One of the toughest problems for adults with limited mobility or rheumatic health problems is excess weight. Many disabled adults have to be on medications that increase weight gain and are further hampered by an inability to perform cardiovascular workouts. This can quickly pack on the pounds and further complicate health problems in joints, cardiovascular system and even psychological problems.
Determination
Excess weight is defined as a body mass greater than 25% for men and around 28% for women. Body mass is a measure of your fat content in comparison to the rest of your body. A body mass index above 32% is a serious health indicator for life-threatening health conditions, including heart attacks, strokes, diabetes and severe joint problems. In addition to physical health problems, excess weight impacts psychological health too. People who are overweight struggle with fatigue (i.e. their bodies are trying to keep up with so much weight) and poor self-image.
For adults who have joint problems (such as in osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis and lupus), excess weight can be devastating. Joints rely on balanced weight and adequate fluid so you can move freely. When you have inflammation in your joints, you end up creating pressure on mucosal fluids and experience stiffness. If you are overweight, this compounds the problem because your joints are no longer balanced. Over time, the excess impact and demand you place on your joints causes them to break down prematurely. You can no longer run, walk or even sit and stand comfortably.
Solutions
Chair lifts are a great technology that can help reduce the impact of excess weight on your joints. The joints most often affected by excess weight are the hips and knees. These two joints take the most abuse when we are young. As we age, we continue the same lifestyle patterns (i.e. sitting down hard, impact sports, moving quickly) and this causes strain on our joints. As we pack on the pounds in middle age, our hips and knees often cry out for mercy with inflammation and pain.
Whether you choose Pride lift chairs or Golden Technologies chair lift, you are purchasing a piece of mobility assistance equipment that reduces the impact sitting down and standing up has on your hips and knees. Chair lifts promote healing with your hip and knee joints, which also helps you to regain motion and fluidity in your movement. This promotes weight loss as you are able to perform more and more physical activity and after a while, your health is returning to what it was before you were injured or became ill.
If you’ve had a joint replacement surgery, careful movement and chair lifts can also extend the life and functioning of your replacement. Less wear and tear means more life and more comfort for your joint replacement unit. Chair lifts also increase your independence, as you don’t require assistance to get in and out of your recliner. When you buy a chair lift, you’re investing in your own health, which can also boost your self-esteem to build towards a healthier, skinnier future.
About the Author: Jan Heinen is a chiropractor hailing from Surrey, British Columbia and specializes in limited mobility care. Visit her website to read about Pride lift chairs and Golden lift chairs.
