A Review Of Stick On Heat Pads And Electric Heat Pads

 

I suffer from back pain some times, ever since my 30's and one of the things that helps me is heat on my back. This was of course approved by a doctor amongst other treatments. 

I am not a Healthcare professional and if you suffer from any sort of pain it is advised to get it checked out by a healthcare professional first.

However, if Heat is medically approved, it is one of the easiest and comforting ways to ease aches, stiffness, and tension. 

Over the years I’ve tried several different types of heat pads, and I like two in particular for different reasons. One is adhesive heat pads and the other is a reusable electric heat pad. They each have their own advantages and disadvantages to consider.

Stick On Heat Pads

Stick on heat pads are single use adhesive patches that warm up gradually once exposed to air. The ones I buy can be useful for 8, 12 or even 24 hours. They vary in size but if I have back pain I try to get the larger sizes. I only ever wear them in the daytime, never at night as personally I would be concerned about safety and comfort. 

They are slim and lightweight so they can be worn over underwear and under normal clothing. You need to stick them on to a piece of clothing, never on to bare skin, the adhesive is quite strong.

I find they don't restrict me, although I am aware of them and they do give a nice gentle heat. They are very good for the days I need to be out and about shopping or gardening or errands for example, but still need a heat source on my back for comfort.

Advantages Of Stick  On Heat Pads

• The warmth is gentle and lasts for however many hours. It says on the packet how long you can expect it to last which is generally 8,12 or 24 hours and they are simple to use. You simply peel way the strips on the back and stick on to clothing, never bare skin. Within a minute or two you can feel the warmth.
• They’re discreet and easy to wear over underwear and under normal clothing and ideal for days when I need to be active. I often wear one when I am gardening as it helps keep the muscles warm and is lovely on cold days!
• Another use for them is if you have to be out and about on a freezing cold day they can be a helpful to keep you a little warmer.
• I imagine if you need to be out watching sports in cold weather they could also give you enough added warmth to be a bit more comfortable. 
• I keep a pack in the car, just in case we break down and need extra heat. My husband has serious health conditions that mean he gets cold very quickly, which can be unsafe for him, so warm blankets and adhesive heat pads in the car make him feel safer. We of course checked with his Doctor first that this was suitable for him.   

Disadvantages

• They are single use, which isn't great for the environment and if you need to use daily or often it can become very expensive to keep buying them.
• The heat they give is not a deep heat but is a comforting warmth, so if you need a deeper, more intense heat they might not be enough. 
• If you are unlucky enough to have pain on a hot day, having a heat pad on your back might be more uncomfortable in hot weather. 
• You need to ensure they are stuck on firmly, this is not usually an issue as the adhesive is usually quite strong, but i prefer to have a belt and braces approach and like to wear them over underwear and under jeans or trousers rather than just over underwear, just in case they drop off causing an embarrassing situation! 

Electric Heat Pads

Electric heat pads are usually a large or decent sized heat pad which plug into the wall via a long lead.

They usually allow you to adjust the time they are on for and the intensity of heat for very mild to quite hot. 

You can't move around with these electric heat pads and so are better to use when resting, working at a computer or doing desk paperwork, sitting or lying down or watching TV. Below is a close up of the heat pads on my machine. 

I always use mine when I am wearing clothing, never on bare skin for safety and comfort reasons.

Never use an electric heat pad when sleeping for safety reasons.

Advantages Of Electric Heat Pads

• You buy one and they can be used many  times so if you use heat a lot they can be cost effective.
• I like the ease of setting different temperatures and times and that it is so adaptable to what i need at any given time or day. Mine uses a simple Heat plus and Heat minus and Time Plus and Time Minus, so it is very simple to operate. 
• They heat up quickly, which is especially good when my back is stiff especially after gardening.
• They can be set to considerably warmer than adhesive heat pads, which can be useful if you need a higher heat.
• On my model once you set the time, it will cut out after that time period which is a useful safety feature and a feature to look for if you are buying one. 
• They are usually significantly larger than the adhesive heat pads and so are very good for the back, hips, shoulders or legs, warming up a much bigger area which is often very helpful. 

Disadvantages

• You are tethered to where there is a plug point and cannot move around. So you need to use only when resting. I don't generally find this a problem especially if I need some heat to help my achy muscles after doing garden work. 
• There is usually a much bigger financial cost up front, though cost per use goes down if you use it a lot.  
• Check where the connections are that link the pad to the lead as on some models they are in uncomfortable positions.
• It must cool down completely before storing away which can take some time and be a bit awkward if you need to keep it stored away when not using. 
• You will need to make sure you have a place to store it and use it away from children and pets.

Alerts and Warnings

With electric heat pads it is strongly advised to keep away from children and pets. Clearly electricity is involved and higher heat levels are possible.

Also obviously keep electric heat pads away from water or any liquids. 

Store electric heat pads flat and allow to cool down completely  before putting away.

Routinely check wires and connections and the general condition of the electric heat pad for safety purposes. 

Store both adhesive heat pads and electric heat pads out of reach of children and pets. Even with the stick on heat pads they do get warm and its advisable to keep away from children and pets as because they use a strong adhesion if they were to get stuck on to a delicate body or face area or pet fur for example it could be unpleasant and unsafe. So store them out of reach of children and pets. 

