Get up and go...

Networking for Tortoises

2010-03-24T11:53:00.000Z

You might imagine that Tortoises can be slow on the uptake. You would be wrong. All the latest gadgtes and technologies are eagerly tried and tested. Some make us whistle in admiration and others just infuriate us!

Lately we have discovered the brilliance of Facebook. For nearly 4 years people have been catching up with friends, finding lost loves, promoting charity work, recalling school days, sharing photographs, news and so much more - all from the comfort of their own computer using Facebook which is a social netwiorking website. The Whistling Tortoise decided not to be left behind and has created his very own Facebook page. Take a look - he's very proud of it.

Mobile phones are another thing close the Whistling Tortoise's heart. He used to love nothing more than a good rant about how difficult they are to use because the keys are so small and even if you could press the right key you couldn't see the screen properly. That has all changed since he discovered Big Button mobile phones. They are just that, all the convenience and peace of mind of a mobile phone - but one you can actually use with ease. There are various different models on the market, but we particulary like the Doro PhoneEasy. Large buttons, easy to read screen - simple to use and convenient to keep with you all day.

So, as technology marches on the Whistling Tortoise keeps apace, and in touch, in his own steady way. We will be back with more technology soon. Happy networking!

Back to golf, at last

2010-03-11T16:02:00.001Z

It's been a long, cold and white winter here in Edinburgh. That has meant many keen golfers have been under their wives' (or husbands') feet for many weeks. Many golf courses are still under snow, believe it or not, and it has been a frustrating time for lots of golfers and their other halves!

Uncle H has had a back problem for many years, it has affected his whole life, but he refuses to let it be a major problem. The golf course being closed for so long has been a BIG problem though. Auntie J is delighted that the snow has now disappeared and Uncle H is back out hitting the balls. Much to his delight he is playing better than ever just now despite the back problems. He reckons this is partly down to his new discovery - its a back support with magnets.

A long time fan of magnets for helping with arthritis he didn't realise you could get magnetic supports until we told him about the Magnetic Back Pad we have in our shop. Its a simple support but the strong magnets within the pad penetrate deep into the back to help relieve pain.

So for all the keen golfers out there - enjoy the sunshine on the courses this spring and don't let back pain take the spring out of your step!

Kitchen Independence

2010-03-05T11:52:00.000Z

Imagine trying to do normal everyday things with just one hand...go on try. Its really, really tricky. Of course it is - all the things we take for granted and do without thinking are the little things that become enourmous tasks when you are hindered in anyway.

It's the simple solutions that can be life changing for someone with limited mobility, after a stroke for example. Spreading a slice of toast with one hand is exceptionally difficult, even worse is slicing the loaf in the first place. Believe me, I have tried! But I have the luxury of being able to put the baby down and use both hands.

The Whistling Tortoise has an amazing range of brilliant gadgets that make everyday kitchen tasks immeasurably easier. Take, for example the Food Preparation System, its simplicity is its brilliance. There's a simple clamp mechanism to hold food or containers in place, and a cluster of spikes to hold vegetables or fruit still to allow you to peel or slice them.

My favourite is the Kitchen Workstation. With a grater, bread holder and even a slicer this simply device is multi-functional and better still it goes in the dishwasher. Used with one of the Reflex Knife Range cutting bread or preparing vegetables is a simple task instead of a time consuming and tricky chore for anyone with a weakened grip or the use of one hand only. I know several Ladies (and Gentlemen) of a Certain Age who pride themselves on their cooking and who, with the help of these aids, still conjure up all sorts of goodies inspite of arthritic hands and wrists, weak grips and impaired mobility. Happy cooking!

You've got a friend in me.

2010-03-02T15:56:00.006Z

Grumpy Bear's back was sore - he was always complaining about it. It ached in the morning when he got out of bed, it ached in the evening when he got home and it was especially sore after he had driven all the way home with the honey. That was until he got a BackFriend for Christmas from Mrs Bear. How his life has changed! Backache is no longer a pain in the neck in the Three Bear's house.

They went to the Whistling Tortoise and were delighted to learn that they could take as many supports, cushions and wedges as they wanted to their own car to try out. The nice man in the shop even carried out more for them. They tried the Car Seat Leveller but it was too slopey for Grumpy Bear, they tried out a special wedge but it was too squishy for Grumpy Bear. Eventually Baby Bear encouraged Grumpy Bear to try the Back Friend and it was just right!

Contented and happy to wave good bye to back pain the Three Bears went home to enjoy a more honey...

Has spring sprung?

2010-03-01T14:06:00.001Z

There is Sunshine on Leith today and surely a hint of spring in the air. High time to get out the walking boots and head up Arthur's Seat.

A lovely lady visited our shop last week, fed up with the weather and despite limited mobility, desperate to get out and about. She told us a lovely story about walking through Holyrood Park under Salisbury Crags when she was a girl, long before the first lot of trams were taken away (that's one for another day!). She described the scent of the spring air perfectly, and we could almost have been there with her. The smell of the chill damp of the soil, frozen for so long, seeping out into the sunshine, a sure sign spring is on its way. You could see the twinkle in her eye as she remembered those times and told us about that feeling you get as a child running uncontrollably down a grassy slope and landing in a giggling heap at the bottom.

We couldn't clear the skies of sleet last week but happily we were able to help her out and I hope that today she is enjoying the sunshine in Edinburgh out and about with her new Topro Troja Walker. Its the perfect rollator for her as it is lightweight and will fold up to fit in her daughter's wee car. Its long been a favourite of our customers and we like it too - a great design, this a nice stable 4 wheeled walker which is easy to fold so its easy to take it with you on the bus or even on a plane. Perfect for independent living. Enjoy the sunshine Mrs P!