2022
How A Golden Lift Chair Aids Patients with Neuropathy
Written by: Aline Browning
If you or someone you love is suffering from neuropathy, a Golden power lift recliner is the best choice to aide in treatment and relief.
According to this Google review, Amy H. wrote, “This chair has helped my mother-in-law immensely as her neuropathy has made it hard for her to use her feet/legs. Using the lift component has made it much easier for her to get out of the chair when she needs to. I also love how the controller has a USB port at the top so she can charge her devices right there – genius since her mobility is so limited. The chair is also sized correctly for her…Highly recommend this product.”
Neuropathy is a form of nerve damage that causes symptoms such as numbness, muscle weakness, burning and tingling in the hands and feet, and loss of balance. Patients with peripheral neuropathy lose sensation in their feet, making them more prone to injury. Loss of sensation is usually precluded by tremendous nerve pain and tingling. According to the Cleveland Clinic, “It is estimated that around 60%-70% of individuals with Diabetes also have peripheral neuropathy. About 25%-30% of Americans are estimated to have it.”
The main obstacle that neuropathy presents is loss of balance, which can lead to falls and broken bones. “In a study of more than 500 women with chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN), 45% reported numbness in their hands and feet. These women had an altered gait pattern and were twice as likely to fall,” according to an article by the National Cancer Institute.
The sit-to-stand transition is seen as one of the most physically demanding motor functions needed to maintain our independence and that motor function can be impeded by the muscle weakness associated with peripheral neuropathy which can increase the risk for falling. With Golden’s MaxiComfort® lift chairs, including those with Twilight, the backrest opens slowly as the chair rises to provide supportive lift assistance that allows the user to gently exit the chair when they are ready.
As neuropathy progresses, wound care is also inevitable as patients have an increased risk for neuropathic ulcers and broken bones from toe-stubbing and falls. Diabetes is not the only cause of peripheral neuropathy. According to the Mayo Clinic, “Health conditions that cause peripheral neuropathy can include:
- Autoimmune diseases such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, Sjogren’s syndrome, Guillain-Barre syndrome, vasculitis, etc.
- Infections
- Inherited disorders
- Tumors
- Bone Marrow disorders
- Hypothyroidism
Due to nerve damage, many individuals living with peripheral neuropathy often are unable to tell when they have injured their foot be it a broken toe stubbed on a coffee table or a cut from a sharp object. Some aren’t able to tell until they are already dealing with an infection. It is highly recommended by the medical professionals at the Cleveland Clinic that, “people living with diabetes (or their caregivers) inspect their feet daily for infections and wounds and never go barefoot.”
Another way Golden lift chairs with our patented Twilight positioning can benefit the caregiver and patient alike is providing better accessibility to the feet to aide in would care. Neuropathic ulcers generally occur under the bottom of the feet and debridement techniques are often recommended to treat them. This positioning offers a safe and comfortable means for the caregiver to access and treat the ulcers. While the average lift chair footboard may raise to approximately 21-22” and generally run parallel to the floor, the 5th zone that activates Twilight positioning raises the front of the chair, which puts the feet at an angle that is highly visible and accessible.
According to Mizisin, Department of Pathology (Neuropathology), University of California, “Nerve edema is a common response to the nerve injury seen in many peripheral neuropathies and is an important component of Wallerian degeneration.” Edema is swelling caused by a build-up of fluids around the nerves. In this case, a doctor may recommend a variety of mechanical treatments such as leg elevation, massage, compression, movement, and other measures. Be sure to discuss with your doctor which options are right for you.
Golden power lift recliners with Twilight Technology make regular foot inspections much easier for caregivers because their exclusively patented positioning technology provides a 15° ergonomic tilt after the footboard is raised, making feet visible and accessible for inspection and for dressing wounds. With so many positioning possibilities, it can be a great tool to ease the physical strain of being a caregiver and provide a useful station to offer care such as toenail trimming, foot moisturizing, or other recommended care. Whether you require leg elevation for foot inspection, or for longer use like elevation for drainage, Golden power lift recliners offer better leg elevation than any other power lift recliner around. Our Twilight models contain five Comfort Zones so that you can reposition easily for lasting comfort.