How I Use The Different Types Of Heat Pads

I like using both types so if I have any back pain I tend to use the adhesive heat pads on busy days out of the home when I need to do shopping, errands, walk in the freezing cold, gardening, appointments and days out and to keep in the car. 

I use the electric heat pad when I can sit down and relax so if i read or watch TV or chatting, or even when doing paperwork, computer work or life admin. I have the electric heat pad on my back right now.  

Both have their advantages and disadvantages but I feel if you are medically safe to use heat and it is medically advised for you and your condition and it helps you, to have both is a useful choice.

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 A Review Of Stick On Heat Pads and Electric Heat Pads by Raintree Annie

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Reviewing How Coconut Oil Helps My Sensitive Skin

 

For most of my life, I had used standard skincare brands to look after my face and body. That changed quickly when I developed a sudden severe allergic reaction to a suncream i had used for years and it turned out i was allergic to several common skincare chemicals. My skin blistered, burned and itched, it was agony. It also took ages to be diagnosed. 

My allergic reaction was eventually diagnosed as contact dermatitis triggered by perfumes, balsam of Peru, and methylchloroisothiazolinone/methylisothiazolinone. These ingredients can be found in  many skincare and everyday household products so i have to be very careful.

Once diagnosed I had to immediately stop using any products that contained these ingredients. In the short term i was given steroid cream and Dr prescribed creams to use along with a directive to cease using pretty much all the products i had been used to using. 

I realised that i would no longer be able to use my moisturisers, shampoos, make up, or really most of my products. In addition because i was also allergic to them on other people if there was any skin contact, my husband was advised to not use his usual skincare products. I was left wondering what I was going to use...

After a lot of research, writing to companies, checking ingredients and frustration, I discovered something very simple, that I could use which was  pure organic coconut oil. The cold pressed, unrefined, food grade oils turned out to be gentle and effective for my skin. I would like to share how it helped me and its uses. 

I must stress that I am not a healthcare professional and If you have skin conditions or allergies, it’s always wise and recommended to discuss with a healthcare professional first.

Choosing Coconut Oil

Coconut oil varies a lot in quality. For sensitive, allergic skin the safest approach is to choose the simplest form. I find with sensitive skin the less ingredients is often the better.  It is generally better to go for organic, cold pressed, unrefined ,non deodorised and food grade coconut oil.

Some coconut oils have a strong coconut scent, others are very mild. Although i do like the scent of coconut oil, i prefer the milder versions on my skin.

Coconut Oil As A Body Moisturiser

For months I had to use only Dr prescribed creams and lotions on my skin. As time went on and with  approval from my Doctor I was able to try coconut oil. 

My skin was so sore and delicate. It took a little while but my skin became softer and more supple, more hydrated and smoother. It is rich in fatty acids and Lauric acid  can help support the skin barrier and the oil helps lock moisture into the skin. 

You do not need much and I learned that warming it between  hands turns the solid white oil block into a silky liquid. You can see in the photo below how the solid white block is turning into a colourless liquid and this took literally a few seconds.

Tips For Using Coconut Oil

• Start with a tiny amount in your hands and warm it first. You can always add more but if you get too much to start with it can be far too much and hard to get rid of! 
• Let it sink in for about 10 minutes before getting dressed. If you don't do this the oil will transfer to clothing. Rather than rubbing it off with a towel, it is better to gently pat it with a towel if you need to get dressed and it still hasn't sunk in.  
• I like to apply it at night after a bath or shower and then let it sink in and then wear Pjs. 
• At first when my skin was very dry and sore i used it every night. Now, several years on my skin is so much better i use it every few days  and if i use it too much my skin can get a bit too oily, so it will be a personal preference. 
• I do also use it in specific areas if they feel too dry like elbows, knees, and heels. It is nice to apply to feet and then wear  a lovely soft sock over. That to me feels indulgent. I wouldn't recommend walking around in bare feet after applying as it is far too slipperly! 
• Used like this my skin is nicely moisturised and i get no irritation or soreness. Personally  i only use on my body as it is a little too much for my face, but if you have dry skin everywhere it may work for you  on your face as well, but do keep away from your eyes. 

Coconut Oil For Haircare

Coconut oil can also be a lovely hair treatment. I have very fine hair, so I use it only once a month or even less, as a deep conditioner. If i use it more often it just makes my hair too oily and flat.  My husband, who has coarser, short, dry hair, can use it about once a week.

To use warm a tiny amount in your hands, smooth it through the hair, leave it for several hours or overnight, then wash out.

You may well want to wear a hair covering if you leave it in overnight to protect pillows from becoming too oily. It leaves hair shiny, nourished, and healthy looking.

Shaving With Coconut Oil

It is surprisingly good for shaving underarms and legs. I became unable to use any waxing or creams as my skin was too sore and some of the chemicals were irritating to me. My husband also had to stop using commercial shaving creams because of my allergies so he uses it for shaving his beard.

Coconut oil turned out to be really good for shaving purposes as it goes on very easily and leaves the skin feeling soft and well moisturised. It is also less expensive than most shaving creams and lotions. 

