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In-Step Mobility Introduces Parkinson?s Walking Aid

May 03, 2012     No comments


(PRWEB) April 18, 2012

In-Step Mobility, a pioneer in mobility aids, introduces the U-Step 2 Walking Stabilizer, an advanced walker designed for individuals with severe walking challenges resulting from neurological conditions. Combining an ultra stable base with advanced control and maneuverability features, the U-Step 2 eliminates falls and enables people to improve their quality of life through increased independence and mobility.

Regularly prescribed by physicians and physical and occupational therapists from leading hospitals and rehabilitation centers, the U-Step has been tested and proven to be beneficial for individuals with various neurological conditions, including Parkinson?s Disease, Multiple Sclerosis, Muscular Dystrophy, Ataxia, Stroke, Brain Injuries, ALS and PSP.

?I conduct educational seminars for physical and occupational therapists and others in the medical field who treat patients with Parkinson’s Disease and related movement disorders,? said Dorian Brown, MA, OTR/L, Parkinson’s Rehabilitation Specialist, National Educator and Consultant. ?The U-Step 2 is, without a doubt, the finest walker on the market for fall prevention, and for improving gait and ambulation, postural stability, strength and endurance due to the stable design which helps patients ambulate for longer distances.?

The leading-edge capabilities of the U-Step 2 make it far superior to other walkers by providing more stability, maneuverability and control.

The U-Step 2?s patented U-shaped base is ultra-stable since it surrounds and braces the individual in every direction from falling. The spring-loaded front wheel and 4-inch non-marking casters help the individual safely go up outdoor curbs and walk on rough and uneven surfaces. With a turning radius of only 29?, almost half that of competing walkers, the U-Step 2 can be readily used in tight indoor areas such as bathrooms, kitchens and hallways. The U-Step 2?s braking system ensures the walker will not roll until the individual lightly squeezes either the left or right hand brake. The rolling resistance control can be pre-set to put a drag on the unit for increased control.

The U-Step 2 also offers as an option the industry?s only cueing system to modulate gait patterns. Primarily used by those with Parkinson?s ?freezing? but applicable to anyone with an irregular gait pattern, the Laser and Sound Cueing Module helps the individual get started, normalizes his walking and increases his stride. Pressing the red button on the module projects a bright red laser line on the floor to guide the individual?s step. The sound feature sets a beat pattern for walking speed.

?My mother?s neurological condition affected her walking to the point of requiring a walking aid. She tried a standard walker, but it hindered her walking, and more importantly did not prevent her from falling,? said Jonathan Miller, Founder of In-Step Mobility. ?I could not accept my mother losing her independence at age sixty, due to a muscular dystrophy. I was determined to create a better walking aid, with the result being the U-Step.?

The U-Step 2 is typically reimbursed by Medicare and private insurance companies at a high rate and is the only neurological walker recognized by Medicare (HCPC Code E0147).

The U-Step 2 Walking Stabilizer is available today with an MSRP of $ 600. The optional Laser and Sound Cueing Module has an MSRP of $ 250.

In-Step Mobility will be exhibiting the U-Step 2 (Booth #1108) at the American Academy of Neurology (AAN) Annual Meeting in New Orleans, April 23-26, 2012.

For more information about In-Step Mobility and the U-Step 2 Walking Stabilizer:

Website: http://www.UStep.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/InStepMobility

Twitter: @InStep_Mobility





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Latest Parkinsons News

October 30, 2011     No comments

Yakima seminar to offer Parkinson's information
A free, two-day educational seminar on Parkinson's disease will be Nov. 10 and 11 at Lakeview Spine Therapy, 1470 N. 16th Ave. in Yakima. The seminar is sponsored by Yakima Valley Memorial Hospital under an agreement with the Muhammad Ali Parkinson's …
Read more on Yakima Herald-Republic

