…at the inaccessibility of handicapped wheelchairs in stores.

Problems:
1. You have to make your way over to a service desk to obtain a key to use the chair.

2. When you’re done with the chair, you have to return it back to the place where you got it from and walk to key back to the service desk.

3. Most of the wheelchairs are in atrocious condition. The leather seats are cracked. The armrests catch your clothing. They’re very dirty. Many of them make as much noise as a lawnmower.

4. The aisles in the stores are so tight that, in many cases, you can’t get through. Also, the cashiers are so close together it’s difficult to get through, especially in grocery stores.

5. Half of the chairs aren’t charged and you get stuck in the middle of the store with a conked out machine.

6. The instructions are often not clear on how to make the chair work. They all start differently and it’s difficult to figure out. Some of them have long, retractable cords that won’t retract and you have to figure out how to wind it around something – the seat or handlebars…

7. There are times when I come into the store and there are no more handicapped carts available for me to use. Outside in the parking lot, there are a tremendous number of handicapped parking spaces, but only 2 chairs in a store to accomodate these people. Does this make sense? Also, there are times where there are people driving these carts in the store who are visibly not actually handicapped and don’t really need this service, while I’m trying to maneuver my way around the store in pain – or I simply leave the store and go somewhere else.

8. Some stores have a simple wheelchair without a basket that is manual. How in the world could I shop with this? Not only is it difficult to manually push myself around, but I can’t actually shop! I suppose the idea is to have someone else pushing you around. What good is that, though, if you can’t also push a cart at the same time. It’s useless…

9. When you’re ready to cash out, you actually have to get out of the chair and manually load your groceries out of your cart onto the conveyor belt. Couldn’t there be someone there to assist you? I’m not just here for a fun day out. They’re necessities you need and all the while, we’re in pain. All of us don’t always have friends or family available when we’re ready or in need of going shopping.

10. When you finally do get through the aisles and get your stuff paid for, you are not allowed to take the chairs outside to your car to load your bags. You are expected to take your bags and put them in a regular cart. Then, get that wheelchair back to where they belong, then return the key to the service desk, and if you’re alone, hope your groceries you already paid for and have in a cart left by itself are still there. Then, you have to walk that cart outside, usually by yourself, and load those groceries and return that cart to a recepticle.

11. Restrooms in stores do have a handicapped stall, but have you ever tried opening the door to get into the restroom in the first place. It must weigh 50 lbs…Now try maneuvering through it with your chair…come on – put one of those automatic buttons to assist us…

Solutions:
1. At the very least, the chairs should be clean and in perfect repair and charged.

2. The chairs should be where the keys for the machines are instead of a service desk that you have to search for and is further away. In our Niagara Falls, Ontario Wal-Mart, the chairs used to be located at the very back of the store in the layaway section…The service desk is up front…What’s going on here? I have 2 canes I walk with…Try organizing all of that – your purse, canes, wheelchair, keys, and your in pain trying to walk around to collect all of these items to get a chair for yourself.

3. It would be an appreciated courtesy if there was someone at the service desk who would at least ask you if you needed any help getting the wheelchair machine, assisting you with groceries because many of us cannot reach items above chest level seated in this chair, and if we need help transferring groceries into the new cart, loading your vehicle and returning the chair and the keys. “Are you in need of assistance today?” Simple!

4. People who are handicapped, and not just lazy, would have a handicapped sign for their vehicle, at least in Ontario…Bring that in to get y0ur wheelchair and prove that your are, in fact, handicapped. I am tired of having no machine to use and seeing people around the store who do not seem to be handicapped in the least bit using them while I’m hobbling around in pain.

5. Put one of those automatic buttons on the outside of the restroom door that will automatically open up the heavy door for us.

I represent a tremendous percentage of purhasing power among the mobility challenged people in this world. Please, give us some simple and equal consideration and some assistance if you want us to frequent your establishment.

***

I hope you found this Life post interesting on Ingrid Turner Today! Until next time…

Ingrid

P.S. Need a motorized chair of your own? Check out this really cool model:

Shoprider Streamer Streamer Sport Power Chair Red The Streamer Sport 888WAB offers the latest in styling with a dramatically sloped shroud articulating front end and large 10quot; rear wheels. Standard features include on board charger swing away controller and 22.5quot; wheel base which gives this power chair the ultimate in functionality. Great for indoors as well as outdoors. Easy Access on-board charger. Joystick control for the most responsive performance. Disassembles easily for transportation. Easy to reach and operate freewheel levers

Technorati Tags: wheelchair accessibility, handicapped chairs in stores, handicapped chairs, motorized wheelchair for shopping, motorized wheelchair, handicapped bathroom, hadicapped issues, handicapped rant, mobility challenged

…but also, I get tired of the same ones sometimes.