However a warning note be very careful using it in the bath or shower as it can make those surfaces very slippery and oily and difficult to clean. So i would suggest using it outside of the bath or shower for safety. 

Coconut Oil For Hands, Nails and Cuticles.

I love it for my hands especially after gardening and decorating It is very good for dry hands. Just make sure that you can rest and allow it to sink in for a while before you need to do anything. I also use it on my nails and cuticles to condition them.  

Important Patch Testing

Even natural products can cause reactions to some peoples skin, so before using any new products it is advisable to do a patch test. A simple patch test at home can help you stay safe. This is something i do with all new products now. 

• Test only one new product at a time on clean dry skin.
• Start by applying a tiny amount to a small area of skin that you can monitor easily , for example your wrist and then wash it off immediately.
• Watch for any reaction, if there is anything including a rash, soreness, spots, swelling or any reaction you do not like do not use the product again. Wash thoroughly with a gentle known product.
• If there is no reaction that time then on another day apply the product again and leave for a little longer. Again watch for reactions , if none wash off again. Try the following day and  gradually increase the time  the product is on the skin.
• Stop immediately if you notice spots, redness, blisters, itching, or swelling.
• Consult a healthcare professional if you get a reaction.

**Professional patch testing gives more accurate and detailed results and is more involved.

**If you are currently experiencing any skin issues it is best to consult a Dr before trying to change products without knowing exactly what you are allergic to.

**Consult a healthcare professional if you are at all unsure if a product is safe for you.  

So Coconut oil became a key part of my skincare. I never expected to find it so useful, neither did my husband but now we both really like it. With my very sensitive, allergic skin it, along with a few other products has become a core part of my skincare routine. 

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Reviewing How Coconut Oil Helps My Sensitive Skin by Raintree Annie

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A Review Of How to Repot Roses

 

We are anticipating moving house in the future and i have decided that i want to take some of my outdoor plants with me. I especially want to take our roses. 

Some of the roses are already in pots as they were ones I inherited from my parents, others are in the ground and are either special to us or ones I "rescued" so have some emotional meaning for me.

 So the roses in pots really do need repotting now and I want to remove the roses in the ground soon as I have so much to do to prepare for the move, it is a task I can get done now. 

As it is a seasonal, time sensitive task I will not have much more opportunity to do it reliably and I do not want to leave it too near to the date we put the house on the market as I will be overrun with other jobs by then. 

I adore roses, i find there is nothing quite like their beautiful, often delicately scented blooms and I love the way they develop from tiny tight buds to full blooms.

 I understand many people find them a bit daunting to prune but it isn't that difficult. However I suspect our buyers will be people who want a simple easy garden so wherever I can I will take them with me. I am leaving some as they are way to big to move, but the smaller ones are coming with us.   

There are two types of moving I need to do, one is to move from a pot to a larger pot, this move is less stressful for the rose. The other is from the ground to a container, which is a little more stressful and requires more care. Roses are very beautiful and very tough plants, but they can still suffer stress when their environment is changed. However with the correct timing, care and technique it can be done safely and steadily. 

Just a note I am discussing this in terms of being in the UK with its climate and temperatures. If you are not in the UK please find out when roses are in their dormant phase, never when they are actively growing or blooming and only move during this time of year. 

When to Repot Roses

So because timing is so vital part of this moving process for roses in the UK we can only move roses in the late Autumn to the very early Spring, so around November to March. It is very important not to move roses when the ground is frozen. Also never attempt to do it in late Spring or summer during new active growth or blooming.

If we really missed the best part of the year to repot, it can still be done, but the rose will need a lot more care and attention and this is far from ideal if we are already busy with other moving house jobs. 

Wherever you live it is best to do this work when the rose is dormant, so not actively growing or blooming.  

Tools And Equipment Required

• A sharp spade or fork- if digging out of the ground 
• Secateurs. I use Wolf Garten Secateurs
• A large deep pot. Roses like a deep container with good drainage. 
• Good quality compost
• Perlite for aeration and drainage
• Mulch
• A garden trowel to mix the compost and perlite together
• Mesh or a broken crock to place over the drainage holes. 
• Good quality thick or thorn resistant gloves. These are essential and the thicker and more thorn resistant the better! I even sometimes wear 2 pairs of gloves one thinner inner pair a plus a thick pair on top. 
• Eye protection. I use wrap around sunglasses or protective eyewear as the last thing you want is thorns or whippy stems in your eyes. This is essential. 
• Clothing that covers your arms and body. As it will be cold here that is no problem layering up and wearing a thick jacket to protect ourselves for thorns and whippy stems.

How Much Time Does It Take To Repot Roses

As this can be heavy work and is not the easiest garden job, I would recommend doing the whole of one rose first, so water a few the day before but aim to do one rose at a time.

 You may find that one rose at a time is enough. Do not attempt to over do it as you cannot leave a rose partially out of its pot or not settled in properly. I usually allow an hour per rose if moving from pot to pot, longer if you are digging out of the ground. 

 Personally I suggest a mug of tea, coffee or hot chocolate after each rose is completed, then reassess if you want to do another one that day! 