Medicine thrown into crisis by stem cell ruling
Parkinson's disease Scientists hope to test new treatments on laboratory "models" of the disease based on human cells. Heart disease This could be tackled by injecting stem cells into the damaged site and allowing them to re-populate the damaged area …
Read more on The Independent

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Latest Parkinsons News

October 29, 2011     No comments

AC Nielsen Jr., Who Built Ratings Firm, Dies at 92
He had Parkinson's disease, family members said in announcing his death. The son of Arthur C. Nielsen, Mr. Nielsen became president of the AC Nielsen Company in 1957 and its chairman in 1975. He presided over the company's growth from a modest …
Read more on New York Times

Physicists pioneer technique to reveal secrets of protein folding
Researchers say a better understanding of how protein molecules fold is essential because incorrectly folded proteins can cause diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. "Basically, we're in trouble if a protein folds incorrectly," Rief told Deutsche …
Read more on Deutsche Welle

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Natural Parkinson?s Disease Treatment Part 3

October 25, 2011     No comments

More recommendations

PD is considered to be degenerative and is often facilitated by the accumulation of toxins in the body. The natural Parkinson’s disease treatment part 3 highly recommends the following diet and nutrition that has detoxifying properties. If you must take the drug levodopa, consume the following foods in moderation only: bananas, beef, fish, liver, oatmeal, peanuts, potatoes, and whole grains. These foods contain vitamin B6, which interferes with the drugs potency.  Do not take supplemental vitamin B6 as it counteracts the drugs therapeutic effects (be careful with multivitamin supplements). Also, because some of the amino acids contained in food proteins can prevent this drug from reaching the brain where it is needed, eat protein foods only in the evening and not at the same time as the drug is taken. Once on medication, discuss with your physician any dietary change you plan to make, as dosage adjustment may be needed.  If your work or a hobby exposes you to chemicals or metals such as lead or aluminum, always wear protective clothing, including gloves and a face mask.

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Some people with Parkinson’s disease have been found to have high levels of lead in their brains. Chelation therapy and the highly recommended eBook that deals with ingested oxygen therapy (the cure within one minute) are so effective in removing lead from the body. Because there are no definitive tests for Parkinson’s disease, people with hypoglycemia are sometimes misdiagnosed as having the condition.

Fasting, Chelation, and ingested oxygen therapy (The cure within one minute) are both beneficial and may help to halt the progression of Parkinson’s disease. Physical therapy, including active and passive range of motion exercises, plus daily moderate exercise like walking, can help to maintain normal muscle tone and function. “Green drinks” may significantly reduce symptoms. Octocosanol, a substance found in wheat germ oil, has been shown to have beneficial effects on neuron membranes, and may make it possible to reduce the dosage of levodopa required.

For further information and for an in-depth study of the highly recommended natural or alternative treatment Obtained your copy of “The Cure within One Minute” now is the right time for you to do so. Go and click the link now for final assessment and you will discover that this is one the best Natural Parkinson’s disease Treatment.

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john daniel rivera is an advocate for natural health and healing, and has been in the field of health for quite a few years. He is interested in illuminating individuals and helping others return to a better quality of health. If you would like to learn more about his approach, please feel free to visit http://www.curewithinoneminute.info

Related Parkinsons Articles

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Recognizing & Managing Parkinson’s Disease

October 25, 2011     No comments

Imagine trembling so badly that everyday activities, such as bathing, dressing and cooking, become a challenge. Daily tasks that we all take for granted can easily be a source of frustration and disappointment for those diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. It’s a slowly advancing disease that inevitably requires some level of relinquishing independence and life as it once was.

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive, neurological disease that affects movement and motor skills. It is unknown exactly why Parkinson’s disease occurs, however, inflammation of the brain, certain viruses, cerebrovascular disease, or carbon monoxide poisoning are likely to cause brain damage that can trigger or result in PD.