Some of my glasses are heavier than the other glasses frames, or they’re larger or whatever.

That’s why places like GlassesShop.com and other online retailers are great because you get really trendy and fashionable glasses at discount prices – if I had to go to my optometrist every time I wanted new glasses, I would be paying at least $300 per pair – usually $400!

For different activities, like reading, crocheting or working online, I like different pairs.

Ha ha…I guess they’re my “specialty” glasses!

For instance, when I crochet, I’m looking down a lot, so I like the lighter weight ones that are a little bit more snug on my head. Plus, they’re pretty! They look almost like these:

For the internet, I prefer a larger lense, so I can see better.

When I’m cooking, I like the larger frames, so I can see more when I’m going back from recipes to the stove, etc.

Do you change your glasses out?

If you’re nervous to buy online because you can’t actually “try them on”, then no worries there either…

If you go to GlassesShop.com, they have a “Virtual Try On” where you can choose a photo of a model, or upload a photo from your webcam or computer and actually try the glasses on YOU!

Check me out in their “Juliana” glasses – they’re all have names!

I’ve never had the nerve to get bright colored frames – maybe now that I can “try them on”, I will! What do you think? Do you like them on me?

That’s the coolest thing I’ve seen in quite some time for buying glasses online. As you all know, I like to buy them online…

***

I hope you enjoyed this Health post on Ingrid Turner Today! Until next time…

Ingrid

P.S. Be sure to Subscribe to Ingrid Turner Today, so you don’t miss a post!

Technorati Tags: glasses frames, glasses, eyeglasses, glass frames, eyes, eye health, health

Do you want to do something about them?

Tired of products that are expensive and still don’t seem to work?

Well, if you’re looking for a wrinkle treatment that works, I’ve heard about this new product from Oro Gold Cosmetics…

Apparently, it’s the Best Wrinkle Treatment on the market now.

Be assured that this kit is the most popular product combo offered by Oro Gold – they’re leaders in anti-aging skin care products online.

I wanted to share that little tidbit of information I learned from a friend in the hopes that it helps you too!

It’s so frustrating to try and find a product that works – even if it is more expensive, most times, you’ll try that product out…Am I right, ladies?

I know I am…I hate hate hate buying products that do not work!!! Ugh!

***

I hope you enjoyed this Health & Beauty post on Ingrid Turner Today! Until next time…

Fight Those Wrinkles,

Ingrid

P.S. Be sure to get your Free Subscription to Ingrid Turner Today!

Technorati Tags: best wrinkle treatment, deep wrinkle treatment, wrinkle treatment, wrinkles, wrinkle cream, Oro Gold Cosmetics

During the balance of my cancer treatments, Precious was constantly in my arms or on my lap…

I even took her to my oncology appointments and she would sleep under my sheet with her “bony” during my Herceptin treatments.

People didn’t even realize I had a dog with me…She was so good and quiet!

As my feet and ankles are arthritic and walking is difficult even with my canes, my little Precious has become accustomed to the noise of the canes and wheelchair, and finds comfort close to her human mom, as I find comfort in her presence too!

She is such a beautiful and special dog, who fills my world with joy and love…truly a “Precious” gift.

I cannot foresee a time when I would ever, willingly, be without 1 or 2 (or 3 or 4 or 5) terriers. They are each so very unique and endearing. Life is wonderful and fulfilling with them around!

As I sit here in my living room, nursing my painful joints, my little Precious is standing at the window on her hind legs, with her forepaws on the windowsill, watching the squirrels and birds in the back yard, and looking like she is anticipating the coming of Spring, and her 2nd birthday.

My little Precious Princess will be receiving her own, special little dog bed soon.

She is my darling “Precious Princess”!!!

I would emphatically recommend a miniature schnauzer or any other terrier dog to anyone looking for a companion animal.

Be prepared to fall hopelessly captivated & in LOVE!

***

I hope you enjoyed this Pets post on Ingrid Turner Today! Until next time…

Love Me, Love My Precious Princess,

Ingrid Turner

P.S. Please be sure to Subscribe to this Blog.

Technorati Tags: pets, dogs, Precious, miniature schnauzer, puppy, terriers, terrier puppy, cancer

The Times was speaking about how to save money on prescription eyeglasses and eye care, as we are in a serious economic crisis. Awesome advice there, by the way!

