Water Bottles Need to be Clean to be Safe: How to Clean Your Water Bottle

You are doing the right thing for the planet by filling up at home and carrying a reusable water bottle and you’ve chosen a safe, non-toxic bottle-but if it’s not kept clean then it may not be healthy.

Whether your drink bottle is a stainless steel bottle, SIGG bottle or a BPA free plastic water bottle, it is important to stop mould and other deposits forming in the bottle.

Wash your drink bottles with warm, soapy water at the end of every day and let the bottle air dry upside down with the top off every day where possible.

Should any mineral deposits or lime scale form inside, fill your clean water bottle with Distilled White Vinegar and let it soak for 24 hours. Then rinse with warm water mixed with one tablespoon of bicarbonate of soda (baking soda), rinse out and let dry. Spots inside the bottle that look like “corrosion” are most likely a mineral deposit.

Fill your bottle with filtered water wherever possible. It tastes so much better, but also because water contains different minerals in every area this may affect what happens inside your bottle.

Do not allow liquids such as fruit juice to ferment inside the bottle.

With all reusable water bottles you can also try SIGG cleaning tablets and a specially-designed SIGG bottle cleaning brush, or simply a baby bottle brush. Only ever use a soft brush on aluminium bottles with lining like SIGG so as not to damage the lining. Stainless steel water bottles like Klean Kanteen and Nathan can handle a hard brush.

While all bottles are technically dishwasher-safe, it is recommended to not put them in a dishwasher. Most dishwasher powders are caustic, so they will eat into the metal of your bottle and damage the exterior pattern. Bottle tops should also not be put in the dishwasher because extreme heat expands and deteriorates the plastic.

Never freeze metal bottles as metal can split even with only a little water inside. Water does not always expand in a predictable direction! Freezing plastic water bottles is also not advisable because it may cause the plastic to breakdown and toxins to leach. It is fine to place your bottle in the refrigerator.

Tips on cleaning your water bottle brought to you by Biome Eco Stores Australia.

How Disability Equipment Can Provide Valuable Freedom

Introduction

Mobility – it is only really possible to appreciate what mobility means if your ability to move around freely is limited, then it takes on a whole new meaning.

Living with someone who is partially disabled gives me an insight into the kind of issues that people with disabilities have to deal with. When you are able and sure footed there is no real understanding of the limitations of not having full mobility of your person. Besides which nobody is particularly interested unless it concerns them directly. We all take it completely for granted when everything works as it should and we get on with living our lives concentrating on making money, raising a family, having a good time and other such normal everyday activities. In fact quite often we don’t even like to see people who are disabled and struggling because it makes us aware of our own vulnerability which reminds us of our mortality. Next time you see someone who is in a wheel chair, notice your own reaction to that person, and be aware of how you avoid eye contact and carefully get out of the way. People who use wheelchairs often say how people they meet will talk to the carer and ignore them as if they are stupid as well deaf.

Early Disability Aids

The first type of disability aid that most people will be familiar with is the walking stick. For some, it will be something to make them feel more steady on their feet when they suffer some impairment in walking. If a person has a broken leg or hip then crutches for a period of time will be needed and later a stick until full mobility returns. When I broke my hip I found the most frustrating thing was that I could not carry a cup of tea from one place to another so I improvised with a trolley on wheels which I could push along. When you have to use two arm crutches as I did to get about, there are no arms left to carry anything. For non spilling things you can use a bag to carry your things in which can be attached to your crutches, but not cups of liquid. Recently when visiting my husband in hospital I watched while the nurses unpacked a Zimmer frame on which they attached a plastic box with a tray for a lid. It was fixed like a basket on a bike. The patient had to practice pushing it along, and I realised it was because he lived on his own and needed to be able to transport things but couldn’t manage without two handed support. These types of early aids are common for people as they get older and lose their youthful mobility because of age related problems. They are also required for those who have suffered accidents and injuries so that temporary mobility is affected.

Independence

One of the major frustrations for people becoming disabled is their loss of independence and freedom to be able to do what they want, when they want. If a person becomes disabled after years of normal living and independence there will be a great deal of anger and a need to make adjustments to the new situation. However, whatever the disability experienced there are a vast range of aids to help people live as independent a life as possible. Loss of mobility is a major frustration for those people suddenly afflicted with disability.

In the Home

When suffering loss of mobility or normal functioning whatever the reason, the first task is to create safety and functionality in the home where the level of disability determines the type of support needed.

