Making life easier

Real Living with Multiple Sclerosis, Aug 2001 by Schwarz, Shelley Peterman

Dear Readers,

I came across a great little item called a magnetic telephone book that easily fits into a pocket or wallet. It's the size of a business card with magnetic covers that stick together. The inside consists of an accordion-folded sheet that stretches to about 2-feet long, with lines on both sides for names and addresses. The first space on the sheet contains blanks for you to enter important personal information such as your address, allergies, and whom to contact in case of emergency.

On my magnetic covers, I put a sticker indicating that emergency medical information is inside. Then, I list all the medications I take, my doctors' names, preferred hospital, and medical insurance policy numbers in the book, and there's still room for family and friends' addresses and phone numbers. A British company called Personal Attachments makes the item, which sells for about $2.25.

I also just learned about a wonderful new product called Aerobics of the Mind Mental Fitness Cards by Marge Engelman. Each of the 100 cards describes an activity designed to exercise your brain and improve your memory. Individuals or small groups can use the cards to keep the mind active at any age. Challenges involve words, numbers, problem solving, brainstorming, memory, puzzles, and other sensory activities, and the cost is $16. Contact Attainment Company, Inc. at PO Box 930160; Verona, WI 53953-0160; (800) 327-- 4269; Fax (800) 942-3865; or Web site http://www.attainmentcompany.com/.

Stair-assistance tip

When assisting someone who has trouble walking up or down stairs, don't take more than one step at a time. Let the person you're assisting hold on to a handrail, if one is available. Make sure he or she places his or her foot completely on each step. When going up stairs, have the person lead with the stronger foot. When going down stairs, have the person lead with the weaker foot. Stand in front of the person when descending stairs and behind the person when ascending the stairs.

-MJE

Textured paint for easy identification

If vision problems make it difficult to see settings on appliances, use textured paint, which dries with a textured surface, to mark machine settings that you use often. You can find the paint wherever products for people with visual impairments are sold. A tube costs $3.50 plus tax.

Safe-return bracelets

If you live with an easily confused adult, here's a suggestion for keeping him or her safe: Purchase a safe-return bracelet (engraved with the person's name, address, and phone number) and ask the doctor to place it on the person's wrist during an appointment. It's likely to be better received from the doctor. By placing the bracelet on the individual's dominant hand, it will be more difficult to undo the clasp. If the person is reluctant to wear the bracelet, attach it to a belt loop or shoelaces. For more information, contact the Safe Return Program at (888) 5728566.

Safety suggestions

Buy a digital thermometer instead of a glass one, which can break.

Consider creating a path with reflector tape leading from the bedroom to the bathroom for someone to follow in the middle of the night.

Gouda idea Put cheese in the freezer for 15 minutes before grating-it makes the job easier.

-R.L.

Standing made easier

To get up out of a chair, bring your buttocks close to the edge of the seat. Keep your feet at least eight inches apart, with one foot slightly in front of the other. Rock your trunk quickly back and forth a few times to build up momentum. On your last rock forward, bring your shoulders forward, just past your knees, and push down with your hands on the arms of the chair or the cushion while you straighten up to a standing position.

-Carolyn

Smooth thinking

After drilling or using sandpaper, wipe the area with a used fabric softener dryer sheet to collect sawdust. The sheet acts like a tack cloth.

-Vicki Hinson-Smith

Mail your time- and energy-saving tips and ideas to: Shelley Peterman Schwarz, c/o Real Living with Multiple Sclerosis, 1111 Bethlehem Pike, P.O. Box 908, Springhouse, PA 19477-- 0908; or via E-mail at help@MakingLifeEasier.

com, or SPSchwarz@aol.com. You can also visit her Web site at http://www.MakingLifeEasier.com.