These are just a few ways that lift chairs can help make life easier for patients suffering from the long-term effects of peripheral neuropathy. By providing assistance with balance, relief of pressure points, and an ergonomic aid for wound care associated with neuropathic ulcers, Golden lift chairs can enrich the lifestyles of their owners.
For more resources related to foot care and neuropathic ulcers please visit:
https://www.diabetes.org/living-with-diabetes/complications/footcare/prevention
To find support groups in your area, you can email the Foundation for Peripheral Neuropathy:
https://www.cancer.gov/news-events/cancer-currents-blog/2016/peripheral-neuropathy-falls
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/14737-neuropathy#:~:text=About%208%25%20of%20adults%20over,)%2C%20and%20heavy%20alcohol%20use.
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17169-foot-and-toe-ulcers
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2195637/
Image Credit:
JUNE 20, 2022
Caring For a Loved One with Alzheimer’s Disease
Written By: Aline Browning
Symptoms to Be On The Lookout For with Alzheimer’s Patients
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) affects over 6 million people in the U.S. currently and that number is projected to more than double by 2060. “The number of people living with the disease doubles every five years beyond age 65.” And it’s estimated that, “by 2060 more than 14 million Americans will be diagnosed with this most common form of dementia,” according to the CDC (2021). Individuals with mild to moderate Alzheimer’s may not lose their motor skills, but as the condition becomes severe, a patient with Alzheimer’s may struggle with balance, fine motor skills, and communication. This presents a challenge to caregivers to be more vigilant or watchful with their caregiving. It may be difficult for someone living with severe Alzheimer’s to tell you that they have an ingrown toenail that is causing them pain or that they have an ear infection, or even that they have an urge to use the bathroom. So it’s essential that our loved ones with any form of dementia have the proper recliner for ultimate comfort and care.
Alzheimer’s and Diabetes
There may also be a link between Alzheimer’s and Diabetes. According to the American Diabetes Association, “Both type 2 diabetes and Impaired Fasting Glycemia were more prevalent in Alzheimer disease versus non-Alzheimer disease control subjects, so 81% of cases of Alzheimer disease had either type 2 diabetes or IFG.” If an elderly Alzheimer’s patient also has diabetes, it is important to monitor their feet for the development of neuropathic ulcers. They may not even be aware these ulcers are present because with neuropathy, patients eventually lose sensation in their feet. This need becomes even more apparent when the individual has other conditions that develop where aging may be a risk factor. An Alzheimer’s patient may not be able to communicate that they are developing pressure sores known as decubitus ulcers. Pressure sores develop in the elderly as their skin becomes thin and loses elasticity. When those areas do not get proper airflow and relief from the pressure of that position, a painful sore develops. Golden power lift recliners offer UltraPlush Brisa® fabrics which is a breathable material that allows air to flow to the skin and may reduce the likeliness of a decubitus ulcer forming.
How Golden Lift Chairs Can Help Maintain Healthy Feet
Though there have been few studies that actually analyze the foot health of AD patients. There was a study performed by Lopez (2018), on 65 elderly patients with AD that found, “89.04% of those patients had a high presence of foot health problems and 69.86% of those patients were wearing an incorrect sized shoe.” People with severe Alzheimer’s may not be able to communicate that they have foot pain, so it’s important to pay close attention, keep their feet clean, dry, and their toenails neatly trimmed. It’s also important to help them rest and elevate any inflamed areas to reduce pain and swelling. Golden lift chairs with MaxiComfort technology and patented Twilight technology are able to elevate the feet above the heart to reduce swelling and provide a convenient tool for caregivers to perform foot checks safely and comfortably.