How to Move a Rose To A Bigger Pot

I generally try to repot plants in pots every few years and especially if I see roots coming out the base of the container which generally means it is pot bound, or it becomes difficult to water them. If the growth of the rose is poor, it looks sickly, or if roots appear on the surface it is becoming more urgent. 

We pot up in to a container one size up usually. If it is significantly bigger the plant may find a bit of trouble establishing and so just one size up is best. 

Roses like a rich but well drained soil. I am using a peat free general compost and adding in about 20% perlite for air and drainage and to keep the container a bit lighter. I used to place a layer of gravel at the base for drainage, but recent thinking is that is not necessary and can be counter productive. 

This year I am seriously considering repotting not into pots but in fabric heavy duty fabric planters with handles. As these shrubs will be moving with us these will be lighter and easier to move and they last around 2-3 years which should cover the moving period. They are considerably less expensive than pots as well. 

The Rose Moving Plan 

1. Water the rose. The day before water the rose, just enough for it to be moist, not waterlogged. This helps to make it easier to get the rose out the pot and reduces the shock on the plant.

2. Prune the rose. I like to do this next before moving the plant so that it is smaller and easier to handle and a few less thorns.

 This involves, with most shrub and standard roses taking about a third of the growth off, removing dead stems, crossing stems and then reducing the plant by about a third.

 If its a climbing rose just trim back the canes a little to be comfortable for you to handle. Once is more than enough to be smacked by a stray whippy rose cane believe me ! 

It is also useful at this stage to gently tie up the canes or stems gently with rope as roses are thorny and it is kinder to our skin to keep them out of the way as much as possible.

 Some people can tolerate thorn bites but I cannot and to be honest it is always safety first when dealing with roses.

 In addition do wear eye protection, it is simply not worth a whippy stem or a thorn getting into the eyes, do not take that chance. 

I usually find some brown parts of the stems so trim these off with secateurs. Some crossing stems are also common so best to take one off so that they do not rub each other and cause friction and a wound or infection to get in. Make sure to make clean cuts. 

3. Prepare the new planter. especially if it is a large pot , I am repotting into 30, 50 and 75 litre planters so it is best to place it in the final position before adding compost and the rose. It will be heavy afterwards. Once in position place a crock or mesh over any drainage holes, just to prevent them getting blocked by the compost mix. Then mix the compost and perlite and place about a third into the pot. 

4. Remove the rose from its pot

The easiest way is to tip the pot on its side onto a old towel or blanket if the pot is more delicate and gently ease the plant out. This is also kinder to your back. If it is pot  bound I usually end up gently tapping the sides of the pot with my heavily gloved hands to loosen it up. Be very careful if it is delicate material and be careful with your hands too, just tap gently. 

I would  not recommend trying to lift a rose vertically out of a pot. They are usually surprisingly heavy and it is hard to get a good grip on a thorny plant without doing some damage to yourself. I speak from painful experience! 

In one case I found to my surprise that one of the roses had actually rooted through the pot and into the ground! In this case I had to carefully and cleanly cut the root before I could move the rose out the pot. Then I had to dig the root out!  

5. Check the condition of the roots, these are the most important parts of the plant. If any look dead or are rotten or mushy, cut them out with sharp secateurs. 

6.Gently lift the rose, with help if you need it, roses can be heavier than you might think. In fact I would always advise getting help with this task. Position the rose in the new container so the grafting point which is usually easily seen by a join or bumpy part of the stem sits just above soil level. Then fill around the rose carefully with the compost mix, gently firming it around the rose. I usually leave about 2 inches free at the top of the container for easy watering. If you fill to the brim there is no room for watering. 

7. Then water the rose thoroughly until water runs through the drainage holes. After watering I usually find the soil settles somewhat and I need to add more compost plus perlite mix to the top of the pot. 

How To Lift A Rose From The Ground and Move It Into A Container

You need to be more careful doing this, but if you really want to take the rose with you it is possible. The type of soil you have may make a difference as to how easy this is. We have heavy clay soil and digging it is a workout at the best of times, a lighter soil will be easier.

  Also if the rose is older and well established it may have a very deep root run. More than a few years old it gets harder to move. If the rose is very big or very old you may want to weigh up if taking cuttings might be kinder to you and the rose. 

We are in this position with two roses, one is very old, over 30 years old and I do feel the shock might be too much, so instead I am taking cuttings from this old rose. The other is an iceberg climber, it is a very vigorous climber and huge now. It would be a difficult task. 

I will prune it but I really feel it is a big job for us to move it into a pot and kinder to the rose to leave it in the ground where it is happy, so I will take cuttings that can come with us. 

The Rose Moving From The Ground Plan 

1.Pruning. So again we will prune the rose by around a third

2. Dig a wide circle all around the rose with a sharp spade . The idea is to lift as much of the root ball as possible and to not disturb the roots. Do bear in mind that a root ball on an established rose can be very heavy. In general a digging range about twelve inches around is usually ok. You will invariably break some roots, it is inevitable but not a disaster, in most cases the rose will cope. 

3. Lift the rose carefully and ideally with two people. You will need to slide a spade or two under the rose and lift at the same time. This can be very heavy and difficult work with a big established rose. It is a good idea in my experience to have an old sack or compost bag nearby to lay the rose on if you need  a short break between lifting and potting. 