I know when I recently purchased 2 pairs of glasses from my eye doctor, they were easily over$300 each for what I needed for my prescription and fashion tastes.

NOT COOL! Then, my daughter found the Zenni Optical website, where they feature Prescription eyeglasses for only $8!

Naturally, I was entirely too curious to see what she was talking about! Those are amazing prices…

I thought they would be “seconds” or frames that were not stylish at all, but to my surprise, they were the same types of frames I saw at the optician’s office for a serious fraction of the cost.

I went to the site again today to look at the new frames they have up, as I check often now. I can have as many glasses as I want…one for every day of the week, if I wanted to, for these prices.

This was my favorite style today:

Zenni’s great for Seeing Straight Without Breaking Bank!

***

I hope you enjoyed this Health post on Ingrid Turner Today! Until next time…

Try Zenni on for Size,

Ingrid Turner

P.S. Please be sure to Subscribe to this Blog.

Technorati Tags: Zenni, Zenni optical, cheap glasses, eyewear, eyeglasses, prescription glasses, discount prescription glasses

After 2 surgeries and during chemotherapy, I was so comforted by the constant presence of my dog Sugar (a poodle-Westie cross), and my daughter’s miniature schnauzer, Kaptain.

During the course of my extended treatments, my daughter’s terrier family increased to include 2 miniature schnauzer puppies, Kurious and Knosey.

During those endless months of chemotherapy, I was so very comforted by the love and attendance I received from these caring and entertaining dogs.

As I was part way through my treatments, my son-in-law brought me a tiny miniature schnauzer pup from Texas since my daughter, son-in-law and their 3 dogs were planning to return to their Texas home after spending nearly 3 yrs with me during my illness and partial recovery.

My little “Precious” was a very welcome addition to our household. She kept my son-in-law company, along with her surrogate puppy mommy, Knosey, and her surrogate human mommy, my daughter, on the long trip home from Texas to Canada.

She was became very sick as a puppy and her trip to Canada was delayed by 1 month, as she needed a clean bill of health to cross the border.  She had a terrible bought of kennel cough, you can read about it by clicking that link.

Eventually, they nursed her back to health before bringing this Precious gift home to me!

She definitely endeared herself to Kimberly, Kenney and Knosey during these early days as a puppy with them. She still holds a special place in their hearts!

On arriving home to the welcoming arms of her new human mommy, she was boisterously welcomed by our 3 other terriers, Sugar, Kurious and Kaptain.

She had no fear in spite of the fact that the other animals were larger and that there were so many of them. They all quickly fell in love with her too and enjoyed mothering and fathering this new, tiny puppy.

To this day, at 1 1/2 years of age, she is still treated like the “Baby” by our other terriers.

* I will continue this story in a few days…

***

I hope you enjoyed this Pets post on Ingrid Turner Today! Until next time…

Stay Tuned,

Ingrid Turner

P.S. If you haven’t yet already, be sure to check out my daughter’s website, TerrierLover.com!

Technorati Tags: pets, dogs, Precious, miniature schnauzer, puppy, terriers, terrier puppy, cancer

*** Support Kimberly with a Pledge for the 5 km Bright Run for Breast Cancer!

Using PayPal – Please include your address with postal/zip code for a tax receipt.

Every little bit helps!

This is important to all of us. We all know some one or love some one who is or has suffered from the ravages of cancer. Research is the only hope for a cure. Please contribute in some way.

The Juravinski Cancer Centre’s Breast Disease Site Team hosts the inaugural Bright Run/Walk to support breast cancer research in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.

BRIGHT stands for Breast Cancer Research in Greater Hamilton Today and underscores the commitment the JCC’s Breast Disease Site Team has to its patients through treatment and leading-edge research.

In fact, the JCC is home to many renowned researchers whose work in clinical trials and health services research has improved and advanced the treatment of breast cancer patients locally, nationally and around the world.

BRIGHT Run participants will have the option of walking or running along the beautiful Rail Trail. Walkers can choose a 1km or 5km route and runners can choose a 5km or 10km route.

There will also be many activities at the Trail Centre for participants of all ages to enjoy. Best of all, proceeds from the BRIGHT Run will benefit the JCC’s Breast Cancer Research Program.

All monies raised will stay in Hamilton and be used specifically at the Juravinski Regional Cancer Centre for breast cancer research. None of the funds will go into the Toronto program. Also – all radiation treatments for the Niagara area is done at JCC.