Alzheimer’s Patients Have A Higher Risk of Falling
Spatial perception plays a role in falls with Alzheimer’s patients as cognition begins to decline, it becomes harder for people with dementia to time their steps. According to the Fisher Center for Alzheimer’s Research Foundation (2021), “People who suffer from dementia related disease will eventually develop an unsteady gait, hardly lifting their feet. Instead, they will develop a shuffle and this creates a higher risk of falling.”
Poor foot health and cognitive impairment are two prominent risk factors for falls in patients with AD. Allali (2016) stated, “Cognitive impairment has been identified as a risk factor for falls in aging.3,4 Impaired executive function, but not memory impairment, has been associated with increased prevalence of falls in healthy older adults.3 Dementia is considered an independent risk factor for falling in older adults.5,6 Older adults with dementia fall two to three times more than cognitively healthy older adults.”
Fall risk assessments are often performed using the 5XSTS test, which evaluates the balance and leg strength of an elderly patient moving from sit to stand as many times as they can safely stand within 30 seconds. That amount is then compared to the average in that age group.
Sarcopenia and Alzheimer’s Disease
While staff-supported interventions and exercise interventions are highly recommended by doctors, balance also plays a role in fall prevention. Another risk factor affecting balance for AD patients is sarcopenia. According to the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, “More severe sarcopenia at baseline was associated with a higher risk of incident AD and a faster rate of cognitive decline.” Sarcopenia is a natural occurrence in the elderly, it is skeletal muscle loss and it affects balance and gait in the elderly. Clinically defined, Sarcopenia is “a syndrome characterized by progressive and generalized loss of skeletal muscle mass and strength and it is strictly correlated with physical disability, poor quality of life and death.” Santilli, (2014). Sarcopenia, coupled with cognitive impairment, present a very high risk factor for falls.
Sarcopenia can make the sit-to-stand transition very difficult for an elderly patient. Golden power lift recliners are designed to lift a person gently to their feet while simultaneously opening the backrest, so its occupant doesn’t feel pushed or forced out of the chair. It allows individuals to exit the chair when they are ready, giving them time to find their balance and footing. Golden lift chairs not only provide support for elderly patients during the sit-to-stand transition, but they provide relief to caregivers who would otherwise have to rely on their own strength to give lift assistance.
At Golden, we understand how challenging caring for an Alzheimer’s patient can be and we hope this post has helped provide important information to aid in care and to be on the lookout for other symptoms associated with Alzheimer’s. Our mission is to create the most innovative products for ultimate comfort and independence for you and your family. That’s why we offer such a wide range of power lift recliner sizes and styles—to help you find the perfect chair.
Resources:
https://www.cdc.gov/aging/aginginfo/alzheimers.htm
https://www.alzinfo.org/treatment-care/blogs/2014/01/risk-falling-increases-dementia/
https://diabetes.diabetesjournals.org/content/53/2/474
https://agsjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jgs.17206?af=R
https://www.cdc.gov/steadi/pdf/STEADI-Assessment-30Sec-508.pdf
May 4th, 2022
GAINING A LOT OF WEIGHT? IT MIGHT BE HYPOTHYROIDISM
January 2022
The Emotional Drain of Dramatic Weight Gain
Dramatic weight gain can be emotionally crushing. It’s made me doubt my self worth, causes physical pain, and has even been a financial burden because I’ve had to buy all new clothes. When I turned 40, I began to struggle with weakness and fatigue that was first thought to be anemia. The diagnosis was updated after some testing a few months later and I was told I had Hypothyroidism.
I was very fit in my 20s and 30s. I weighed 122 lbs. I ran 2.5 miles on an elliptical machine 3-4 days a week, I lifted weights, did resistance training, and wore extra small-sized clothes. My weight fluctuated by a few pounds, but I was always under 130 lbs. I received my diagnosis two years ago. I am now at 167 lbs. and climbing.
