Posts by AimeeMatthew:
Get-Well Gift and Hip Surgery Recovery – 5 Ideas
September 6th, 2011For someone with hip problems, their hip can be in such pain that they have trouble walking comfortably. And, forget doing any jogging, swimming or hiking.
That is why hip surgery is such a godsend. The replacement hip can restore much of the normal movement that the person had lost over the years. And, it can does so in a way that can render their hip area pain-free.
Of course, as with any surgery, hip surgery should be taken seriously. The recovery period can take from many weeks to up to 6 months (for total hip replacement surgery). Recovery will go smoothly for most patients.
However, there may be some pain involved. And, there is always the boredom and mild sense of disorientation that a person in recovery feels.
This is where a well-chosen get-well gift for surgery recovery patients comes in. A close friend, colleague, or family member is likely to receive a wave of appreciation and goodwill from the person in recovery after hip surgery.
If you have questions about a get-well gift and hip surgery recovery, here are 5 ideas that can help:
1. Body pillow:
A body pillow is a great way to get comfortable in bed after hip replacement surgery. A body pillow is shaped a bit like a boomerang: it is long enough to “snuggle” the body around, providing a place to put one’s head. The hip surgery recovery patient can also straddle their legs around the pillow, while laying on his or her side. Before buying this gift, check to see whether they already have one. If not, this makes a great get-well gift.
2. Magazine gift basket:
A gift basket is a lot of fun to receive. Gift baskets have a festive feel and make anyone’s heart race a bit when they receive one. Imagine giving the hip surgery patient you know a gift basket full of their favorite magazines! Be sure to choose a theme, such as men’s hobbies, home improvement, sewing, fashion or electronics, depending upon their interests. In so doing, you are giving them a great way to pass the time.
3. Complete TV show season on DVD:
If you are someone who watches TV or keeps their finger on the pulse of pop culture, you know that there has really been some great television on the air over the past 5 – 10 years. Some Emmy-winning TV series are truly on par with anything you might see on the silver screen. A great gift idea is to buy one or more seasons of an award-winning show on DVD. By choosing a series over the course of one or more seasons, you are giving the person the chance to really “get into” a show and enjoy it. This all makes the recovery time pass by that much more quickly.
4. Plant a tree in his or her name:
Okay, if you or the person in recovery are “save the Earth” types, what better gift than to plant a tree in his or her name? After all, some folks are just not into material things, but they love nature and preserving the environment. A tree in their name might be just the thing raise their spirits after hip surgery. And maybe when their hip heals a bit more, they can go out and visit their new tree in person.
5. Order a personalized wine or champagne gift basket:
For the well-heeled or foodie-type friend or family member, a personalized wine or champagne gift basket makes a great get-well-soon gift. Choose from the variety or wines or champagnes available in the market today. Add some cheese and crackers for that special touch.
Get-well-soon gifts come in a range of sizes and types, catering to different budgets and tastes. These 5 fun get-well gift ideas for hip surgery patients offer something for everyone.
Get more fun get-well gift ideas for hip surgery recovery patients at: . Surgery-Recovery-Gift-Ideas.
How to Find the Best Infant Car Seat
April 3rd, 2009Selecting an infant car seat is one of the most important moves a parent can make to protect a little bundle of joy from Day One. Picking out a seat, unfortunately, is not as easy as it sounds. There are some pretty strict rules of the road when it comes to doing so.
Before attempting to purchase a seat for a newborn or toddler, it is imperative to have a few basic facts handy. These things will impact what kind of seat should be purchased:
The child’s age – Although state laws vary, there are generally rules on the book that dictate whether a rear- or forward-facing seat is required. Also, the time to move up to a booster seat will also be partially dictated by age in many jurisdictions.
The child’s weight – This is a very strong factor in determining the type of car seat that is needed. It is not uncommon for a rear-facing seat to be needed until a child reaches at least 22 pounds.
State laws – Since laws do vary from state to state, it is very wise to brush up on the rules of the road locally before investing in a car seat. This becomes particularly important when making the decision to switch a child out of a regular infant/toddler seat to a booster.
Collecting basic facts is only the first step that goes into selecting a good car seat. The next thing purchasers should do is research different seats based on safety ratings and also recommendations for the make and model of the vehicle the baby will be riding in. Not all car seats are designed to work with every vehicle on the road. If there is any question about what seat would work best in a vehicle, it is not a bad idea to seek out advice from a professional. Many local police and fire departments have certified child passenger safety technicians on staff.
Proper Installation Is Vital
Picking out the right car seat for the child and vehicle in question is not enough to increase the odds of safety. For a car seat to work properly, it must be installed right and used correctly every time. To make sure this is done, be certain to:
Use the instructions – Read manufacturer installation instructions thoroughly before trying to install an infant car seat into any vehicle. If instructions are not clear or there are questions about how a seat fits in a particular vehicle, check with a technician or call the company that manufactured the seat.