Parkinson’s disease causes musculoskeletal changes, including weakness, stiffness, tremors, slumped posture, poor balance and shuffling while walking. It can also affect the gastrointestinal system, resulting in drooling, constipation, and difficulty chewing and swallowing. Mood changes, confusion and depression often accompany the physical symptoms of PD.

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There are many cues that lead doctors to diagnose Parkinson’s disease. According to Dr. J. Eric Ahlskog, Professor of Neurology at the Mayo Medical School, and chair of the Mayo Section of Movement Disorders, Mayo Clinic, the following signs and symptoms are characteristic of Parkinson’s Disease:

1. Tremors of the hand when it is relaxed, or even just the thumb or fingers; Chin or lip tremor. 

2. Difficulty with movement, including: trouble rising from the seated position, slow movements, loss of facial expression or facial animation, asymmetric immobility of a limb, or loss of automatic movements, such as gesturing when speaking, or arms swinging when walking.

3. Trouble taking the initial step, as if one’s feet were glued to the floor. This is called “freezing”. Typically, it abates once they get going but may recur when they approach doorways or make a turn.

4. Mild imbalance, primarily manifest as a tendency to fall backward, termed repulsion. The person falls backward with moderately forceful tug on shoulders
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5. Rigidity of the joint. A normal joint should move like a well-lubricated hinge. Rigidity feels like a rusty hinge; there is resistance to moving it. Sometimes the rigidity of PD has tremulous quality, which is termed “cogwheel rigidity”. Minor degrees of rigidity may be difficult to determine. If there are major joint problems such as arthritis, then this cannot be analyzed easily.

6. A decline in voice volume or loss of the normal inflections and precision of speech

If your loved one exhibits any of these signs, please consult a qualified physician for further evaluation.

According to Dr. Ahlskog, “PD is a progressive condition and after ten or twenty years, many lose at least some of their independence. Furthermore, since this is a disease that typically starts later in life, the problems of aging are superimposed. As time passes, it is often crucial to have someone who can help with the activities of daily living. Many need only limited assistance, but a few need extensive help.” If you or a loved one is diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, Dr. J. Eric Ahlskog’s book, The Parkinson’s

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Symptoms and Treatment for Early Parkinson’s disease

October 25, 2011     No comments

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is the second most common neuro-degenerative disorder, after Alzheimer’s disease, primarily affecting the elderly people. It is estimated that about 1% of population above the age of 65 years and about 5% above the age of 80 years suffer from PD. It can, therefore, be calculated that in India alone with an estimated population of 100 crore (one billion) by the turn of century, about 70 crore (700 million) people will be above the age of 65 years, of which approximately 70 lac (7 million) will suffer from PD.

 

After the clinical description of this malady in 1817 by James Parkinson, major breakthrough in the field of PD was the discovery of loss of dopamine in the nigro-striatal pathways by Ehringer and Hornykiewicz.[1] Better understanding of neurochemistry, neurophysiology, pathogenesis, aetiology, genetics and development of experimental models has led to improvement in therapy of PD.

 

 

Parkinson’s disease does not affect everyone the same way. In some people the disease progresses quickly, in others it does not. Although some people become severely disabled, others experience only minor motor disruptions. Tremor is the major symptom for some patients, while for others tremor is only a minor complaint and different symptoms are more troublesome.

 

The tremor associated with Parkinson’s disease has a characteristic appearance. Typically, the tremor takes the form of a rhythmic back-and-forth motion of the thumb and forefinger at three beats per second. This is sometimes called “pill rolling.” Tremor usually begins in a hand, although sometimes a foot or the jaw is affected first. It is most obvious when the hand is at rest or when a person is under stress. In three out of four patients, the tremor may affect only one part or side of the body, especially during the early stages of the disease. Later it may become more general. Tremor is rarely disabling and it usually disappears during sleep or improves with intentional movement.

