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The benefits of CBD

Image is a photograph of a shelf inside a fridge in a store in America, showing various CBD-infused beverages

CBD-infused goods are now readily available across the world
(Image Wikipedia)

Many people feel that there is a stigma around the consumption of cannabis (marijuana) because of the psychoactive component known as THC (tetrahydrocannabidol) – however, although CBD is an active ingredient of cannabis, it has no psychoactive properties. Therefore it does not produce a “high”, and is not known to cause addictive dependency or issues with substance abuse.

CBD stands for Cannabidiol – a chemical compound found in the cannabis plant. Cannabidiol is proven to help manage and diminish a number of health conditions, and give your system an extra boost of something that it actually already produces naturally: Endocannoabinoids – which help elevate mood, dampen pain and even fortify your memory.

Here we will talk about the various uses for CBD products and what you need to take into consideration should you choose to use them.

CBD for Epilepsy

There is strong scientific data that proves consumption of CBD-related products can have a positive effect on many different types of health condition. Most notably over the past year, it has become mainstream knowledge that CBD can be used concurrently with traditional medication to help stem seizures for children with epilepsy conditions, such as Dravets Syndrome and LGS (Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome). Whereas previously some children with epilepsy conditions did not respond to anti-seizure medication, CBD as an alternative treatment is offering proven results, and hope to many parents around the world.

CBD for Mental Health and Neurological Conditions

CBD is also proven to alleviate the severity of a number of mental health conditions, most strikingly helping those diagnosed with anxiety and stress-related sleep issues, such as insomnia. For many with anxiety, depression and insomnia, finding the correct medication can often be a challenge – and facing the plethora of known side-effects from antidepressants can sometimes be detrimental to the recovery of the patient. CBD oils and capsules are an excellent starting-point for those with mental health conditions, and can help alleviate some of the lesser symptoms before moving-on to pharmaceutical medication.

The ability of CBD to calm and suppress certain functions of the central nervous system, can provide real life-changing results for patients with neurological conditions including Alzheimer’s, and tests show that CBD can even help slow-down the degeneration of neurons in patients.

CBD for Chronic Pain Relief

Image is a photograph of a small metal tin of CBD Joint balm on a wooden table

CBD Joint Palm for aching joints and muscles

Before CBD was separated from its fellow cannabis component THC (which provides a “high” when smoking marijuana) and became available on the high street, many people with unbearable chronic pain conditions would be forced to illegally purchase and consume cannabis to try to alleviate their suffering.

There are countless chronic pain conditions that can be managed more easily with either CBD capsules, oils or even better, specific balms that can be applied directly to sore, aching joints and problem areas to bring much-needed relief.

Massaging with CBD balms can be especially beneficial for those with sore and tender joint conditions – as CBD has anti inflammatory properties that offer promising pain relief for those with arthritis and joint injuries.

 

Types of CBD Explained

You may be feeling a little bewildered by the different types of CBD products currently on offer, and understandably so. The market for CBD products is growing at a daily rate, and everything from Vapes to hemp gummies are being sold. Below we will explain some of the most common options for CBD usage, and also some information about the strains of CBD currently available in the UK.

  • Oils and Tinctures – These are created for you to ingest orally, usually by putting a few drops on or under your tongue. CBD Tinctures are mixed with alcohol, CBD oils are usually mixed with a carrier oil like hemp. Often people do not like the taste of the oils, however you can mix your tincture or oil into smoothies and juices if you prefer.
  • Topical Balms and Creams – Whether you prefer lotions, balms or salves – there is a CBD-infused option for everyone. Many high-end topicals combine natural and organic essential oils together with CBD extract to create luxurious face balms and soothing massage salves for aching, painful joints.
  • Capsules and Supplements – Capsules are ideal for those who like the routine of taking a tablet each day, and can simply be taken with a glass of water like you would with any other sort of tablet. Many are produced in gelatin-free, vegan capsules, and the CBD content will vary depending on the strength chosen.
  • Vapes or Vaping – As Vaping is now so commonplace in society, it seems only natural to consider vaping CBD vape oil – however it is said that vaping CBD is actually less effective and beneficial than other methods of administration, with tinctures being the most effective and speedy way to benefit from the effects.

Strains and Strengths of CBD Oil

Image is a photograph of three tincture bottles of Indica CBD oil of different strengths

Bottles show the different strengths of Indica CBD available from Another CBD Company

There are three main strains of Cannabis from which CBD is processed. Each strain has its own specific qualities, that will be beneficial depending on what condition you are wishing to treat.
Once you have chosen your desired strain, it is then time to choose a strength – again this can be subjective as everyone reacts differently to different strengths – but it is best to start on a lower strength and work-up from there if you feel the need to.

