Articles in The American Journal of Psychiatry and other medical journals cite studies that show strong evidence that exposure to artificial broad-spectrum light is an effective treatment for seasonal affective disorder (SAD).

SAD affects people who become more depressed in the darker days of winter as well as for the more common nonseasonal depression. In fact, evidence proves that adding broad- or full-spectrum or natural lighting or a sunshine simulator in your home may help provide relief from the everyday depression from being stuck at home due to illness.

Verilux offers some moderately priced full spectrum lighting options, such as the floor lamp pictured on the left.

Verilux lamps eliminate glare. The Verilux Parabolic Grid Diffuser help colors look more natural and vibrant, and their Flicker Elimination Technology virtually removes fatigue, eyestrain, and headaches. The Verilux Natural Spectrum floor lamp’s flexible gooseneck and two levels of illumination place indoor sunshine exactly where you want it. The Verilux Natural Spectrum floor lamp also has an advanced electronic ballast system which provides greater light output and uses less power.

Other Verilux options include a desk lamp (available in 3 colors), a modern deluxe brushed steel desk lamp, a table lamp, a True Color Adjustable Illuminated Mirror, and a brushed nickel Brookfield deluxe floor lamp. The Verilux HappyLite Deluxe Sunshine Simulator provides 10,000 Lux Daylight Balanced light. The least expensive option is the Verilux Natural Spectrum Deluxe Book and Travel Light.

Light Therapy Products to Provide Relief from Seasonal Affective Disorders (SAD) is a post from: Chronic Illness.org

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Many who cope with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Fibromyalgia, Multiple Chemical Sensitivity, or other allergies develop sensitivities to chlorine bleach. Chlorine bleach isn’t just hard on them, it’s also hard on linens; it will break down the fibers and ruin the fabric.

Here’s an earth-friendly chlorine bleach alternative:

INGREDIENTS:

* 1/4 cup lemon juice
* 1/4 cup white vinegar
* 3 tablespoons hydrogen peroxide

PREPARATION:

Mix all ingredients to form a solution, and add to a load of washing.

Important Note: When in doubt, always test on a hidden area of the fabric first.

Chlorine Bleach Alternative is a post from: Chronic Illness.org

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A magnification option for every occasion!

Vision problems is among the many frustrating symptoms associated with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Fibromyalgia, Grave’s Disease, and many other chronic conditions. Like many of the other symptoms, some of the vision problems can ebb and flow — getting worse on one day only to get better the next. It simply isn’t practical — or possible — to have a pair of glasses for every symptom occasion. That’s why so many of us rely on different types of magnifier options, like these:

This 7 7/8″ x 10 3/8″ page magnifier is just under the size of a standard US letter-sized page — the standard sheet of copy paper.

The Carson 2X Page Magnifier is made of shatterproof acrylic. The size is perfect for laying over an entire page. An alternative are thinner, flexible 10″ x 7″ magnifier sheets made of unbreakable PVC.

The clear 1 1/2″ x 9″ 2 X Power Bar Magnifier pictured on the right is made of acrylic.

The 1 1/2″ x 9″ 2 X Power Bar Magnifier is wide enough to allow you to see one or more lines at a time, and is light enough that you can easily move it down the page as you read.

The LightWedge Pocket Magnifier (shown on the left — and also available in blue, red, pink, purple, and other colors) is a pocket magnifier with powerful LED light. You simply slide the magnifier open to turn on the light. You get up to 20 hours of light from (the included) 2 CR1130 batteries.

The LightWedge Pocket Magnifier is 4 1/2″ X 1/2 X 2″, which makes it small enough to slip into your pocket or purse. (It’s especially handy for anyone with allergies or food sensitivities to have along on a trip to the supermarket to use to help read package labels.)

The 8″ Verilux True Color Adjustable Illuminated Mirror (shown on the right) is lit by natural spectrum daylight lighting, which allows you to see the true color of your complexion and makeup. The bonus is that one side is a regular mirror and the other side of the True Color Adjustable Illuminated Mirror is a 10X-magnified mirror.