 

Rigidity, or a resistance to movement, affects most parkinsonian patients. A major principle of body movement is that all muscles have an opposing muscle. Movement is possible not just because one muscle becomes more active, but because the opposing muscle relaxes. In Parkinson’s disease, rigidity comes about when, in response to signals from the brain, the delicate balance of opposing muscles is disturbed. The muscles remain constantly tensed and contracted so that the person aches or feels stiff or weak. The rigidity becomes obvious when another person tries to move the patient’s arm, which will move only in ratchet-like or short, jerky movements known as “cogwheel” rigidity.

 

Bradykinesia, or the slowing down and loss of spontaneous and automatic movement, is particularly frustrating because it is unpredictable. One moment the patient can move easily. The next moment he or she may need help. This may well be the most disabling and distressing symptom of the disease because the patient cannot rapidly perform routine movements. Activities once performed quickly and easily — such as washing or dressing — may take several hours.

 

Postural instability, or impaired balance and coordination, causes patients to develop a forward or backward lean and to fall easily. When bumped from the front or when starting to walk, patients with a backward

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Parkinson’s Disease — Prevention & Alleviating the Symptoms

October 24, 2011     No comments

The compound below is showing great promise not only for the prevention of Parkinson’s disease, but also alleviating of the symptoms.

It’s cheap, naturally part of the food chain, and showing great promise with the treatment of a number of conditions in addition to Parkinson’s disease, from Depression to Alzheimer’s, as well as many others.

The compound is familiar to everyone and is:

Nicotine

Parkinson’s disease belongs to a group of conditions that occur less among cigarette smokers than in non-smokers.

Smoking is of course harmful, no one should take it up to prevent or alleviate the disease; however the specific compound in cigarette smoking that is believed to prevent and also provide relief for suffers is – Nicotine.

Nicotine in Pure Form is safe & non toxic

Nicotine removed from cigarettes in its natural state is a safe, non toxic and is found in many common foods and vegetables.

Nicotine is now showing great promise in medical research in terms of both prevention of Parkinson’s disease, and also for the alleviation of the symptoms.

Nicotine & Parkinson’s Disease Research

Research has suggested that some of the movement difficulties experienced by Parkinson suffers are less severe after smoking cigarettes, taking nicotine gum or using nicotine patches.

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Researchers have been aware for over 30 years that fewer smokers get Parkinson’s diseases than non-smokers.

The observation was first made in the 1970′s and similar results have been shown in all subsequent tests.

The protective effect is large, active smokers have a 60% reduction in risk compared with those who have never been smokers.

Nicotine is not only showing great promise in its preventive affect but also in alleviating the symptoms of suffers who have the disease already.

How Nicotine can help

Prevention

Researchers believe that the main reason underlying the protective action of nicotine maybe its ability to increase the expression of neurotrophic factors that are known to help the survival of dopaminergic neurons, as nicotine increases the number of “nicotinic” receptors in the brain.

These receptors influence the production and release of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. Parkinson’s disease occurs when brain cells that produce dopamine, an important chemical messenger die. People don’t get Parkinson’s disease until approximatley 80% to 90% of the dopamine-producing cells are dead.

Nicotine is believed to protect these cells against damage and as a consequence prevent the disease. Alleviating the symptoms

Nicotine may help to lessen memory difficulties which occur in some people with Parkinson’s disease.

The number of nicotinic receptors are decreased in the brains of people who have Parkinson’s disease.

The nicotine in cigarette smoke, in the nicotine patch or in gum may lead to an extra stimulation of these remaining nicotinic receptors and thus alleviate the symptoms.

Products

Nicotine is available in patches and gum and several companies have looked at nicotine water as a safe delivery method for organic nicotine with no added chemicals.

Nicotine water is already being marketed and further products are being researched, all with the aim of delivering pure organic

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Note On Parkinsons Disease

October 21, 2011     No comments

Parkinson’s is found all over the world. Exact global figures are not always available, though it is estimated that four million people worldwide have the condition. Parkinson’s disease belongs to a group of conditions called movement disorders.

