Choosing a Gift

When you completely run out of ideas you can always get someone a gift card.

This ensures that they get exactly what they want and prevents them having to do the awkward "Oh how thoughtful, can wait to try this ergonomic potato peeler.".

Unless they are after something very specific, one of the best cards is an Amazon Gift Card. 

Amazon has just about the biggest range of any retailer and their easy online store is simple enough for anyone to use, even those unfamiliar with the internet.

Worth considering.

Cam Walker

A Cam Walkeris an orthopaedic support designed to protect the foot and ankle following injury or surgery. There are many different versions including a short, ankle length version and the more common below knee type.

There are cheaper stirrup designs that offer moderate levels of support up to  full shell walkers with aircells for comfort and swelling control like the iconic Aircast range.

The shorter versions are only suitable for injuries to the toes and midfoot. For ankle injuries the longer walker is advised.

 

Golfers Elbow

Golfers elbow is a condition similar to the more famous Tennis Elbow.

It is caused by inflammation at the elbow located at the point where the flexor muscles of the wrist and fingers attach.

Like most forms of tendon injury, it responds well to a form of exercise known as eccentric exercise.

There is a modification of the famous flexbar tennis elbow exercises that helps golfers elbow.

Follow the link to written and video instructions:

Golfers Elbow Exercises

Speed Bag Platform

There are some items that technically you could make yourself. Sometimes it is not worth the effort.

A speed bag platform is not a complicated piece of equipment but it needs to be balanced. When you can pick up a fully height adjustable platform for less than $100 why mess around? 

Mojito Muddler

The Mojito has taken the world by storm. What started out as a simple Cuban drink is now a favorite in bars across the world.

If you want to recreate this classic at home you do not need much. Bacardi Rum, limes, mint, sugar, ice and a Mojito Muddler.

Solar Car Battery Charger

Any car (or boat) that isn't used regularly runs the risk of lacking the battery power to achieve ignition.

These days there is a simple solution harnessing the power of the sun: The Solar Cell.

You can now get a simple solar panel that plugs into your cars cigarette lighter socket that will ensure that any vehicle you leave will have a battery charge.

A car battery solar charger is a very handy piece of kit.

Costume Welding Goggles - Steampunk

Looking for cheap welding goggles for a costume? Steampunk maybe?

This article: Cheap Welding Goggles For Costumes should sort you out.

Less than $10 to have you looking sweet.

Folding Shovel

Anyone who is serious about camping and the outdoors has to dig at some stage.

When weight is important, a simple device like a folding shovel can be a valuable tool.

They are not the most complicated item but when size matters, having a folding shovel in your pack can be the difference between hardship and an easy ride.

Night Splints For Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar Fasciitis is a very common complaint that ranges from mildly annoying to severely disabling.

It is famously resistant to treatment so most health professionals recommend addressing the problem from all angles. On top of stretching, night splints are a recognized treatment.

Plantar fasciitis is so common that just about everyone knows someone who has had it at some time in their life.

Night splints help by ensuring that tension remains on the achilles tendon and as a result the plantar fascia. This helps to ensure that the work you do by stretching during the day isn't wasted as you sleep at night.

Particularly for stubborn cases, a plantar fasciitis night splint can be a valuable tool

New Site

I have just joined a new site to promote the benefits of the non-surgical treatments for osteoarthritis of the knee.

My profile is: 

http://www.selfgrowth.com/experts/jonny_newt

The bigger the audience, the further the message should travel.

In theory

Walking Cane with Integrated Seat

There are many different types of elderly mobility aid, all offering different levels of support. For those that only need a modest level of support, a walking cane or stick is a good option.

If exercise tolerance is also limited there are products available that combine a seat with a walking cane. They are not suitable for sitting on for extended periods of time but they provide the reassurance of being able to have a rest anywhere, any time.

A walking cane with seat can give someone the confidence to explore unfamiliar places knowing a rest is there if they need it.

The Knee Band

A knee band is a small strap-like brace that sits around the knee. It is used to treat conditions such as patella tendonitis.

It is simple and inexpensive and works by reducing the load on the tendon, redirecting the tension to the strap rather than where the tendon meets the bone.

Anyone with "Runners Knee" or "Jumpers Knee" should look into getting a knee band

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How Does an Unloader Knee Brace Work?

The Unloader Knee Brace is an external support designed to decrease the body weight taken through the half of the knee that is affected by arthritis.

They work by applying a sideways force to the leg that shifts the load from the worn part of the knee to the unworn side. They are known as Functional Braces as the let the user perform a wide range of activities without getting in the way.

They aim to delay the need for orthopaedic surgery and reduce pain and stiffness.

If you have osteoarthritis in half of your knee you should discuss the unloader knee brace with your doctor.