One of the first things to consider is the quality| degree| level of comfort while resting. Correct support in bed and while sitting in a chair will allow the muscles to relax properly so that the body will function as well as possible. There are a range of Orthopaedic beds which allow for many different positions from lying to sitting and the best examples are the hospital beds where you will find electronic buttons to change the position of a patient with ease. Chairs can also be found that will allow for different positions and even a vibrating and massaging function incorporated into the frame. A friend of mine had a chair specially made which reclines, vibrates and massages in three different places and also tips forward when you want to get out for ease of standing up. When we visit we all want to have a go in it because it is such good fun.

The next challenge when disabled, is the function of toilet, bathing and dressing. There are a huge range of aids to chose from such as commodes and other toilet necessities, grab rails for showers and baths. My mother is severely arthritic and cannot get into the bath anymore, so she has a seat which lowers and raises her in and out of the bath. There are also walk in baths and then specially adapted showers with stools and slip mats to aid the sufferer. Also because my mother is partially sighted she cannot read the numbers anymore, so she has a set of talking weighing scales.

Having managed the getting up, washing and dressing as well as maybe a good rest in the special chair, moving around the home will be next on the agenda. Depending of the level of incapacity it might be that a simple walking stick or Zimmer frame will support mobility. As well as grab handles in the bathroom, handles can be mounted alongside entrance doors and steps to help with negotiating different levels. Just because people suffer some sort of disability it doesn’t mean that they want to leave their homes, but when they live in a house and have stairs to negotiate then the use of a stair lift is a wonderful invention. Severely handicapped people may need a wheelchair in the home which requires a lot of space and maybe wider doorways to accommodate it.

The next activity for independent living is food preparation and dining. Standing can be a problem so a high stool to perch on might of value. Otherwise do as much preparation as possible sitting at the kitchen/dining table. If a person has a problem with holding cutlery and kitchen utensils, there are specially adapted items with larger handles for ease of use. With arthritis in the wrists, lifting items such as kettles and saucepans can be a problem, but there are available cleverly designed kettle and teapot tippers for ease of pouring. Using a food processer and electric gadgets will save a great deal of time and effort when preparing meals. Another simple aid which my mother found very useful is a grabbing stick or ‘Reacher’ that picks up items to save bending down.

If you own a mobility scooter you may also need a specially adapted vehicle on which to load it so you can travel further afield.

Maintaining the home is sometimes tricky for a disabled person. Obviously there are washing machines, dryers and dishwasher to aid with tasks in the home but you can also get remote control vacuum cleaners that are radio controlled with a joystick or key pad such as for toy boats and aeroplanes. Long handled brushes and dusters help with hard to reach corners particularly the microfiber dusters that attract dirt and dust to them.

Other items available for people who suffer some level of limitation may be lever type handles for taps to make them easier to use. If a person has lost their grip there are special items to open cans, bottles and jars. Because my mother is partially sighted she has large buttons on her telephone and speed dialling so she can stay in touch with her family who are spread far and wide. She can order goods by phone which means with such aids she is able to retain her independence and stay in her own home. It seems that whatever the disability there is some clever invention to help overcome the problem.

Outside the Home

To enable a person who is disabled to live as normal a life as possible then aids outside the home are just as important as those inside. Wearing an alarm cord around the neck is a wise precaution so that if a person does get into difficulties while outside they can call for help. To be able to move around easily outside may only require a walking stick or a Zimmer frame for support but where mobility is more restricted, wheelchairs or electric scooters may be necessary. My mother used to love to garden but now the arthritis and osteoporosis has taken hold and her eyesight is impaired, she is severely limited in any activity outside. On a good day however she does have a garden stool which enables her to do some weeding and tidying of the flower beds. There are even wheeled seats for moving along the edge of flower beds when weeding. Long handled garden implements can be used to avoid bending or kneeling and raised beds will allow even wheel chair users to tackle the garden plot. Ramps may be installed to allow a wheelchair to move from one level to another, and sit-on lawn mowers are a possibility if you have a big enough lawn.

There is a relatively new product on the market called Flexiloc which is a modular system of tough polyurethane tiles that interlocks to form ramps of any size. It has the advantage of being able to run straight, turn corners, be used indoors or outdoors and has a good grip surface that is more comfortable than conventional surfaces. It can be used as a temporary solution where a permanent ramp is not possible and is easily dismantled to be reused again and again.