Check the fit – A car seat should fit snugly within a vehicle and not tip over. If it does not feel right, it is not.
Make sure the child is properly secured – The belt part of any car seat should fit snugly on the child. The center clip should rest at armpit level.
Selecting and installing a car seat is an important task for any parent. To make sure a child is properly secured, carefully research the purchase and how to tackle installation. If there are any questions or concerns, it is always smart to check with a certified technician. Many communities even play host to installation workshops where technicians will either install a seat for parents or teach them how to do it right.
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A Family Guideline For Car Seat Safety
March 29th, 2009One of the major responsibilities parents have is ensuring their children are safe when they are driving. Every year, many children die or get injured as a result of car carnage. Correct usage of car seat safety comes in handy to keep the children safe. However, with a wide range of car seats available on the market, parents may find it overwhelming to select the best from the crowd. The kind of seat children requie depends on many factors like the kind of vehicle and size of the child among others. To ensure you are using an appropriate seat, researching on the different types of car seats available is necessary to be able to select the best. The American Academy of Pediatrics has put forth recommendations on the appropriate seat for children of different ages. The types of car safety seats recommended range from infant seats to convertible seats to seat belts for older children.
When travelling, especially for long distance journeys, infants of less than one year and not weighing more than 20 pounds require the rear-facing convertible and infant seats; the seat must always face to the rear. For Preschoolers and toddlers of one year and not weighing more than 20 pounds, convertible seats are important and can be placed facing forward though riding while rear-facing is recommended. For the school-aged children, booster seats come in handy as they have been specially designed for older children that have already outgrown car safety seats which are forward-facing. The children should remain in the booster seat until they are old enough to fit in the adult seat belt. Normally, when children reach approximately 4’9″ in height and are between 8-12 years, they are old enough to fit in booster seats. Older children that have outgrown booster seats require lap and shoulder belts at back seats until they are 13 years old.
After a careful selection of the appropriate seat for a child, there are important points to bear in mind. The back seat is normally the safest incase of a crush. If the vehicle comprises a passenger’s air bag, it is vital for all children under 12 years to ride in the back. Ensure the child rides while facing the appropriate way. Infants are required to ride in rear-facing seats and the back seat is preferable until they are 1. Infants weighing 20 lbs and are less than a year old require a restraint recommended for higher rear-facing weights. It is advisable to always go through the child restraint manual for detailed instructions on how to use the restraint properly. For children who are one year old and over and weighing at least 20 pounds can ride while facing forward.
Car safety belts are important as they hold seats tightly and in place to prevent the child from moving while the vehicle is in motion. Always ensure the belt passes through the appropriate slot and use the right belt slot for every direction. Safety seat belts come in handy for older children and the child should be able to sit comfortably without slouching and knees should be bent on the edges of seats and the feet on the floor. When travelling by plane, most convertible, forward-facing and infant seats can be used. However, travel vests and booster seats are not recommended. Restraints made particularly for planes are also helpful when travelling by plane. Always do your best to get a seat that is convenient for both your child and you. With the wide ranges of car safety belts and seats available, selecting an appropriate one is easy.
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Finding the Best Infant Car Seat
February 5th, 2009Parents with infants often worry about the safety of their infant babies each time they go out with them. Prior to buying a seat for their infant baby, the first thing a parent should do is to conduct a through research. The research should cover things like the age of their baby, the size of the baby and the weight of the baby. When conducting the research, the parent should have all the statistics related to the baby in front of them so that they can keep referring to them every so often. A parent can conduct their research on the internet as there are quite a number of sites that have information regarding infant car seats. Selecting the best car for one’s infant bay is not a light decision and hence one should take their time. Choosing the first car seat that comes across one’s way can be extremely dangerous.
The purpose of buying a car seat will be defeated if a parent buys a seat that does not fit their infant. When finding the best infant car seat for their baby the parent should look for one that fits their baby. A parent should not waste their time on a car seat if it is not easy to install in the car. If one looks for a car seat that is easy to install they will use it correctly and prevent their infant from falling off and getting hurt. Parents should buy car seats they can get to know within a short time and that they can work with in difficult circumstances like when they are in the dark or when it is raining heavily. It is advisable to choose a seat that comes with extra features as it will help the parent fit their infant into the seat within a short time.