4.Then place into the new container as we did for the pot to pot transfer and of course water well and top up with the compost mix and mulch as required. You will need to watch it carefully over the coming weeks and months for signs of stress and be very vigilant about watering and feeding . 

After Care For Any Potted Or Repotted Rose

•  Feed from April to August, which is in UK the main growing period  with a rose fertiliser. The compost does have some feed in it but roses are especially hungry plants so always need the additional and regular feeding. Now in a container you are fully responsible for all its food and water as it can no longer gain anything from the ground.  
•  Check the drainage holes are not blocked every so often as roses hate wet roots and you do risk rotting roots if they stay wet for long periods of time. 
• Mulch the rose after repotting and periodically to conserve water and reduce weeds. 
• Once roses are in containers we are completely responsible for their source of water and food. Roses need both regularly and are usually heavy feeders so it is now up to us to provide this for them. 

There are things to consider when moving house with plants  which I discuss in my article  Advantages and Disadvantages Of Moving House With Your  Garden Plants. 

With care and good handling roses can be potted on successfully and do well. Is this my favourite gardening task? No, not really, we have to do it in the cold and it is thorny and heavy, slow, hard work. However the blooms are so gorgeous and so it is well worth it. In a few months when I have forgotten the thorn bites and see the beauty of the roses, it will bring me great happiness.

For us we are doing this as a temporary measure until we can get them in the ground and we want to keep the inherited roses and take them with us when we move house. If you would like roses in containers as a permanent feature it is easier to buy roses that are smaller, minature or check those that will be happy long term in containers. Either way roses have a special place in my heart. 

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Reviewing Liquid Level Indicators For People With Sight Loss.

 

A Liquid level indicator is not something I  had heard of until my husband was diagnosed with severe sight loss-blind.

 It is surprising all the little things you take for granted when you are sighted and how much you need to relearn or adapt with sight loss. 

Simply making a hot drink, a tea, a coffee had become some thing just a little more difficult for my husband. We did not know what he was supposed to do to know how high the hot water was. Did he just put his finger at the top of the mug and risk being burned, or did he give up making hot drinks altogether?

 Even cold drinks were an issue as unless made over the sink we could have many spills to clear up.

Making a hot drink became a real challenge. We worried that he would burn himself or spill hot or cold liquids over the worktops and floor, it then itself becoming a safety hazard, or put his hand in hot liquids. Suddenly something that most adults take for granted became an issue and a lack of independence.  

We went to an information session soon after he was diagnosed. It was all a little overwhelming but we noticed that the drinks were being made by a blind person and we kept hearing these little bleeps and I noticed a small device hung over the mugs. It wasn't long before the session began and drinks were handed out. So I asked what is that device you used and he started to explain. 

In this article we will be using the terms severe sight impaired, blind, low vision, partially sighted and sight loss as these are the current acceptable terms in my country for people with sight loss. This may change over time and be different in different countries. No offence is intended by any of these terms.

What Is a Liquid Level Indicator And How Does It Work?

It is a small device that clips  or hangs onto the edge of a cup, mug, soup mug or glass. 

1. Place it so that the metal prongs are on the inside of the container. Often there are two levels of prongs one for a general alert - this is when you should stop pouring. However, If you carry on pouring there is often an emergency alert when you must stop pouring. 

2.Then you simply pour the liquid as usual from the kettle, tap or jug. 

3. As the level of the liquid rises the liquid touches the metal prongs and device uses sound or vibration to let you know when the mug, glass, jug or whatever is nearly full. 

4. These alerts give you enough time to stop pouring before the liquid reaches the top. 

5. Then you stop and take the device off the mug or glass. Simple as that ! 

There are different models to choose from but that is the essentials of every Liquid level indicator. It then all depends what you are wanting and what is most helpful to a person individually.

• Most have an alert when the liquid nearly reaches the top.
• Many have two alert levels, one when the mug or glass is nearly full and one emergency alert when it is nearly to the top. 
• Some have bleeping and vibration when liquid is reaching the top.
• Some advanced models differentiate between hot and cold liquids, offering stronger alerts for hot drinks to enhance safety. We don't have that one, but may consider it for the future. 
• I have also heard of "smart" models which link to a smartphone but these are not common and  I have not experienced one.

My husband is happy with our quite straightforward model which bleeps and vibrates when the liquid is close to the top. It is clear, simple and effective. 

It takes only a very little time to get used to using it and to remember to use it, but it is not a steep learning curve. There are no courses to go on or skills you need to know. It is just practice and habit.

My husband said it is very easy for him to use. It is a good idea to start with a cold drink and then progress to hot drinks once you feel  confident. 

Why Does Being Able To Make A Simple Drink Matter?

For many people with severe sight loss, pouring drinks is a significant and frequent challenging task throughout the day. Think about how many times you make a drink in a typical day ! 

Especially when making hot drinks, it becomes a safety issue and can carry a real risk of burns. Not being able to make a drink safely robs a person of autonomy and independence.

