The Arthritis Foundation’s Ease-of-Use Program

By MC Kelby HERWriter

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Arthritis Foundation offers its Ease-of-Use program

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When you suffer from arthritis many chores and hobbies are cumbersome. For many arthritis sufferers, using a pen, vacuuming and even a pleasurable hobby like gardening are painful and almost impossible.

According to the Dallas Morning news, “a recent survey of 1500 arthritis sufferers said more than 73 percent said gardening was difficult for them.”

Today with the help of technology and the Internet, many people can overcome their limitations with the help of some revolutionary products. These products can make life easier for those with physical limitations.

However, there isn’t a “one stop shop” for these products. Fortunately the Arthritis Foundation has made finding these products a little easier.

Not only does the Arthritis Foundation’s Ease-of-Use program test products at the Georgia Tech Research Institute (GTRI), the products also have to pass a review by eight patients who suffer from arthritis.

If a product passes the three part test and analysis, the Foundation awards the product with their Ease-of-Use seal.

The Arthritis Foundation’s Ease-of-Use program awards their seal to the following types of products:

• Work products
• Home and hobby products
• Health and wellness products

For example, the Ease-of-Use Seal has been awarded to the Pilot® Dr. Grip® pen and mechanical pencil. This pen reduces writing fatigue and stress for those with arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome and other hand ailments.

A someone who writes more than eight hours a day, I have several of these pens in my office.

A regular household chore like vacuuming can be made easier with the help of an Ease-of-Use product. The seal has been awarded to Oreck XL® Upright Vacuums.

The vacuums are lightweight and have the Helping Hand® Handle and the Comfort Fit Handle® which make regular use manageable. Speaking from experience, the vacuum has great suction power and the vacuum bag is easy to install and remove. I add a dryer sheet to add some extra freshness to the vacuum bag.

Another product which I have not tried but which has received the Ease-of-Use seal is the IMAK® Active Glove. This glove is for those with arthritis or carpal tunnel syndrome.

Reviewer comments include: “They feel snug and warm” and “They feel so good – I know immediately that it’s going to help – they give support”.

For those of you who garden, there is a plethora of gardening tools which have all received the seal. These include pruners, shears, scissors and loppers.

For a full list of products that have received the Ease of Use seal, as well as review comments, you can go to http://www.arthritis.org/ease-of-use-new.php/

References:

Ease Of Use. Arthritis Foundation | Symptoms Treatments | Prevention Tips | Pain Relief Advice. Retrieved September 3, 2012, from
http://www.arthritis.org/ease-of-use-new.php

Holloway, K. The Dallas Morning News. Gardening in Spite of Aches and Pains. Retrieved September 3, 2012, from
http://www.dallasnews.com/lifestyles/home-and-gardening/headlines/20120815-gardening-in-spite-of-aches-and-pains.ece

Reviewed September 3, 2012
by Michele Blacksberg RN
Edited by Jody Smith

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We value and respect our HERWriters' experiences, but everyone is different. Many of our writers are speaking from personal experience, and what's worked for them may not work for you. Their articles are not a substitute for medical advice, although we hope you can gain knowledge from their insight.