In two years I have had four wardrobe changes and I now wear large-sized clothing and frankly, that makes me sad at least 20 times a day. Every time I attempt to button my coat, lift something heavy, or try on new clothing, I feel like I am losing more and more of myself. To me, it seems to be happening incredibly fast. It’s like I’m watching a photograph of myself just blur before my eyes. To spectators, it may seem like the answer is to make lifestyle changes and get back in shape, but that is a leaf that doesn’t turn over so easily when you have Hypothyroidism. Hypothyroid weight gain isn’t caused by fat, but by enlargement and softening of muscle mass, so burning it off is impossible. I try to make light-hearted jokes about how I’m “hulking” out of my clothes but at the end of the day, it really still just hurts to think about my body changing this way. I feel powerless over it.
One of the reasons it is so difficult to “attack” the progression of hypothyroidism is because there is a plethora of underlying autoimmune diseases that may be causing it. Getting to the bottom of the cause of one’s hypothyroidism can take as long as it takes to diagnose systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA). On average it takes six years to diagnose SLE, which translates to roughly six years of unchecked damage to the body caused by either the underlying condition or the hypothyroidism.
I was extremely crushed to receive the diagnosis, but not surprised, as thyroid disease is common in the women in my family. My younger sister was diagnosed with Graves disease about eight years ago and she has struggled terribly through her symptoms. She endured drastic weight loss, muscle weakness, headaches, and the worst were her bulging, ulcerated eyes. I was so distraught over her symptoms that it never occurred to me that I would end up with a thyroid disorder diagnosis of my own.
Thyroid disease is predominantly gender specific and mostly impacts women. According to Dr. Klein from From the Department of Medicine and the Feinstein Institute for Medical Research, “Current estimates suggest that it affects as many as 9% to 15% of the adult female population and a smaller percentage of adult males.” Lo and behold, I found myself in the ranks of that statistic.
“Virtually all studies report higher prevalence rates for either overt or subclinical hypothyroidism in women with advancing age.” According to Dr. Morganti from National Center for Biotechnology Information, “epidemiological data from the aging population confirms that men are less affected by thyroid disease than women.”
Unfortunately, weight gain is one of the most common side effects of Hypothyroidism, but there are many other complications that arise from this disorder that many might not know about. Familiarizing yourself with some of the more serious and common complications can help you prepare and to source tools and knowledge that will help you combat its effects. Getting a power lift recliner, for example, can enhance your mobility during a time when mobility is threatened by Hypothyroidism and the autoimmune diseases that cause it.
According to the Mayo Clinic (2021), “Symptoms may include fatigue, increased sensitivity to cold, weight gain, muscle weakness, muscle aches, muscle tenderness and stiffness, and depression among others.” Hypothyroidism is a disease that impedes your mobility over time and causes musculoskeletal weakness.
Power Lift Chairs Can Help with Balance Issues
Hypothyroid myopathy is a common complication of hypothyroidism that reportedly affects “almost 80 percent of patients with hypothyroidism. Patients with severe or untreated hypothyroidism can develop significant muscle disease leading to severe functional limitations.” Fariduddin, SUNY Upstate Medical University.
Golden power lift recliners provide supportive and ergonomic lift assistance that will help you carefully stand to your feet. If muscle responses are slower, it can impact an individual’s balance which is especially true with elderly patients. “The most common symptoms include weakness around the hips and sometimes the shoulders, and a slowing of reflexes. Some people also experience muscle stiffness and painful muscle cramps.” According to the Muscular Dystrophy Association.
Hypothyroidism and Circulatory Complications
Hypothyroidism can affect cardiac contractions the same way it affects type 2 muscle fiber contraction, which can result in cardiovascular complications. According to the American Thyroid Association (2020), “symptoms may include slowing of the heart rate, constriction of the blood vessels and increased blood pressure, retention of fluid and edema and an increase in cholesterol levels. Severe cases of hypothyroidism can cause heart failure and death.”
Thyroid Stimulating Hormones (TSH) is thought to reverse the adverse effects of hypothyroidism on the cardiovascular system. Truthfully, with treatment, there is a fine line to walk as over-treatment can be equally detrimental. Dr. Francois from the Department of Medicine at SUNY-Downstate Health Science University states that “20% of patients with hypothyroidism may be over-treated during replacement therapy leading to increased risk of atrial fibrillation, especially among the elderly. Despite the improvement in both symptoms and cardiac contractility, close observation is needed when starting thyroid hormonal therapy, particularly in the elderly and in those with known coronary ischemia.”
