Penelope Fast, Medical Equipment Specialist in North Vancouver has this staff pick to keep everyone mobile.

Penelope: My staff pick is the Series 300 Nordic Walking Poles from Urban Poling. I love these nordic poles (also known as urban poles) because they turn a regular walk into a workout for your arms, back and core. They are super lightweight and easy to use, and although you are working harder when using them, I find that they actually make walking more fun because they sort of propel you along!

Did you know that 30 minutes of Urban Poling is equivalent to 50 minutes of regular walking?

There is definitely a specific technique to use in order to get the most effective workout from your Urban Poles and it really only takes a few minutes to get used to the motion; Urban Poling has a great YouTube channel with lots of instructional videos.

> Urban Poling on YouTube

The strapless handle prevents wrist injury and absorbs shock and vibration, and the poles are adjustable for heights from 4'2" to 6'2". You can order special tips for snow/winter trekking as well - poling is a 4-season activity!

SelfCare also stocks the Activator Poles which have flat bottom to provide more stability. Stop by SelfCare to take a pair of Demo Poles for a test run!

Give me a call if you want to know more about the Walking Poles! I work out of the North Vancouver store.

Tel: 604 990 9422

E: penelope.fast@selfcarehome.com

> Activator Poles Demo Information Sheet
> Read more about the cardiac benefits of urban poling from the Cardiac Health Foundation.

> Read a Bloomberg Article about the benefits of Urban Walking and exercising entitled "Healthier Living May Save Your Mind, Finnish Study Says" that concludes that doing exercises like Nordic walking enables seniors to remember more, process facts more quickly and judge more effectively what to do with that information.

Here are three past enewsletters that are handy references.

Tilt Wheelchairs Newsletter	Lightweight Wheelchair Newsletter	Ramp Newsletter

We've run into some slightly misleading information on batteries so want to clear up the confusion. "Gel Type" batteries are not gel batteries. The main difference is gel batteries have 3 times the cycling ability of "gel type" or Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM) batteries which makes them a lower cost alternative in the long run.

Gel batteries are sealed, air transportation approved and are puncture & leak proof.

Note that you should never use an automotive charger on gel batteries.

Charging gel batteries: When in doubt, CHARGE IT. Batteries need to get fully charged, so overnight charging is best.

> Battery Charging Quick Points

We followed a Rehosoft Raised Toilet Seat into Christenson Village, a facility client of SelfCare's. Here's what Liz Wood, PT at Christenson had to say about the Rehosoft they have been using since the end of May 2014:

Pleasantly surprised that the vinyl has been quite durable so far.
Users have liked the comfort.
Cleaning staff are happy with it!! it is quite well sealed and easy for them to remove and safely reinstall onto the toilet.

> Learn more about the Rehosoft on SelfCare's website
> Read about Doug Chase's choice of the Rehosoft as a Staff Pick

Tuesday, Aug 12th - Vancouver Store > RSVP

Wednesday, Aug 13th - North Vancouver Store > RSVP

Thursday, Aug 14th - Surrey Store > RSVP

RSVP: Email RSVP to penelope.fast@selfcarehome.com or call her at 604-990-9422 or fax the RSVP to 604-990-9424. (Please note if you would like a vegetarian lunch.)