If you prefer a magnifying mirror without illumination, consider the Jerdon dual 1X/10X Table Top Mirror.

Magnifier Mania is a post from: Chronic Illness.org

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Back Scratchers

Back scratchers definitely make life easier, especially for those with range-of-motion or mobility issues — and are among the must-have items for those who wish to make living alone easier. Keeping a back scratcher within easy reach certainly beats having to resort to finding a wall or doorway to rub up against or trying other desperate measures to scratch that itch you otherwise can’t reach.

17.5″ Bamboo Back Scratcher

This material used to make this back scratcher is cut from mature bamboo, which makes it environmentally responsible — and very strong and sturdy. The handle is a comfortable hand filling 1 1/2″ wide, not a skinny stick like you’ll find on other back scratchers. The handles are stiff, so you won’t have to bend away from your back when you’re trying to scratch hard. Each is hand made; no two are identical.

Bamboo is a fantastic material. Not only is it strong and durable, but since it is technically a type of grass, it is also very easy to grow and harvest in an environmentally responsible manner. In other ways, scratching your back is another way you can go green.

Set of 3 Bamboo Back Scratchers

If you want to keep a back scratcher within easy reach. you can buy them in the discounted package of three (3).

There are other options available, such as a back scratcher with a rake design, a rake-style back scratcher with a cushioned grip, and a telescoping handle back scratcher (which is nice if you want one for in the glove compartment or to carry in your purse), but for the low price and added ease of being able to slip it inside your clothing to reach an itch, the best bet is usually a simple bamboo back scratcher.

Back Scratchers Make Living Alone Easier is a post from: Chronic Illness.org

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Grabber Reaching Aids

Grabber reaching aids definitely make life easier, especially for those with range-of-motion or mobility issues — and are among the must-have items for those who wish to make living alone easier. Grabber reaching aids come in a variety of models and prices.

Carex 26 Inch EZ Grabber Reaching Aid

Easy-to-use grabbers and reachers help when you need to grasp items from hard-to-reach places. Different models help with different tasks.

The Carex 26 Inch EZ Grabber Reaching Aid shown on the left has a 90-degree rotating arm that lets you adjust the angle from which you wish to pick up something.

Whether it’s something you dropped on the floor (or was already there) or something lightweight you need to get from a shelf, a moderately priced grabber reaching aid like the Carex 26 Inch EZ Grabber will make living alone easier.

Ontel GOP2-MC18/6 Gopher 2 Pick Up and Reaching Tool

For on average $5.00 less, you can get the Ontel Gopher 2 Pick Up and Reaching Tool. This inexpensive model also has a rotating arm, plus the added convenience of being jointed in the center of that arm so that — if you don’t have a convenient place to lean it up against the wall so it’s within easy reach but out of view so it doesn’t clutter the room appearance — you can fold it up for easier storage. The comfortable handle with large trigger that activates two suction-cupped gripping “fingers” when squeezed.

Improving Lifestyles 32-inch Reacher/Grabber Deluxe with Folding and Locking Feature

The Improving Lifestyles 32-inch Reacher/Grabber Deluxe with Folding and Locking Feature is another inexpensive model, and this grabber has a 32-inch reach and convenient folding design. (Warning: Unless you move fast and are there to monitor their actions, keep this style grabber away from preschool-aged boys. They seem to have a fascination with removing the suction cups. In most cases, the suction cups can be glued back in place. But when young boys go into one of their disassemble modes, that can’t be guaranteed.)

The least expensive model discussed on this page is the 26-inch Folding Helping Hand Long-Reach Pick-Up Gripper -Light Weight Aluminum Body.

32-Inch PikStik-Pro Aluminum Reacher

The 32″ PikStik-Pro offers an easy to operate locking mechanism, a soft surface ergonomic handle, thermoplastic resin tips that provide a non-slip gripping surface, 5.5″ rotating jaw opening, and a lightweight anodized dual channel shaft for unprecedented strength.

