Mobility Products: Straight From The Heart

Article by TriCityLocal.com
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November 12, 2008 - Most people do not know that cardiac illness would be a good reason to utilize mobility products such as scooters and power wheelchairs. Most people do not know that some insurances including Medicare and Medicaid (Medi-cal in California) will cover such equipment upon meeting the right criteria. These people are not alone because some doctors are unaware of this fact, too.

According to the American Heart Association, there are 61,800,000 Americans that have one or more types of cardiovascular disease. Of those, 40% are estimated to be 65 or older. Such diagnosis' include Coronary Heart Disease, Congestive Heart Failure, stroke, high blood pressure, Pulmonary Heart Disease, and Congenital Cardiovascular Defects.

If someone has been diagnosed with one of these above, it will not automatically qualify him or her for a scooter or power wheelchair, as other criteria must be met. The most important qualification criteria is difficulty walking and/or performing activities of daily livings (ADLs) due to heart disease symptoms such as shortness of breath or general weakness. Other criteria include the need for a wheelchair and the cognitive ability to operate the scooter or wheelchair safely.

For a heart disease sufferer, it is important to continue exercising and walking is the best form of this exercise. However, if someone truly needs a mobility device, based on not being able to consistently ambulate and not able to get daily activities met, this doesn't mean they will not be able to get appropriate exercise. It just means that it will be different kinds of exercise.

One example would be chair aerobics which has become very popular among the senior population. Chair aerobic exercises can be found through the American Heart Association or at a doctor's office as there are not too many doctors that would not agree that some sort of exercise is vital to the heart. People should always check with a doctor for clearance before starting any kind of exercise.

Mobility products are strengths in a time of physical weakness for those in need, as many recipients will again be able to perform tasks that they may have felt they were too weak to complete. They will also help alleviate stress to the heart and help some live longer.

Since insurance may cover the cost and there are medical companies that will help with the process, it is worth looking into. It seems as life is too short sometimes with the hustle and bustle causing undue stress and many products have been added to the market to make things easier on the body. Power mobility is just one of them and it is straight from the heart.