If a disabled person relies on a wheelchair then automatic gates and garage doors which open remotely is a big help. Cars or vans used for transporting electric scooters are usually specially modified vehicles with ramps or lifts to allow the mobility scooter to be loaded up. Sometime cars may have to be adapted to allow for the lack of functioning of particular limbs. My husband cannot manage the foot pedal movement required for gear changing so we have switched to an automatic car to enable him to still drive.

The most popular wheelchair mobility device is a sit on wheeled vehicle that travels slightly faster than walking pace.

There is a extensive range of mobility scooters available both new and second hand. The mobility scooter is mostly a four wheeled vehicle which travels between four and eight miles an hour. However for the electric scooter there seems to be more three wheeled versions which travel at a maximum of six miles per hour. The speed is determined on the weather, the terrain and riders weight. A three wheeled scooter is inherently less stable and unless greater manoeuvrability is required it is better to get the four wheeled variety. Some scooters can be completely folded up to go into the boot of a car. The scooter usually has a chair with arms mounted over the battery enclosure with handlebars like a bike for turning and controls in reach of the hands. They are very easy to operate and comfortable to ride. The chairs vary with the amount of padding and enclosed back, usually the more expensive the more padding there is.

As well as the open versions of mobility scooters there are enclosed ones to protect the passenger from rain and wind. These come with lights, windscreen wipers, full suspension, mirrors and lockable doors as with a car and can cover larger distances. I have observed them in my local area travelling along the road rather than on the pavement.

Home Remote Controls

Where an individual is physically unable to get about inside or outside the home the use of remote controls is a valuable aid. Being able to manage and operate your entertainment centre remotely is only one of the possibilities. The availability of remote controls for opening and closing of blinds and curtains, switches for electrical equipment such as ovens, lights, cooking appliance and washing machines, is essential. For people who cannot easily answer the door there is a keyless door entry system designed to fit most latch locks which enable the elderly, the disabled and partially sighted who have difficulty using keys, to manage their security remotely.

One story I read in the paper a few weeks ago was of a young man who was so obese, in the region of forty stone, that he could not move out of his bed. He had an entertainment centre in his room remotely controlled and he ordered food online to be delivered to his house. There were three healthcare workers in attendance at all times to turn him in bed and see to his bodily needs; as well as people to prepare for him the food he had ordered. He was waiting for a stomach operation to staple his stomach together to reduce his intake of food. And all this was paid for by the tax payer. My feeling was that if there was no one to take such good care of him he would soon lose weight because he would not be able to get about and eat all that food.

Having read that story I question the value of having remote controls so easily available, because the forced activity of getting up and out of your chair to change channels is at least exercise to keep your circulation going. However for people who cannot move around easily then remote controls are a boon I am sure.

Conclusion

For the babies who were born with a physical disability, may never know what it is like to be fully mobile and they may always yearn to live a normal life. For those who were once completely functional, when they become disabled they have to come to terms with their loss and face up to their own mortality. If the time comes when you are no longer able to do all the things you used to do, then be sure there are many creative aids to help you maintain as much independence as possible.

Choosing A Portable Dishwasher

It is common that no one in the family likes to do the dishes. To solve this problem, kitchen appliance manufacturers made a dishwasher to do the chore. But for those families living in a small size apartments or houses, having a dishwasher will not be priority especially if the dishwasher is huge. Because this situation arises, portable dishwasher is introduced in the market. The main purpose of portable dishwashers is to fit small spaces and if the family does not plan to stay longer in their house. Unlike the other models that are installed within the kitchen, portable dishwasher is a self-contained unit where you can easily transfer it from one area in the kitchen to another.

An ideal portable dishwasher could be a full-sized or a countertop model. A full-sized portable dishwasher is perfect for the dishes of a large family. For its water source, it needs to be connected to the kitchen faucet via hoses. It can be transferred easily because it is on rollers. Several models of full-sized portable dishwashers are designed to have tops for it to double for an extra counter space. There are also available full-sized portable dishwashers, which are narrow such that it can fit in small spaces. A countertop model of a portable dishwasher is ideal for a single individual or for a couple. As its purpose suggest, it is small thus it can be neatly placed at the countertop. This dishwasher can possibly have the same features with the full-sized portable dishwasher.