Brain cells called neurons are responsible for passing along electrical impulses throughout the brain, from one cell to the next, allowing the brain to function normally. In Parkinson disease, cells in a certain part of the brain called the substantia nigra begin to die or become impaired.

Different medications are used for treating Parkinsons disease. Over time, you might be asked to change your medication as it loses its effectiveness or increase its dosage. Because of this, it’s extremely crucial that you do not cease consulting with your doctor in a regular basis.

Parkinsons disease is a disorder which takes effect on the central nervous system. A movement disorder, Parkinson’s can be seen in four major symptoms; namely rigidity of muscles, a tremor of movement, slowing of overall movement (known as bradykinesia) and in certain instances loss of movement altogether.

The main symptoms of this disease include stiffness and tremors in the limbs which is due to the reduction of Dopamine, chemical in the brain which controls movement in the body. Dopamine agonists clone dopamine and also stimulate the cells of the brain, just the way the normal chemical reacts.

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Dopamine is a chemical messenger responsible for exchanging signals from our brains to our muscles. The role of dopamine in Parkinsons disease basically prevents the brain from communicating properly with the muscles, hence problems in muscle control is experienced.

Parkinsons Disease displays three principal characteristics, or symptoms: rigidity, brakykinesia and tremor.

Rigidity : Rigidity is caused by increased muscle tone.

Bradykinesia : Bradykinesia is a slowness and poverty of voluntary movement.

Tremor : Tremor is present when the person is at rest, though not when they are asleep.

The last of the five stages of Parkinsons disease would be the hardest for you because by this time, the illness will have taken over your physical movements. Here, you may not be able to stand or walk during and may not be able to take care of yourself.

Today the strongest theory for the cause of Parkinson’s disease is from “the combination of a subtle genetically-determined vulnerability to environmental toxins along with even limited exposure to those toxins.

The success colloidal gold enjoys for patients suffering from incurable affections is partly justified by the technological process used in the manufacturing. Homeopaths and other specialists in the field talk about the ultrafine gold molecules or nanometer-sized particles.

Another method that is considered a natural cure is Ayurvedic medicine. A five thousand year-old practice, this Indian method involves a variety of meditations, massages, herbs, diet changes, and exercises to keep the body in shape and functioning.

The most effective treatment for the symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease by a long shot is the drug levodopa. This is derived from a naturally produced chemical in plant matter and animals.

Although

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Autologous Neural Stem Cells Benefit Parkinson’s Patients

October 19, 2011     No comments

Stem cells and stem cell research have long been studied to help provide relief of symptoms and potential cures for neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s disease.

The use of adult stem cell therapy has grown in popularity, surpassing even traditional embryonic stem cell research methodology is. Autologous stem cells are those harvested from individual patients suffering from a disease process such as Parkinson’s, which do not carry with them the risk of rejection, as do organs or cells transplanted from other individuals into that patient.

Adult stem cells are known as undifferentiated or multipotent cells capable of producing different blood cells. That means that they haven’t specifically developed or grown into a specific type of tissue or organ. Adult stem cells can renew themselves and grow into become just about any type of specialized cell, tissue or organ tissue.

Neural stem cells are multipotent cells that self-renew or self generate. Neural stem cells that may be generated from a patient’s own bone marrow or nerve tissues may be used to treat a variety of traumatic brain injuries, damage caused by strokes, or neuro-genetic disease processes such as those commonly found in Parkinson’s or Alzheimer’s disease patients.

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Neural stem cells may be harvested from the bone marrow as well as various areas of the brain and central nervous system. Recent studies, including those described in The Open Stem Cell Journal 1, 20-29, February 2009 stated that autologous adult stem cells were able to relieve Parkinson’s patient symptoms for almost five years.

Stem cells 24, 781-792, March 2006, reported that the use of stem cells derived from umbilical cord stem cells and used to treat rats with Parkinson’s determined “significant recovery in motion and behavior”.