 

 

Sativa

Image is a photograph of a tincture bottle of Sativa CBD oil on a wooden tableCannabis Sativa plants have long, slender, light lime green leaves. Sativa CBD provides an invigorating, wakening effect that is excellent for treating stress and anxiety. Usually considered the “daytime” cannabis, many use it for boosting focus and creativity.
Health conditions Sativa works best with include: anxiety, depression, PTSD

Indica

Image is a photograph of a tincture bottle of Indica CBD oil on a wooden tableThe leaves of the Cannabis Indica plant are stubbier, broader and darker in colour than the leaves of the Sativa. Cannabis Indica is associated with an overall relaxing feeling, contributing to a sense of calm and peacefulness. Sativa is known as the “nighttime” cannabis.
Health conditions Indica works best with include: Insomnia, aches and pains, muscle spasms and tremors, epilepsy, arthritis, multiple sclerosis (MS), Parkinson’s Disease and autism

Hybrid

Hybrid CBDImage is a photograph of a tincture bottle of Hybrid CBD oil on a wooden table is exactly what it sounds like – a crossbreed of the Cannabis Indica and Cannabis Sativa plants. Therefore the effects will be a balance of the qualities of the Indica and Sativa plants used. Each hybrid is different, and the outcome of effects will depend upon the ratio of the two plants within the hybrid strain.

Promove Slings – Peace of Mind while Travelling

Promove Slings – Peace of Mind while Wheelchair Travelling

promovelogo

To jump to prices – click here

Promove Slings don’t need a hoist! They have handles so that you can be lifted by a couple of willing people. The perfect solution for wheelchair users in many different environments to ensure a safe and easy transfer, especially when travelling. The product is the brainchild of Dr Huw Thomas, a wheelchair user who got tired of being manhandled when travelling by aeroplane and he developed the Promove Sling as the answer. Huw has since won the Sir Stelios Disabled Entrepreneur of the Year Award in 2011 which has helped Huw reach more people with his liberating invention.

Dr Huw pictured winning the Disabled Entrepreneur of the year award with Stelios and joint winner Rob from ActiveHands.

Dr Huw pictured winning the Disabled Entrepreneur of the year award with Stelios and joint winner Rob from ActiveHands.

Why use a hoist and sling?

As any wheelchair user knows, an awkward lift by untrained people can cause pulled muscles and aches and pains for weeks. In the worst cases, a fall from your chair and even broken bones. Transferring with a sling is much safer and comfortable for everybody. The difficulty comes when the hoist is broken, has run out of charge or you are somewhere where they simply don’t have one. Most people have experienced hospital appointments, holidays or travel abroad where they have wished that a hoist was available. Portable hoists are becoming smaller, but they are still bulky and heavy. The Promove sling is a portable and affordable option.

Carry a Manual Sling with you

Promove Slings provide a back up plan and an option when you are away from home. They can be carried at all times to ensure, even if an emergency occurs, a safe and easy transfer.  These specially designed manual slings have been on the market for five years and have recently been made available through Trabasack.com. Designed to ensure dignity is maintained, the more people who can access Promove Slings the better.

Promove Sling Video

 

Where’s the Need?

Promove Sling in Action

Promove Sling in Action

Promove Slings are a much needed product due to the fact that the only way to move a disabled person where a hoist isn’t present is by picking them up under the arms and trying to move them as carefully as possible. This of course can be extremely embarrassing for the individual and there is the risk of injury, especially if the individual lifting has no training or experience as is often the case. If the wheelchair user or even the facility being used has a Promove Sling available then the transfer from the wheelchair can be carried out safely without embarrassment for any part involved.

Product Range

Promove has a range of different slings for different people to ensure all age groups are covered and transferring with a sling is possible for all individuals who need support.

Adult Slings

Adult Promove Sling

Adult Promove Sling

Promove offer two separate adult slings. Each sling is designed so the wheelchair user can be transferred with the support of 2-4 handles lifting them safely. The Standard Adult Manual Handling Sling is a simply designed sling which is highly portable and is designed to simply be placed under the seated individual ready for transfer. The sling provides support for the whole body including shoulders and legs and padded handles also provide extra comfort for the handlers. The adult sling is designed to hold people up to 45 stone and the second adult sling has an additional head support.