Lost Your Lens Cover?

This hub shows you where to find a replacement lens cover. The math is simple. Why risk a small piece of glass worth hundreds (or even thousands) of dollars because you lost a piece of plastic worth 5.
Some people with high quality lens even carry a spare just in case.

Magic Tricks For Kids

Kids love magic. Period.
There are many simple magic tricks that can keep them amused for hours. Once the realize that a bit of practice is involved, they will spend ages mastering a trick to impress you.
The standard magic trick involves a deck of cards.
This hub on Magic for kids includes ideas on captivating your kids with simple magic sets

How To Stop Urine Dribble In Men

Most men are frustrated by the fact that no matter how many times you shake, a few drops always get away from you.
Well, here is why....
Anatomically there is a bit of an "S" bend. This traps a few drops worth of pee that is shake resistant until the motion of you walking away gets it loose.
This hub on how to Stop Urine Dribble shows the simple trick that prevents this from ever being a problem. In no time at all it will become habit and solve an issue that has been annoying for years.

2 Stage Revision Knee Replacement For Infection

When a knee replacement gets a deep infection it is a serious problem. Treating the infection with antibiotics is usually ineffective as long as the prosthesis is in place. This means that in order to treat the problem a two stage revision is required.
This is consists of:
Stage 1: The knee replacement is removed and an artificial spacer is inserted to keep the bone apart. This is often formed out of bone cement as it does not harbor infection like metal does. The knee is kept immobilized in full extension and IV antibiotics are administered. During this time no weight is taken through the leg.
Stage 2: After a number of months of antibiotic treatment, once blood tests show that the infection is gone, a new knee replacement is inserted.
The whole process can take many months and is considered the "last chance" salvage operation. If infection returns, amputation is not uncommon.

High Tibial Osteotomy

A high tibial osteotomy is an orthopedic operation performed to change the alignment of the knee. It is used to reduce the weight taken through the worn half of the knee joint and is designed to delay the need for knee replacement surgery. It is a significant operation and has a lengthy recovery period (much longer than that for a joint replacement).
You should discuss the High Tibial Osteotomy with your surgeon to see if if is a possibility for your situation. Another option is to trial an Unloader Knee Brace.

Cancer Survival Rates

There is an amazing statistic: By the age of 85, 50% of people will have had cancer.
Medical advancements have greatly improved survival rates but the simple fact remains that some types of cancer are worse than others.
This article looks at the survival rates of the different types of cancer. These published rates are US figures and are a number of years old. Due to significant breakthroughs in research, cancer survival rates continue to climb.

Operating System Died? How To Recover Data From A Hard Drive

Computer die. Probably more often than we would like. If your computer has stopped working and won't restore even by trying to reinstall the operating system it may be dead for good.
Accepting computer death is one thing, accepting data loss is another.
This hub explains how you can Recover Data From A Hard Drive after a total failure of the Windows Operating System.
This happened to me and it was easy to get over the computers death once I had salvaged all of my photos and other personal data from the hard drive.
This method also lets me continue using the computer running a free alternate operating system

The Symptoms of Osteoarthritis

This hub lists the common symptoms of osteoarthritis, the wear and tear type of arthritis common in weight bearing joints.
As the general population ages osteoarthritis is becoming a much bigger issue. If you are concerned that you have osteoarthritis you should discuss it with your doctor. This article with give you an idea of the common symptoms but every case if different and your arthritis will be different from anyone else's.

Shoulder Impingement Syndrome

This information hub describes the condition known as Impingement Syndrome, explaining the mechanism that causes it and some of the treatments used to address it.
Impingement Syndrome is a common condition in its own right but is also a secondary complication of other shoulder conditions.
It can range from a mild ache to a disabling condition that prevents everyday activities.
It is so common that most people know someone who has had shoulder impingement at some stage in their life.

Flexbar Exercises For Tennis Elbow

This hub details the revolutionary new treatment for Tennis Elbow that is so simple that anyone can do it themselves at home. It only requires one inexpensive piece of exercise equipment and the hub contains both written and video instructions.
Flexbar Tennis Elbow Exercises have been found to be effective against even the most stubborn cases of this painful condition.
Forward this to anyone who has Tennis Elbow and let them treat themselves.

How the World Sees America

This essay is a look at differences in perception. Americans have an opinion on how the rest of the world sees them and this is somewhat at odds with how the World Sees America.
I have attempted to offer an even view. The essay is after all on perceptions, not reality.
Every country has similar issues with stereotyping but stereotypes are always based on something and as with all things American, their stereotypes are bigger and better than many others.
There have been many interesting comments added to this Hub, mainly by Americans.
I value your opinion. Is this just more "America bashing" or is there some basis of truth in the theory?