In Japan, researchers from Kyoto University successfully treated mice with Parkinson’s disease by transplanting “nerve cells developed from their own bone marrow stromal cells.” Journal Of Clinical Investigation 113: 1701-1710, 2004

Research and technology regarding the use of autologous neural stem cells to treat symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, improve mobility and quality of life for patients continue around the world.  Individuals from the United States, as well as Parkinson’s patients from around the world, increasingly travel to destinations such as Mexico, the Ukraine, South Korea, Asia, and South America for promising stem cell treatments.

Stem cell treatments and procedures have not yet been approved in the United States, though several clinical trials are currently underway. Costs for stem cell treatments are determined by condition and type and location of stem cell therapies utilized.

In the United States, Parkinson’s patients may spend an average of ,500 to ,000 every year just for medications. Stem cell therapies and treatments around the world average approximately ,500, again depending on the type of stem cell as well as its use.

Today, stem cell based treatments are not yet within the basic standard of care for all disease processes, and that includes Parkinson’s disease. However, stem cell treatments and therapies are common in stem cell transplants, especially in patients suffering from leukemia, burns, and specific eye disorders. With each new

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Parkinson’s Law in I.T.

October 13, 2011     No comments

“As computer hardware capacity increases, software becomes more bloated.”
- Bryce’s Law

INTRODUCTION

Ever wonder why our computers typically last no more than three years? Many contend it is because of the fast pace of technological advancements. Maybe. But I tend to believe there is a little more to it than just that, namely “Parkinson’s Law.” For those of you who may have forgotten, “Parkinson’s Law” was devised by C. Northcote Parkinson, noted British historian and author. His original book, “Parkinson’s Law: The Pursuit of Progress,” was introduced in 1958 and was a top-selling management book for a number of years (it is still sold today). The book was based on his experience with the British Civil Service. Among his key observation’s was that “work expands so as to fill the time available for its completion.” Basically, he suggests that people make work in order to rationalize their employment. Consequently, managers create bureaucracies and superfluous work to justify their existence, not because it is really needed.

As an aside, CEO’s clearly understood Parkinson’s Law, which became the driving force behind the flattening of corporations in the 1990′s, such as General Electric under Jack Welch’s reign.

AS APPLIED TO INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

Whereas Parkinson was primarily concerned with people, his law is equally applicable to machines, particularly computers; for example, Parkinson’s Law can be applied to computing in terms of “Data expands to fill the space available for storage.” Years ago I had a Compaq Presario computer with 50mb of disk space, which I considered substantial at the time. I never dreamt I would be able to fill up the hard drive. But, of course, I did (as well as other PC’s I have had over the years). My current PC has a hard drive with a capacity of 224gb and though I’m a long way from filling it up, inevitably I know I will for two reasons: I now feel more comfortable with downloading large multimedia files (MP3, AVI, WMV, etc.), PDF files, data base files, and other larger file formats, and; Second, because developers have become sloppy in programming.

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Back when memory and disk space were at a premium, there was great concern over the efficient use of computer resources. Program code was written very tightly and consideration was given to file size. For example, establishing a simple file index was scrutinized carefully. But as the computer capacity grew and hardware prices declined, developers became less interested in efficient programming. To illustrate, not too long ago packaged software installation programs were delivered on 3.5″ diskettes. Today, it is not uncommon to use multiple CD’s to install the same products. This means that as computer hardware capacity increases, software becomes more bloated. This is but one example of Parkinson’s Law as applied in computing.

An another example, let’s consider data transmission lines as used in networking. It doesn’t seem long ago we were using 14.4 baud modems over telephone lines. I remember when we doubled the speed to 28.8 and then 56.4. It seemed like the sky was the limit with every increase. But eventually performance seemed to slow to a crawl. Was it because the technology was aging or was it because our web pages were becoming bigger and more

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