A worthy cause to help in the research, treatment, cures for cancer.

Your assistance will be most appreciated.

*** Support Kimberly with a Pledge for the 5 km Bright Run for Breast Cancer!

Using PayPal – Please include your address with postal/zip code for a tax receipt.

Every little bit helps!

This help comes at a time when people are at the lowest points in their lives and every kindness on your part is so very important to the victims of cancer.

I would like to participate in the walk but I don’t know how I would get my electronic wheelchair to the location. If I could, I would certainly be there.

I am so grateful for everything that has been accomplished on my behalf. I am a 2 1/2 yr breast cancer survivor!!!

Please be part of the cure!!!

Ingrid

P.S. Support Kimberly with a Pledge for the 5 km Bright Run for Breast Cancer!

Using PayPal – Please include your address with postal/zip code for a tax receipt.

Every little bit helps!

Technorati Tags: breast cancer, BRIGHT run, breast cancer research, Juravinski Cancer Centre, walk for breast cancer

This science empowers women to begin taking charge of their future health.

You do your best to stay healthy. You try to exercise, eat right, get enough sleep, and perhaps take nutritional supplements to feel and be at your best.

But what can you do to protect yourself for the future, against diseases and medical problems that may arise later in life? Until now, you could only hope for the best.

The capabilities of a woman’s body are miraculous. Every month holds a miracle!

There is a revolutionary new service that empowers women to begin taking charge of their future health.

Any woman experiencing menstruation can collect and preserve her precious stem cells, without the controversial use of stem cells from a miscarriage, abortion or harvested from viable human embryos.

Menstrual fluid shed from the lining of the uterus during your monthly period has been found to be a rich source of stem cells – cells that self-renew and are the building blocks of repair and regeneration in the body.

Menstrual stem cells are a perfect immunoloic match for you, the donor, and may have a good probability of matching your immediate blood relatives, allowing the collection and preservation of this gift of health.

These menstrual stem cells may be collected in the comfort of your own home with an easy-to-use collection kit, which is convenient and private.

Once collected, your cells are processed and prepared for cryopreservation in a special state of the art laboratory, where they are then literally “frozen in time”. This allows stem cells to retain their potency and viability until needed.

With this technology, any woman experiencing menstruation can collect and preserve her precious stem cells…cells that in the future may be the basis of medical treatments for serious diseases such as heart disease, stroke, osteoporosis, Altzheimer’s, diabetes and others that are the leading causes of serious health issues for women as they age.

Menstrual stem cells may also form the basis of personalized cosmeceuticals and regenerative medical procedures, providing the potential for living a longer healthier life.

Imagine being able to use these stem cells in the future to save the lives of yourself, your children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, etc. What an innovation!

Menstrual stem cells may develop into many other types of stem cells, including heart muscle, bone cartilage, nerve and adipose (fat) cells, giving them high potential for development into groundbreaking medical treatments in the future.

This information surprised me and may not be for everybody but is certainly worth a look and your attention. If you want more information about this discovery, visit www.celle.com or call 800 786-7235.

*** Be sure to give the distributor code when you order C’Elle so that it credits appropriately:

Distributor Number: CD0047

Isn’t it wonderful what the science of today is able of achieving? We have been given such amazing bodies and often we just take for granted that they will perform for us no matter how we use or abuse them.

We place so much emphasis on the external look of our bodies by creaming them, massaging them, applying cosmetics, using collagen injections, plastic surgeries, eye lifts, face lifts, etc. etc. to help our bodies to look younger.

In this process of adorning our bodies in the many ways open to us, we often neglect to pay attention to and appreciate how wonderfully well our bodies work naturally, how resiliently our bodies tolerate the strains and indignities to which we subject them, and how efficiently our bodies are capable of reacting, treating and healing themselves.

I am so very thankful that scientists have found a humane, natural healing alternative to provide possible cures for use in the future and it all comes from within our own bodies.

Check it out – it is truly awesome and definitely something to think about.

*** Be sure to give the distributor code when you order C’Elle so that it credits appropriately:

Distributor Number: CD0047

***

Till tomorrow, I’ll be thinking about you and I have a new topic in store for you.

I hope you enjoyed this Health post from Ingrid Turner Today!

Ingrid

P.S. Be sure to give the distributor code when you order C’Elle so that it credits appropriately:

Distributor Number: CD0047

Technorati Tags: C’elle, stem cell, stem cell research, menstrual blood, menstruation, C’elle promotion, women’s health, health, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, diabetes, heard disease, stroke