A liquid level indicator helps

• Preventing burns from overfilled hot drinks, or feeling the need to stick a finger in the cup to test how far the liquid has reached, which is a significant safety risk. 
• Reducing spills and cleaning them up.
• Reducing the risk of slipping on wet floors
• Supporting independence and confidence in normal, everyday tasks
• Supports a person with sight loss still being able to make drinks for themselves and friends and family.
• For people who live alone it is essential to be able to make a drink safely. 
• Even if living with other people or at work, the ability to make a drink for yourself and others is a small but significant sign of independence. My husband now loves to make me a hot drink of coffee in the morning and it is a lovely start the day !
• Although primarily used by people who are diagnosed severe sight impaired or partially sighted, this device can also be useful to people who have tremors or motor impairments and people who may have declining vision, macular degeneration, cataracts or other sight issues. 

Features To Consider In A Liquid Level Indicator

• Audible alerts, look for clear, loud beeps
• Vibration mode is useful if the person also has hearing loss or just prefers a vibration rather than a noise. The vibration should be strong enough to feel through the hand holding the container.
• Some have both audible and vibration alerts which can be useful in busy, noisy places.
• Magnetic can be useful. We love ours as it sticks the fridge freezer so takes up no room on worktops and is vey easy for my husband to find.
• Lightweight and easy to carry so it can be taken when travelling and visiting friends and family, to hotels etc.
• Heat resistant as clearly it needs to be safe to use with very hot drinks.
• A good battery and/or rechargeable battery
• A good price, many are not expensive, it all depends how sophisticated you would like it to be, but a basic model works well. Some organisations and sight loss charities provide them at a reduced cost.

So a liquid level indicator is another example of a low tech, reasonably priced and simple device that can make a huge difference to independence, confidence, dignity and safety for a person with sight loss. It is now just a part of our kitchen devices and appliances and we would not be without it. 

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Reviewing Liquid Level Indicators For People With Sight Loss by Raintree Annie.

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Reviewing Understanding Bumpons or Bump Dots for People With Sight Loss

 

As some of you may know my husband was diagnosed severe sight impaired blind a while ago. We are still learning together how best to manage this huge life change and how to maintain his independence and dignity.  Since then we have looked into and been guided towards tools and gadgets that may be helpful. 

When we think about what is helpful for people who are severe sight impaired or partially sighted we often think of the big things like specialist softwear or high tech gadgets, guide dogs and canes. It can all actually be quite overwhelming. 

However there is a very simple inexpensive tool that is actually very useful and helpful and can make a huge difference in someone’s independence.

In this article we will be using the terms sight impaired, blind, low vision, partially sighted and sight loss as these are the current acceptable terms in my country for people with sight loss. This may change over time and be different in different countries. No offence is intended by any of these terms.

What Are Bumpons Or Bump Dots?

An odd name i thought at first, but Bumpons as they are known in UK or Bump dots in US and also called tactile markers, are brightly coloured, raised rubber, plastic or silicone small sticky pads. They are commonly used by people who are blind, partially sighted or have low vision and many senior people find them useful too.  

They are available in different sizes, colours, shapes and textures and they’re designed to be felt easily with the tip of your finger. You can normally buy them in sheets and they are very inexpensive and versatile.

 Despite being bright colours they are discrete and seem to become background furniture very quickly. Most visitors to our home do not even notice them, but they make a world of difference to my husband. 

The Benefits Of Bumpons Or Bump Dots

There is no training required and using them becomes natural and  intuitive very quickly. There is thankfully no technology to learn or be trained in and no short or long courses to go on which is a big bonus. 

We can buy Bump dots in different colours, shapes and textures for unique purposes which again helps to differentiate objects, settings etc 

They do not appear to so far at least have damaged objects or technology or in our experience upvc or appliances. I wouldn't stick them to wallpaper, photos or fragile surfaces though.  We are careful when removing them from appliances and doors but so far have not experienced any damage. 

How Do Bump Dots Or Bumpons Help A Person With Sight Loss?

They are easily stuck on to most surfaces, we simply peel off the sheet and stick on, you don't need glue or anything else.

 Once firmly in place Bump dots act as a cue to a person who can feel for it with their fingertip.

We can stick them onto most objects and they are very helpful to identify settings, buttons or positions on appliances and other things.

These bumpons help my husband to navigate our home more safely and do more things for himself that he would otherwise need to ask me to do. At first they seem strange but we quickly learned and gained confidence.

Bump dots rely on tactile memory. This is the ability to recognise shapes and textures by touch. When a person experiences sight loss, whether it is gradual or sudden, touch often becomes a very important way of navigating the world. Bump dots make this process a little easier. 

Once we set up the bumpons we kept them the same type of bumpon in the same place, so that my husband could learn and remember them. 

 BLEWAY BUMP DOTSCheck Price

How We Use  Bumpons or Bump Dots  At Home.

I have to admit when we were faced with this sheet or orange round bumpons, our first ones, we were a little unsure where to put them! However once you start its hard to stop. 

Bear in mind to be flexible, some surfaces may not take a bump dot as easily and some may drop off some surfaces, so it is in our experience a bit of trial and error, but not too much and we quickly found what worked for us.  Make sure the surface is clean and dry first. 

Also be very careful if your household has small children or pets. These are very small dots of material and could be easily swallowed so just apply a common sense attitude and keep out of reach.  

So here is a list of just a few examples. 