Children’s Slings

Child Size 1 Promove Sling

Child Size 1 Promove Sling

Promove also have a range of emergency slings for children. Keeping children comfortable and calm whilst being transferred can be essential in avoiding real upset and therefore a Promove sling should be used wherever possible. Promove has two sizes of slings for children. The child 1 size sling is suitable for children aged from 3 up to 10 years old and the the child size 2 sling is suitable for children aged from 8 to 14. There are also children’s slings with head support available. The feature are the same as the adult model with comfortable space to sit as well as reinforced handles for the comfort of the handler.

All Promove slings are 100% British designs and are extremely lightweight and machine-washable and provide a safe and comfortable means of transport to and from a wheelchair where a hoist isn’t available. There are many different environments and sectors where Promove slings are invaluable.

Benefits of Promove Slings

There are many benefits to Promove Slings over being lifted manually. The key ones include:

  • Being transferred without being uncomfortably manhandled
  • Friends and family can move you without risk of injury
  • Assurance that you can be evacuated safely in an emergency
  • Easy to carry in its own carry bag or stored in your rucksack
  • Multiple sizes mean they are accessible to all who need them
  • They provide an intermediate step for children getting used to hoisting

Who is using Promove Slings?

Individuals

Promove Slings are a lifetime investment and affordable and can be bought by individuals who want the peace of mind of knowing they’ve always get access to a means of evacuation and transfer if necessary. It means friends and family can move wheelchair users without risk of injury. Even if your carer is usually able to lift you or you are able to transfer yourself, they are a great standby for peace of mind.

Emergency Services

Fire and Rescue and the Ambulance service use Promove Slings for lifting disabled people in challenging environments. They can also be used where people have been injured and need to be moved. Promove can be quickly placed below an individual who is confined with minimal displacement (avoiding further skeletal damage if it has taken place). Promove Slings provide an efficient and safe solution in emergency situations.

Education

Schools and colleges can provide more for their disabled pupils by using Promove slings to transfer them to and from their wheelchairs. They can be used to wheelchair users can get involved in more activities as well as in emergency situations. It’s the perfect solution in schools where installing a tracking hoist isn’t possible.

Airports

As was the creator’s initial problem airport transfers when travelling can be extremely stressful. UK Airport service providers use Promove Slings to move passengers from their wheelchair into an aisle chair and then on into their aircraft seat. This safe and easy process removes the undignified lifting which may previously have occurred. Promove Slings comply with airline Health and Safety requirements and minimise the risk of travellers claiming against the airline or airport. We wish that all airline had them but sadly in our experience it is better to have your own!

Children might also benefit from a flight chair, for more tips for flying with a disabled child visit here http://sensoryplaytray.com/flying-disabled-child/

Care Sector

With all the worries and concerns surrounding the healthcare and caring industries at the moment – doing things properly according to guidelines really matters. Corporate and private carers of people in specialised homes for the older or disabled people should use Promove slings for all manual-handling of service users where independent movement isn’t possible and a hoist is unavailable. Hoists can breakdown or be allowed to run out of battery charge. It makes sense for every organisation to have a sling for these occasions.

Take back the control and reduce the worry of travel

Promove slings can really make a difference to the lives of wheelchair users especially when travelling. The scope to fly and travel without worrying about transferring to and from your wheelchair is extremely liberating and Promove Slings make this possible.

We (Duncan and Clare Edwards) have had a promove sling for two years and always take it with us on holidays and overnight stays. It has been a great standby and has been a godsend on several occasions.

For prices click here

If you have used a manual sling or have ever had problems with a broken hoist or an airline lift or anything related to this post, please leave a comment below

Elastic Shoe Laces Reviews and Comparison with Greeper Laces

Elastic Shoe Laces Reviews

Image of a woman holding her back in pain

Having to bend to tie shoe laces can cause pain and difficulty

Tying shoelaces can be a daily struggle for many people. Having to bend and stretch can be uncomfortable and cause pain, whilst also taking an inconvenient amount of time to do so. However, there are gadgets and types of shoe laces to help you avoid this. Elasticated and stretchy laces are the best known solutions, they help you transform your everyday lace-up shoes into slip-ons, to provide comfort and ease of use. How do they work and what are the alternatives?

How Do Elastic Laces for Shoes Work?

The stretch lace fabric of these shoe laces are threaded and tied in exactly the same way as ordinary laces. However, the elasticated fabric provides tension once tied, and it it this that makes sure your shoes remain tight and secure whilst wearing them.
When using elastic shoelaces, you only ever have to tie your shoelaces once the first time you apply them. After this your lace-ups work as slip-ons, permanently removing the need for you to bend and stretch. Eventually they may still come undone though.