Having hypothyroidism can change the viscosity of the blood, which can lead to increased systemic vascular resistance (SVR), and SVR is the pressure that regulates our blood flow. Now with decreased cardiac output and venous blood struggling to return to the heart, the chance for inflammation has greatly increased through the shedding of blood cell waste. Leg elevation can help to reduce some of this blood cell waste by making it easier for blood oxygen to reach the brain. Golden power lift recliners offer leg elevation with infinite positioning, so you can adjust your leg elevation for comfort while encouraging improved circulation.
You Owe it to Your Body to Find Out What is Causing Your Hypothyroidism
When I started my research for this blog post, I hadn’t been educated on the connection between autoimmune disease and Hypothyroidism. I just assumed that a few lifestyle choices would get me back on track. At that point, I was forced to face a detail that I have been ignoring for about a year now. I have had increasing severity in the arthritis in my neck and about six other joints in my body. Sometimes a simple gesture like shaking my head “no” will cause my neck to become stuck. It is painful, not to mention really socially awkward. It is also a detail that I have ignored for too long. So, I had a hearty tearful moment at my desk and then I called my doctor to set up testing for RA.
He is ordering testing for SLE as well because autoimmune diseases are imposter diseases that are difficult to diagnose. He didn’t hesitate to set up the tests and he was very forthcoming when he told me that it may take years to confirm. I want to start the process now that I know that time is not on my side with diagnosing the autoimmune disease. I know that there are treatments and lifestyle changes that can reduce or slow the progression of this condition, but that can’t be achieved until I know which disease is causing it. I know one thing for sure, I work and live in close proximity to the world’s leading lift chair manufacturer so as my mobility needs change, I’ll have some amazing accessibility options and you have those options, too. I encourage you check out Medical Store in Costa Mesa to start sourcing the tools you need to help make every day of your life easier and more comfortable.
Medical Store is Moving to a BIGGER Location!
October 20, 2021
Beginning 10/22/2021 we will be at
2959 Fairview Rd.
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
GRAND OPENING
NOVEMBER 1st, 2021
Goodie Bags for the first 50 Customers
FREE Popcorn (all day)
FREE Hot Dogs, Chips and Drinks (11:30am - 3pm)
Every $20 purchase enters you into KOI Raffle
BIG DISCOUNTS on many items throughout the ENTIRE STORE!
February 18, 2021
We have been getting several calls regarding hospital beds. It can be overwhelming when looking online trying to figure out which is the correct bed for you or your loved one. We have made the following outline to show the (slight) differences between standard hospital beds. Also, included is information on the new Long-Term Care beds by Dynarex. The LTC beds have many more options and features than the standard hospital beds. If you are interested in getting a hospital or long-term care bed, we are happy to walk you through the process and help you choose the right bed.
Fully Electric vs Semi-Electric Hospital Beds
The Fully Electric Home Hospital Bed has 3 primary functions:
Raise and Lower Head End (Electric)
Raise and Lower Foot End At Knee Area (Electric)
Raise and Lower Entire Bed Platform (Electric)
The Semi-Electric Home Hospital Bed also has 3 primary functions, but one is manually adjustable rather than electric:
Raise and Lower Head End (Electric)
Raise and Lower Foot End At Knee Area (Electric)
Raise and Lower Entire Bed Platform (Manual Crank)
Semi-Electric Homecare beds still offer the convenience of a pendant control to operate both the head and foot adjustments of the bed but the bed platform height must be adjusted by hand crank. If the overall bed height does not need to be frequently adjusted, this option will offer some savings for the buyer.
All beds come with a standard foam mattress and either half or full length bed rails.
Bed sheets, eggcrate mattress pads, alternating pressure mattress pad, incontinent pads, overbed tables and other bed accessories are also available at Medical Store.
