People with Asthma Need Gadgets Too

This is the LeverHaler, a device to help people with arthritis use their rescue inhaler independently.  By placing your inhaler inside, the long levers are easier to push.  Thanks to @__Kerri who helped me locate one of these for a current patient.  For ordering information, see below.

SP Medical LLC.
3786 Ridge Rd                    Cleveland, Ohio 44144
Phone (800) 651-9490

Loopeez teaches Kids how to tie shoes

Yes, there is a gadget for THAT. How many 4-6 year olds struggle with this? How many parents struggle teaching this? Some parents come to me as an occupational therapist when their children have a tough time with fine motor coordination tasks.

Yes, these are called Loopeez, invented by a Mom, Courtney Picker. I came across these by way of a sample of one that came to my mailbox at work. I used it in a patient session and found them so helpful! Per Courtney, you can purchase these from her website www.loopeez.com (cost is $5.95) or in Abilitations catalog: http://www.abilitations.com/, costing $14.99 for one. They come in delightful designs but I recommend viewing the video that demonstrates their use:

The latest Occupational Therapy Gadget: The iPhone!

All that know me, know I love my iPhone. Only recently, though, I became aware of some interesting apps that I have used with my patients who have iPhones, as an occupational therapy tool.

First an apology to those that have other "Smart Phones", like the Blackberry or Palm Pre. I know these iPhone apps do not apply, but I do think there is (maybe) something equivalent to them. Then again, I think Apple is ahead of the curve on many of these things.

For patients that I treat with cognitive challenges, the iPhone is a great asset. It can be used for cognitive cues or reminders regarding upcoming scheduled appointments and/or serve as a record of how a day is spent.  Daily, weekly or monthly reminders or recordings can serve as a visual cue for people needing this.  Journaling outlines can be placed in "Notes" to help with reminders about what went on during the day.  Planning ahead is seamless when the calendar is used to record important appointments or meetings.

Special apps that are helpful is "Evernote".  It is a free application that permits users to chose between a text message, snapshot, picture or voice message.  Practical applications are limitless!  From reminders to where you park your car or a list of groceries, this little application is great and has lots of uses in daily life.  It really does keep you organized!  "Zenbe" is a list maker, another free app, that is great as it let's you start and end lists effortlessly.

I'm interested in working out every neuron that I have...so I have a series of brain teaser apps that really challenge memory and reaction time.  Apps that I have (and the list is endless so this is only some of them) include:  BrainTuner, Speed Brain, Tangram Pro, and I Say Free.

Games galore on the iPhone from young and old alike.  For those impatient (me) that hate waiting for a doctor (me) or standing in line (me), then taking out my iPhone and playing a game of Lexulous (similar to Scrabble) or Suduko, Hangman, oh the list is endless.  Some of these games cost money and some don't.  Check out the iTunes app store for details.

Now, if you need an app to help manage your medication, yes, there is an app for that!  It is called "Medication Tracker" and it let's you check off each time you take your meds.  The shortcoming of this app that it is limited to 4 medications.  Some of us take more than that (those with chronic conditions probably can't be managed on this application)!

Apple's developers are in the process of more and more medical-focused applications from testing one's blood sugar to recording blood pressures.  More are destined to make this device quite handy.  For those that like to "play doctor" there is a great app that I discovered.  It is called "Diagnosaurus" from Unbound Medicine and it lets you do searches based on organ systems, symptoms or diseases.  Be careful of this, as it is a natural inclination to self diagnose.  It is recommended you take these findings to your local physician before you diagnose yourself.  :-)

I'm sure there are many, many apps that I didn't mention.  Feel free to add these in the comments.  Thanks for reading.  :-)

Reading Gadgets

As I was doing a search for gadgets, I thought of a common concern of people with low vision. Often, but not always, this population is older and their way of communicating and staying ontop of world events is to read. When eyes fail due to aging or medical conditions (macular degeneration, cataracts, retinal neuropathy), this becomes a frustrating task.

I did a search and became aware of a great website, www.eldergadget.com. This site posted the most amazing statistics about Amazon's Kindle. It seems the largest percentage of users, 80% in total, are 40 and up. People choose the Kindle due to arthritis, low vision, carpal tunnel syndrome and many other physical challenges.

I personally do not have a Kindle but my eyes are aging as well. I prefer the audio version on my iPhone. It is simple and light weight and the easiest device of all to take along on road trips or commutes.

I use iTunes but there are many websites in which you can download audio books. The content is endless! Of course, you don't need an iPhone as you can download onto any mp3 player.

For those who rather have that tangible feel of a newspaper, magazine or book in their hand, there are gadgets that can help. Book holders can help people with arthritis or carpal tunnel and magnifiers can help enlarge the print.

This can be found on www.allegromedical.com and costs $26.95 plus shipping. Always shop around online for the best price!

Finally, check out this innovative gadget: The Easy Read, "an incredibly versatile book holder and document holder designed for extensive applications." I'm unable to import a picture or video, but it is a fascinating device and well-described on their website. Here's the link to take you there: http://www.easy-read.com/index.php  Let me know what you think.  I was impressed!

Kids' Gadgets for playing

I work with kids and writing and I am always alert to new products to help children establish a tripod grasp (how most people hold a pencil or pen).  Some kids come in with a tight fist in an effort to hold onto their pencil.  When I saw the following, I thought, how cool and fun are these:  pyramid shaped crayons!  Google:  TriWrite Crayons for comparison costs.  Check this out:

Glitter putty is also lots of fun....great for hand strengthening...better than Play dough or silly putty, no, this is resistive and builds up hand strength.  You can google "glitter putty" to compare costs across the web. One container should cost around $10.00 plus shipping.