Greeper Shoe Laces for Disability

Image of a beige shoelace that is frayed and broken

Average elasticated shoe laces can easily break

There are many simplified versions of the elastic shoe lace on the market, most of which offer a temporary solution to the problem.
Cheaper elastic laces can lose their stretch over a short amount of time. Most importantly elastic laces often come undone whilst you’re wearing your shoes. This can make shoes uncomfortable and give you a less secure feeling whilst being worn as well as being a trip hazard!

This is why Greeper have designed an innovative and inclusive alternative to elastic shoe laces. Greepers are designed using high quality traditional polyester laces but have a simple fitting system that provides toggle that prevent the laces ever coming undone “Once applied, always tied”.

Image of a man running next to a lake with his dog, wearing brightly coloured trainers and greeper laces.

Greeper laces are ultimately more durable and comfortable than elastic shoe laces, they give better support as they use traditional laces that do not stretch.

After the initial application, Greeper shoelaces are forever tied. Unlike elasticated laces Greeper shoe laces do not rely on the tension of elastic to keep the shoes fastened. Instead an ingenious toggle system allows you to tighten or loosen the laces quickly and easily, whilst giving you piece of mind that they will always stay fastened.

Greeper Easy Fasten Shoelaces Vs Elasticated Shoe Laces

Reviewers the world over have made comparisons between elasticated laces and the innovative design of the Greeper shoelace. “220 Triathlon” magazine recently voted the Greeper Lace as “editors choice” and many world-renowned athletes champion the Greeper lace over other elasticated brands. It’s fair to say that when elasticated laces are pitted-against Greeper Laces, Greeper “out-run” the competition every time!

The benefits of Greeper laces vs elasticated shoe laces:

  • Greeper Laces never come undone – ensuring complete shoe support and comfort, reducing the risk of injury, increasing performance.
  • Quick and easy to fasten – Simple toggle system allows you to loosen and tighten your shoes in seconds, without ever untying your laces.
  • Fully adjustable – Eliminates overly-long lace loops, provides the ultimate fit and promotes foot health, especially for sports.
  • Polyester laces – Elastic shoe laces can become weak and break whilst running – the use of traditional-style polyester laces removes the fear of laces ever breaking or loosing tension.
  • Much better support to the foot. The laces themselves do not stretch, therefore the shoe supports the foot much better than laces where the laces are stretching during movement.

 

Time-saving Sports Laces

Image of Caroline Steffan wearing red sportswear and orange greeper laces, running outdoors in Kona

Caroline Steffan – ITU Long Distance Triathlon World Championship title-holder, wearing Greeper Laces.

One of the other pros of Greeper Laces is the time-saving aspect. Greeper Laces benefit from allowing you to quick-tighten your laces. If you are the sporting type, enjoying competitive sport – Greeper Laces can knock much needed seconds off you run-time.
The lace lock system allows super-swift lace tightening and the secure fitting provides security throughout your run.
This eliminates the need to stop-start to fix loose laces, and stops extra foot movement that often happens using elastic laces.
Once you have set up your Greeper Laces properly, they will help to shave those precious pit-stop seconds off your run time. Endorsed by Ironman Champion Chrissie Wellington on Twitter:

We’ve found a review on amazon by a customer who purchased Greeper Laces for her sports-loving husband:

Bought these for my hubby as he is a keen triathlon competitor. Just what he required to save himself a few valuable seconds… Thank you.

Greeper Always Tied Shoelaces Used by Everyone

Although championed by professional athletes and amateur sports fans alike, Greeper laces are an affordable inclusive design that can be used by anyone.

Image of a girls feet wearing white trainers with a floral motif and bright pink Greeper laces

The bright colours and design of the Flats range of Greeper Laces are ideal for children’s shoes

Greeper laces come in a number of different styles and colours. The “Sports” design being perfect for all types of athletic sport-shoe and the “Hikers” design ideal for more outdoor-style footwear and activities.
The designers at Greeper understand the need for an everyday, easy to apply lace for  everyone, including people with impairments or disability. That is why they have produced a number of non-sport styles to assist those who simply need a lace solution for work or school.
The “Execs” and “Flats” ranges are the ultimate in inclusive design. These can be worn with smart dress-shoes, school shoes or trainers, yet still providing the same comfort and security of the more athletic designs.

Stay Tied Laces For Children

Many parents find the white and black sports or exec laces ideal for children at school. It removes the need for children to retie their laces or the danger of the shoes coming off or even being taken off (!) by children with disabilities or behavioural problems.  Like this recent feedback from Amazon: “bought these for my son who has autism and struggles to tie laces and they are perfect as he can do them on his own making him as independent as possible.”

For more information about Greeper Laces please see our previous post.

An extensive range of Greeper laces are available for purchase at Trabasack.com