Unlike other models of dishwasher that be purchased at a specific store, portable dishwasher are available at most home appliance stores. Before buying a portable dishwasher, you must decide first your budget and measure the space where you plan to place it. You must also consider the water supply and its pressure if it can handle the needs of a portable dishwasher and if the hoses are compatible with your kitchen faucet.

About The Author:

Find out more about Whirlpool dishwashers and Electrolux dishwashers at: http://www.bestdishwashers.org

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High Chairs 101 Looking for the High Chair that Meets Your Needs

High chairs are not what they were thirty years ago. Today, there are so many new features with the high chair of today that parents could never imagine living without.

The high chair is considered an essential peace of baby gear. Most models of high chairs like the Fisher Price high chairs allow older children to switch over to the kitchen table easily. This is done by allowing the chair to get as close under the table as possible. The toddler can then with the proper height adjustment be literally seated at the kitchen table.

Speaking of height adjustments all high chairs have multiple height adjustments to accommodate your child as they grow taller. Some even have adjustable foot rests so your child is sitting properly aligned.

Safety has always been a worry with high chairs. Almost all come with a five point safety harness comparable to that of a car seat. They are very stable and have locking wheels. Some also include a T bar to prevent a child from sliding out.

Some high chairs have toys or activities that attach to the tray. This allows baby to be preoccupied while caregivers can cook meals or cleanup after meals. The tray on almost all high chairs is dishwasher safe, and many come with an extra tray. The chair itself can be easily cleaned depending on the material of the chair.

High chairs are built in a range of materials, including plastic, steel and wood. Some high chairs are multi purpose like the Combi high chair which can even convert to a desk and chair.

If you are looking to buy a high chair that has a smaller footprint because of your living space, many high chairs fold conveniently for storage. Some even fold almost totally flat, allowing you to store the high chair practically anywhere.

If you are looking to purchase a preowned high chair, then consider one where parts are readily accessible in case you need to make a minor repair. For example you can purchase Peg Perego parts for their line of high chairs. This could include trays, seating pads and wheels.

Cake Pans: Conventional and Normal to Exceptional and Cool

Cake pans are typically made of metal. Some have a non-stick coating while some don’t. Cake pans are used to bake cakes and mold them into a specific shape.

In the past, your grandmother or aunt would cook cakes in regular shapes of circle, square or rectangle. Sure, the cakes always turned out great and tasted even better but sometimes it can be a bit dull.

Now that you’ve tried your hand at baking, you don’t want to stick to the traditional cake pans though they are still quite useful and effective in making dissimilar types of cakes. Shaped cake pans are offered to those who would want to produce specialty cakes in fun and functional shapes. These shaped cake pans are extremely popular when making birthday cakes for children or cakes for various holidays and events. Check out more cake baking pans pages for more information.

With shaped cake pans, there are boundless possibilities. If you want to bake a cake for a baby shower, baby shaped cake pans are offered. You might want to produce a fortress, football or a cartoon character shaped cake, there surely is a cake pan available. Modern shaped cake pans come in myriad shapes and sizes like hearts, giant cupcakes, baby bottles, basketball, trains, stars, numbers among others. Holiday themed cake pans are also available in the designs of Santa Claus, reindeer, four leaf clover, flags, Jack-o-Lantern and so much more. More and more cake pans are also available in 3D figures making your cakes even more stunning and inspired.

Cake pans are available in various kitchen supply or general merchandise stores. If you want to view all the possible designs of a cake pan, you can view them online. If you don’t see anything you like (which is close to impossible), you may also order personalized cake pans online.

Using metal cake pans can be complicated in taking out the cake without damaging it, especially if it has a lot features. Make sure to spray baking oil or grease your cake pan prior to usage even if it has a non stick coating. Also, allow the cake to totally cool before removing it from the pan or putting any frosting. Upon removal of the cake, place a serving dish over the cake pan and invert the cake to let it slide directly unto the place.

Cake pans can be used with shop bought cake mixes or a home-produced, it doesn’t really matter. Frosting, however, is another concern. Unlike with regular cake, frosting specialty cakes require a lot of work especially when using cartoon character cake pans. The details of the characters should be the similar color and appearance or it won’t look like the authentic thing. But if your kids or guests won’t mind, then feel liberated to decorate it however you like.

With today’s technology, a much more convenient cake pan has been launched and is appreciated by hundreds of bakers. Silicone cake pans permit bending therefore making the cake easier to pop out of the pan. Silicone cake pans are dishwasher safe so clean up is a breeze.