GelO News July 2015

Diamonds & Steel ?
When you think about the rate at which products are returned for warranty problems, diamond rings are typically thought of as one of the lowest. We like to think we're right there with them. But when very few products come back because of problems, it's sometimes harder to see where there is opportunity for improvement. But our sharp-eyed QC folks have done just that. Occasionally (like every year or two), one of our 316G armrests gets returned because the front end has cracked. A little detective work uncovered one of two typical causes. 1. It cracked when someone ran it under something (don't ask) or 2. The client weighs more than 300 lbs. and needs to put all of their weight on the very front in order to do their transfer. By adding a powder coated steel reinforcement, we have Stiffened this baby so it now can easily handle clients up to 600 lbs putting all their weight on the front, or driving the arm pad under the table! The introduction of our new bariatric 16" long arm pad (316GB) makes these issues a thing the past.
HOT Flicks Are you doing enough to protect patients from Pressure Ulcers?
Help us on our way... we'll help you on yours. If you'll give us your input on the following dilemma, we will send you a pair of GEL luggage handle covers to say "Thanks". We have a programmable system for long term care already in product evaluations that can be seen in this video: It reminds the client to tilt on whatever schedule and to whatever angle the therapist has determined. If the client is non-compliant, the chair will, when safe, tilt automatically and also record all activity for later review. Healing a difficult pressure sore can easily cost in excess of $200,000. In some cases, clients with these problems already have power tilt systems to prevent future reoccurrences BUT they don't use them properly. We seek your input and have an open ended form for your thoughts and concerns and a place to tell us where to send your Thank You gift. Remember, there is no "right" answer and there is no "winning" answer. We just really want to know what you think. And feel free to let your colleagues know about this offer by forwarding this link to them.
Thanks ahead of time for being generous with your time and your insights.
How to R-E-L-A-X when you're supposed to relax.
Have you ever noticed how many of the folks you know come back from a well-earned vacation NOT in a refreshed and revitalized manner; but rather in need of rest and, well, a vacation? I could say that for many, vacations are even more exhausting than business trips. In part that may be about the expectations we pack, perhaps unknowingly, in our suitcases along with our underwear and scuba gear. My brother always felt that the more he did on a vacation the more fun he had, but he's a type A cardiologist and so that may actually be true. But for many others, the amped expectations convert what should be a laid-back time to recharge one's batteries into another high stress situations. Here are a few things you can do to help. 1. Travel smarter. If you're going by air then follow some simple guidelines. Leave stuff like lighters, that are only going to get confiscated, at home. Keep your valuables with you, not in a suitcase that can be lost. Dress for airline security and comfort, not for the selfie you were planning to take upon arrival. If you're one of the 88% that go by car, or bus or RV know where you're going. Even with GPS in your car, things can happen and knowing an alternative route is a good idea. Having a sense of weather and terrain and what amenities can be found locally also makes sense, as does having an idea of where any unanticipated needs (think "injury") can be had. And know when the best time to drive may be. Not only does it make sense to avoid the Washington DC beltway at 5 PM on a weekday, it also helps to know what everyone's capacity, including yours, truly is for sitting in a car all day. Sometimes weaving a little vacation into the travel days can be helpful. 2. Sleep better. Sleep deprivation and disruption can throw a real kink into how you feel, how your body performs, your emotional state, you know, your life. There are three periods to be conscious of; before you go, the actual travel and vacation itself. 3. Leave your work If you're one of those people, who by nature or need, can't fully separate your vacation from your job, don't fret about it. Accept the reality that a part of each day needs to be devoted to stuff behind. But compartmentalize it. Give yourself an hour or two in the morning that is fully devoted to what you have to do and then, when you're "vacationing" give that your full attention. More often than not, it's the "back and forth" pull that exhausts you. Remember to communicate with others. Let them know that once you're "done" you will be fully able to participate and enjoy your time with them. 4. If it's a family vacation then make it a family vacation. Include others in the decisions. Maybe 14 hours driving in the car across magnificent scenery may be your idea of paradise on earth. But that doesn't mean the people in the back seat feel the same. Make sure everyone, as soon as they are at an age of reason, gets a chance to have something that makes them happy as well. There IS no simple answer to reducing vacation stress. Better planning, attention to your body, good communication and not worrying about "maximizing" every minute and dollar spent are some good ways to increase the probability of coming home without needing a vacation to recover.