Cost is another important factor to consider when finding a car seat for an infant baby. Most seats that are sold at cheap prices do not have the extra features earlier mentioned and hence give parents a difficult time. This however does not mean that all cheap infant seats are not good. Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) are the best to use instead of shoulder straps. LATCH do not need constant re-adjustment and often give safer installations. Choosing a seat that fits the baby exceptionally well is pointless if it does not fit in the car. Parents should always go for car seats that fit in their car so as not to endanger their infant’s life or to make their infants uncomfortable. A good infant car seat should come with a harness of five points. This is because small babies need to be restrained well in their seats. The adjustment of the car seat should be easy to reach if a parent comes across a seat that does not have accessible seatbelt adjustment they should not buy it. In the same vein, parents should also avoid seats that need require them to fasten the belts at the back.
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Choosing the Right Car Seat For Your Child
December 1st, 2008Finding the best possible car seat for your new baby is an absolute must. Whether you are a new parent or an old pro, car seats are always changing. This means that you will have your share of research to do. It is not as simple as grabbing the cheapest one from the Wal-Mart shelf. When your child’s safety is the focal point, there is no room for compromise. Whether it is a matter of price or preference, some essential points must be considered.
The size of the car seat is important. A newborn baby cannot sit up so a car seat that allows them to lie down is best. Some car seats are convertible, meaning that they sit up as well as lie down. Some of them even become part of a stroller when taken out of the vehicle. Your child should fit snugly in their car seat, not loose in any way.
Car seats come with specified weight and size restrictions on the label. Always read this label before making your final selection. You want it to last a decent amount of time but it must also be legal and realistic. Keep an eye on your child’s weight as they grow so as not to exceed the car seat’s limit.
A car seat that is easy to install is best. It makes it easy and convenient to take it out of the car and put it back in without risking a mistake. Since many babies fall asleep in the car, taking the whole seat out is preferable by most parents. It also makes it much easier when it comes to babysitters taking the safety seat in their vehicle.
Try doing a consumer search online in order to get consumer reviews from other parents who have personal experience with certain car seats. This is also a great way to learn about any possible recalls. Though it does not happen often, it has happened and it is essential to stay informed.
Asking people that you know and trust for car seat advice definitely does not hurt. Some hospitals will give brand name recommendations as well. Make sure all car seats you consider meet the legal safety requirements for your state or country. Most car seats sold in stores are all legal but this can expire over time. It is best to avoid buying a car seat used.
Always note the year on the car seat label. If it is more than a year or two old, you may want to look around for one that is newer. Things that are related to safety tend to expire and constantly be upgraded to newer, better models. Stay on top of current information regarding car seats, especially if it has been a while since you have needed to buy one or if this is your first time.
Try more than one car seat if you must. Test them out by placing your child in the seat in the store, before you purchase. Make sure the important aspects all fit as they should. Your child’s safety is vital.
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The Importance of Car Seat Safety
November 16th, 2008Driving with children in the car must be done with the utmost in care. Young children are required to be safely strapped into a car seat. This is to prevent them from becoming airborne in the event of an accident. A car safety seat is required by law for all small children and infants. Car seat safety is very important. If they are not used properly, the risk of danger and injury greatly increases. Car seats must be used appropriately otherwise, they are virtually useless.
Infants must all be placed in a rear facing car seat. They also should always be placed in the back seat unless your vehicle does not have a back seat. A car seat should be the right size for your child. Infants that are newborn or very small should be in a car seat that allows them to lie back comfortably. Very small infants cannot sit or hold their heads up as well. Follow all size indications on your safety seat.
Become acquainted with the various types of car safety seat that is out there. There are many different brands and styles and they are all quite different. Try looking up consumer reviews that indicate which safety seat is preferred by others. Some seats are designed to double as part of a stroller. These types of functions may be of some importance to you so gather your information before going to the store.
Learn how to properly install the car seat. Read the instructions thoroughly before attempting to do it. It seems easy but the majority of car seats are installed incorrectly. Don’t attempt it without reading the instructions. The employees at your local doctor office or hospital should also be able to show you how to do it, especially if you are leaving with your new baby.
Buy approved safety seats only. Any car seat that you consider for your child should meet all of the safety requirements set by your state or country. If it does not meet those safety standards, chances are that it is not fit to protect your child. Never compromise in this situation. To do so could lead to injury or a fine due to the use of an improper safety seat.
Go online and do a search for car safety seat recalls. Though it is rare, it does happen. Most parents who have bought a recalled car seat have no idea. Use a good search engine like Google to search for news listings and sites that list product recall information for consumers.
If you leave your child with a childcare worker or other person that you trust, be sure that they know how to use your child’s car seat safely. Show them how to install it and be certain that they are doing it properly before you leave. It certainly isn’t difficult to put a child safety seat into a vehicle correctly. However, certain aspects can be overlooked which is why you must be sure. A child’s safety is no place to compromise. Use your car seat safely and it will protect your most valuable treasures.
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