• Marking the front and back doors keyhole. This was actually the first thing we did. This is crucial in the event of a fire, but also very useful for everyday. To be honest this is useful for both of us in the event smoke or fire obscures the vision of where the keyhole is and could be lifesaving if the keys are not in the door at the time.  

• Identifying the front door key on a keyring- also very important as a safety and security measure and saves the annoyance, embarrassment  or panic if you cannot find the correct key for the door. Also I am finding it very useful in the dark. 

• Marking key buttons on a remote control. This while not a safety feature, can make life a little easier and more independent. 

• Marking the on/off button on a microwave. We have found digital microwaves to be tricky to manage with his sight loss but a bumpon the on /off switch is at least useful. 

• Identifying the common temperature settings on an oven dial. My husband loves to cook, so we are still learning tips how to make this a continued safe and enjoyable life skill and hobby. We adopt the attitude not that  he can't do it , but how can he do it safely. We are avoiding all digital cookers as they are not user friendly for him. 

•  Locating the power button on the blender. Our blender is new to both of us so we chose one that would be simpler for sight loss and it is working very well.

• Identifying the boiler heat and water settings. We stick a bumpon on the dial to the temperature we use most for the heating and the water. We currently do change this in winter ad summer but we are thinking of getting a different  size bump on to differentiate between winter and summer settings. 

• Highlighting the preferred cycle on a washing machine, as we have two we use a lot i put one bumpon for the delicate cycle and two bumpons for the easy care cycle. However, ours is not the easiest machine for my husband as it is mainly digital, so we have found this more difficult to manage. We are learning as we go and when we come to change machines will bear his sight loss needs in mind.  

• Labelling shampoo and conditioner bottles, ours look so similar in the bottles we have one for shampoo and two for conditioners. I have noticed they can drop off from time to time if they get too wet on our bottles, or pulled off accidentally, but are easily replaced and this removes the frustration of accidentally washing with conditioner!  

 MULTIPLE SIZES ,COLOURS BUMP DOTCheck Price

Our 8 Top Tips for Using Bumpons or Bump Dots.

If you are sighted and trying to assist always be directed and led by the person who has low vision or sight loss.

A sighted person may place the dots, or a person with low vision may place the dots, whichever suits your situation.  

1. Think where the bumpons would be most useful. It really is best not to assume. A walk though of the home is very useful or if that is too overwhelming one room at a time or just one appliance at a time. 
2. Find the place where you naturally place your finger to find controls or watch where the person with sight loss naturally places their finger to find the control or keyhole or whatever and place the dot there, not where you think it ought to be placed. 
3. Try it out a few times to check it actually is in the correct place and useful in that position. 
4. If there is some vision or can see colours, choose bright colours dots to contrast with the surface they are to be placed on for example red or orange dots on a white background appliance do show up really well for some people. 
5. If you buy Bump dots with different shapes or different levels of raised parts they are useful to differentiate between opposite functions for example on a remote control. 
6. With a mobile phone it can be useful to place a dot on the emergency call button if there is a manual/tactile one. Likewise with a landline if it has buttons to place a bump dot on the 9 button for emergency 999 calls if in UK or  the 9 and 1 buttons for 911 calls if in US, or which ever countries code you use for emergency calls. 
7. Always keep an extra sheet of bump dots in the house as inevitably they will wear out in time and will need to be replaced immediately once the person has got used to them, in order to retain independence. 
8. If you travel it is useful to take a sheet with you to use temporarily while in a hotel for example on the remote or the door. Just check with the manager if its ok to place them  and carefully remove before you leave. 

 RED BUMP DOTSCheck Price

So for a little dot these bumpons or bump dots do a very important job and are actually more empowering and independence giving than I first thought. When my husband first became blind we were introduced to a lot of high tech, very expensive items, much of which are still in the wish list. However, in fact these little bumpons have probably been one of the most useful items of everything we got for sight loss in our home. If you are dealing with sight loss or know some one who is, they may be well worth considering. 

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Reviewing Understanding Bumpons or Bump Dots for People With Sight Loss By Raintree Annie

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

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Reviewing The Benefits of Exercise Bands

 

We recently bought these Resistance Exercise Bands with five levels of resistance. We do have a few exercise  items such as a Pilates reformer, Body blade and Rebounder and we love them all. However we wanted something quick, affordable, very light and portable to take away with us so we can still do some beneficial exercise.

Exercise bands look so simple, like oversized elastic bands.  They are in fact thick stretchy bands of different colours which correlate to the different strengths. They work using your own bodyweight to stretch the bands in a controlled way to provide muscle resistance. 

These bands are available in different levels of resistance depending on which brand you buy, ours come in five levels , others may have three. They usually start at a light level and move up through medium bands to strong or heavy. 

 If you are new to any exercise or starting again after a period of rest or illness or you just want something quick to do these are very simple to use and versatile. The main driver for me is that I have suffered an ankle injury and so many of the exercises I am used to doing are a bit problematic for me right now. So in order to keep my body active while I heal, we decided on these exercise bands.

 I would suggest that you consult your doctor or physiotherapist if you have any conditions, allergies to materials (such as latex), illness or injury before you start and use the easiest, most gentle band first. 