Long-Term Care Hospital Beds
Dynarex Long-Term Care Beds are designed for optimal patient comfort and come in a variety of Standard, Bariatric, and Expandable configurations. Extensive selection of rails, headboards, and footboards also available. Ideal for home use as well as a wide range of LTC facilities.
Choose Bed
https://dynarex.com/durable-medical-equipment/long-term-care-beds/beds
Choose Mattress
https://dynarex.com/durable-medical-equipment/long-term-care-beds/foam-mattresses
a. OR Choose Upgraded Air Mattress Option
https://dynarex.com/durable-medical-equipment/long-term-care-beds/air-mattresses
3. Choose Rails
https://dynarex.com/durable-medical-equipment/long-term-care-beds/rails
Happy Holidays
We hope everyone is having a happy, safe, and healthy holiday season. Wanted to remind you that we have great gifts and stocking stuffers that you can not find elsewhere. Some ideas include:
Face Masks, Hand Sanitizer and other PPE Supplies
Cold Pack, Warmies, Hand and Foot Warmers
Scrubs and Nurse's Accessories
and many more unique and hard to find items!
NEW LOWER PRICES ON ALL PPE!
August 27th, 2020
LOWEST PRICE***$25 for 50 masks or $15 for 30 masks***LOWEST PRICE
We also have lower prices on hand sanitizer, disinfectant cleaners, isolation gowns thermometers and N95 face masks.
Husky and McKesson brand disinfectant sprays in stock now.
Safety Home Evaluations are More Important Now Than Ever
July 31, 2020
What a crazy and different summer this has been! For most of us Southern Californians, summer is usually the time that we are outside, on the beaches, taking walks, and enjoying our perfect weather. However, with the pandemic in place, none of this is happening. Many elders are spending most of their time isolated in their homes, which is why Safety Home Evaluations are more important now than ever before. Please print out our Home Evaluation Safety Checklist and go through each room of the house and ensure your loved one is comfortable and safe in their home.
We have all of your PPE in stock now.
May 27, 2020
Face Masks
Face Shields
Hand Sanitizer
Gloves
Sanitizing and Disinfectant Cleaners
Finger Pulse Oximeters
No Touch Forehead Thermometers
AND MORE!
We are currently offering 10% off of all PPE for local small businesses that are re-opening in the next few weeks. We look forward to the re-opening of our fellow businesses and we are happy to provide your Personal Protection Equipment for you.
N95 Face Masks IN STOCK NOW!
March 30, 2020
We currently have N95 face masks in stock!
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MEDTRADE SPRING
March 4-6, 2020
Last week Jessica and Emily spent a few days in Las Vegas for the annual MedTrade Spring show. MedTrade is where many of the manufacturers and vendors come together to demonstrate and show us all the new products and information within the medical industry.
Medical Store is excited to work with some new companies and bring in several new products from our existing vendors. First, we would like to introduce Vionic Shoes, and Trust Care. Vionic Shoes offers an innovative approach to foot care, focusing on stability, support, and all-day comfort. Trust Care is a Swedish Design company that has won the reddot Design Award for two of the new rollators that will be in stock at Medical Store.
Some of our existing vendors brought new and exciting products to the market. Golden has introduced the EZ Sleeper Chair, which is the world’s first MaxiComfort with Twilight positioning and with a powered headrest and lumbar! This is honestly the most comfortable lift chair we have ever had. Vive Health now has a 2-in-1 Transport Chair/Rollator, a massage chair, and a smaller slim design lift chair.
Please come into Medical Store to see all these new and exciting products. We are more than happy to share our knowledge and information with you.
Is your little Superhero injured?
February 12, 2020
Let them feel like a real Superhero with DonJoy's new line of Marvel braces and ice packs.
WELCOME!
February 5, 2020
Welcome to Medical Store's new blog! We are excited to share information about our store, new products, customer's stories, and so much more! Please check back with us periodically, and sign up for our newsletter for even more great information, as well as sales and promotions.