Wheelchair Umbrellas
Imagine a family picnic in the park. In the midst of summer, the sun is exceptionally hot. However, taking a run through the sprinkler, to cool off, is impossible from a wheelchair. In fact, moving to a shadier spot is difficult, if a person is dependent on friends and family to get from one point to another. Sometimes, with little/no ability to communicate, a physically handicapped individual cannot express the desire to move, if the sun is too hot or severe sunburn is immanent. So, do not wait to a problem with rain or sun to occur-get a wheelchair umbrella.
While a wheelchair umbrella may seem like an extravagant wheelchair aid, wait until the next gully washer. Despite the best efforts to watch the clouds and constantly checking for signs of inclement weather, every human being occasionally gets caught in a rain shower. Unfortunately, the person in a wheelchair cannot run. Instead, he/she is literally a sitting duck, with one important difference. Ducks have water-repellent oils on their feathers-people do not.
Even for the wheelchair-bound individual with sufficient upper body strength, obtaining shelter is not possible without first becoming thoroughly drenched. Even with the aide of a caregiver, electric wheelchairs are impossible to move quickly. Usually limited to 3 mph, an electronic wheelchair moves at a slow walking pace. Also, because of excessive weight, a friend or family member will find the chair impossible to push quickly toward shelter. Now, a wheelchair umbrella seems like a good idea. Forty inches in diameter, an umbrella is large enough to protect the disabled and a helper.
Wheelchair umbrella are also an excellent escape from the heat and scorching effects of the sun. Generally, people in wheelchair tend to dehydrate easier. Due to lack of movement and body sensation, the handicapped often have to be reminded to drink liquids. Otherwise, bladder and kidneys can become a real problem. Naturally, a day in the sun can sap strength, increase the possibility of addition health problems, and result in nasty sunburn. Therefore, a large wheelchair umbrella can protect a fragile friend from succumbing to the adverse qualities of a day in the sun. The umbrella is also big enough to compliment a reclining electric wheelchair. Now, instead of calling an outing short when a disabled person needs a rest, tip the chair back, tilt the umbrella, and take a comfortable snooze in the fresh air.
A wheelchair umbrella is a great accessory for the physically impaired. With a simple order from a local health care supply store or the Internet, in rain or sunshine, a day in the park can be a wonderful diversion from the cares of everyday life. Now a sudden rainstorm does not mean a thorough drenching before shelter can be reached; a day in the sun is not a recipe for heat stroke or painful sunburn. Instead, the umbrella is large enough to protect the handicapped individual and another able-bodied friend. Now, a fun outing does not have to be unexpected cut short. Have a good time under the protection of a wheelchair umbrella.
Next article: Cooling Wheelchair Cushion
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