 

Requirements For Using Resistance Bands.

The only room you need to store these resistance bands is to keep a few lightweight bands in a small bag. 

The only room you need to use them is the size of your own body plus room to stretch out a little. Stretchy exercise bands make exercise when there is little room easy.

You can use in any room in the house or even in the garden or on holiday! They’re perfect for exercise at home and they are amongst some of the most inexpensive exercise equipment available. 

You don't need any special clothing, just something you can move in. You can use them sitting, standing or lying down depending on the exercise and your ability.

They are very quiet to use so suitable if you don't like noise, have a baby in the house or someone who needs peace and quiet. You can even use them while watching Tv or listening to music.

No travel required! You do not need to travel to a gym and can use them just when you have a few minutes or to incorporate into a whole exercise routine. 

For fitness we can use them on their own or alongside other exercise like pilates, yoga, weights, and cardio exercise.

Resistance Levels

The resistance on these bands increases as you stretch the band so the muscle works though the entire stretch and importantly at your pace. 

They are usually graded from light to heavy or strong and we should start with light and move up as we feel it is suitable. 

We can use these bands to strengthen arms, legs, back and shoulders and the core also gets a workout which is good for the whole body. 

Use the resistance that suits you, whatever stage of fitness or recovery you are at currently. Start on the lightest band if you are unsure or new to exercise or injured. 

Resistance Bands Are Gentle On Joints

The resistance bands resistance is due to the stretch on the band itself, there is no reliance on gravity like weights. So we can make the movements smoother and gentle and to our tolerance which is kinder to our joints. 

Although there are exercises you can do lying down in the floor, if that is difficult then we can just do the seated or standing exercises. It is still good effective exercise and very valuable. 

This makes them helpful for anyone recovering from injury with Dr or physio permission, people unused to exercise,  older adults and anyone who may have stiffness.

Exercise Bands May Help Improve Balance And Stability

This becomes increasingly important as we age. Many band exercises involve slow, controlled movements. This helps strengthen the smaller stabilising muscles that keep us balanced and steady. 

With consistent use this can help to improve our balance which is the key to avoiding falls and posture which is crucial for stability and overall body health. 

They help with coordination and general confidence and the feel good factor.

As my ankle has been hurting I first started with the arm exercises simply holding the band between my hands and above my head and moving them gently apart and together. I tend to do 3 sets of 10 -15 reps. I thought this was easy and that I wouldn't feel the benefit, but I did! 

A later one I tried was slipping the band under both feet sitting down and with one hand gently stretching the band towards me up to knee level or higher. It was a surprisingly really good strengthening exercise for my arms. 

So while I am currently concentrating on my upper body while my ankle heals and doing the specialised physio exercises for that, my husband is concentrating on exercises to improve balance. An example is the one where you put the band around your ankles and gently move one foot to the other side while keeping the other foot stationary. 

Resistance Bands Suit Every Fitness Level

If you are a complete beginner to exercise the bands are easy to use and you can begin with very gentle stretches on the lowest band strength.

 If you are used to exercise these bands can be used for strength training with the heavier band stretches. You can also use them to improve control and flexibility. 

Resistance Bands Make Exercise Feel Accessible And Achievable

Many of us have great ideas and good intentions for exercising but sometimes it seems intimidating, especially if we are unfit  or injured, time poor or new to exercise. 

If we need to travel or make arrangements for child or carer care it can start to feel like a chore.

These bands have allowed me to continue doing some exercise without stressing my ankle or travelling out in the freezing cold weather, which is a huge emotional and physical benefit to me.

There are exercises you can do sitting or standing or lying down and  different levels of resistance, so whatever our tolerance for activity there are exercises most of us can do with these bands. 

Complicated set ups or having to travel to exercise can be a barrier to many of us.  However these bands are easy with no complex instructions and we can pick them up for a few minutes at a time so great for people who are time poor. Even five to ten minutes with these bands makes you feel like you have done something good for your body and that is encouraging and motivating. 

I often pick them up to do a few exercises just when i have a few minutes or even while watching TV or listening to music. I don't need to change clothes if I don't want to in order to do many of the exercises. I don't need 30 or 60 minutes to exercise, just 5 mins here and there if that is all I have available.  

These exercise bands are so small and easy to carry they are perfect for taking away on holiday, business trips or visiting family and friends so we can keep up with some exercise even if away from home. 

Financially these resistance exercise bands are amongst the most affordable pieces of exercise equipment. 

I find I need that now, to do a little exercise every day. You could even just take one single band with you  and that would be enough to give you a good exercise routine for a while.

 Here are a selection to choose from.

 Exercise bands Fit SimplifyCheck Price Professional resistance bandsCheck Price Tribe resistance bandsCheck Price

Exercise and caring for our body ought to be easy and accessible. These Exercise bands show that improving our fitness doesn’t have to mean complicated routines or machinery or huge financial commitment.

I love our other exercise machines and would not be without them for all manner of reasons, but they were more expensive and some needed more set up time and room to store and use.

If you are looking to improve your balance and strength in a easy way with something that takes up little room and is quiet and effective, these resistance bands may be what you need.

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Reviewing The Benefits of Exercise Bands By Raintree Annie

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

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