The 32-inch PikStik PRO is an all-purpose reacher designed for multiple ages and uses. The patented design is strong, light weight, safe, and available in different colors and sizes.

The jaws of the 32″ PikStik-Pro rotate to reach all spaces; they have a locking mechanism that can be used to grab an object securely and then disengaged when you’re ready to remove the object from jaws.

Also available:  20″ PikStik-Pro

Unger 36-Inch Nifty Nabber Pick-Up Tool with Aluminum Handle

The 36-inch Unger Nifty Nabber is designed to pick up something as small as a penny or as large as an 8-pound object.

It has rubber molder over the steel grabbing “fingers” so it won’t damage the object you’re picking up. It operates via a squeeze handle.

Grabbers and Reachers Make Living Alone Easier is a post from: Chronic Illness.org

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Lotion Applicators

Lotion applicators definitely make life easier, especially for those with range-of-motion or mobility issues — and are among the must-have items for those who wish to make living alone easier.

Lotion applicators come in a variety of models and price ranges.

AquaBella Easy Lotion Applicator

The AquaBella Easy Lotion Applicator has a wooden handle and a sponge applicator (with a protective covering).

The sponge is easy to clean. Simply wash it with soap and water, and cover the sponge with the protective cover, so it’s fresh for your next use.

Another use is to use the AquaBella Easy Lotion Applicator to suds your back in the shower. One Amazon reviewer says that she hasn’t found a better device for this use because: “I have tried other applicators in the meantime, and have found NONE that work as well without scratching me in some manner due to the way others were constructed. Others are made of plastic with sharpish edges that scratch when you run them over your back. This applicator is similar to the size and shape of a bar of soap, however it is sculptured and contoured on the edges and could never scratch anything.”

Earth Therapeutics Lotion Applicator

The Earth Therapeutics Lotion Applicator is similar to the AquaBella Easy Lotion Applicator; the main difference is the ERGO-FORM non-slip ergonomic grip and longer 14″ handle.

If you’re prone to drop things, you therefore might prefer the easier to grasp, non-slip ergonomic grip on the Earth Therapeutics Lotion Applicator.

Other Lotion Applicators Alternatives

Other lotion applicator alternatives include the Roll-A-Lotion lotion applicator with 19 massaging, rolling balls; the bit more expensive Hydas Body Creamer Skin Care Set that has a sponge attachment, a exfoliating sisal head attachment, and a moisturizing attachment with rotating balls; or the even more expensive Body Buddy Lotion Applicator (pictured on the right).

Lotion Applicators Make Living Alone Easier is a post from: Chronic Illness.org

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Long Handle Brush and Comb

Index for the Property of Coping University t-shirt and gift idea design (shown on the left)

A long-handled brush and comb can help make life easier, especially for those with range-of-motion or mobility issues — and are among the must-have items for those who wish to make living alone easier. A long-handled brush and comb are especially important for those who have difficulty reaching above shoulder level.

Etac Beauty Comb

The Etac Beauty Comb is a long-handled comb ergonomically designed and carefully balanced to provide maximum power with minimal effort and strain on your hands, arms, and shoulders.

The Etac Beauty Comb is 14.5 inches long and specially designed to allow you the perfect reach all over your head, even if your reach stops at the shoulder.

The oval handle for the Etac Beauty Comb has a soft-grip and textured surface assures a better and more stable grip, which can give you extended reach and improved strength.

Etac Beauty Hair Brush

The Etac Beauty Hair Brush is a long-handled brush with same ergonomically designed and carefully balanced design as the Etac Beauty Comb that provides maximum power with minimal effort and strain on your hands, arms, and shoulders.

The soft-grip, textured handle on the Etac Beauty Hair Brush is 14.5 inches long and specially designed to allow you the perfect reach all over your head, even if your reach stops at the shoulder.

As a compromise, you might consider the Etac Beauty Kit which includes the Etac Beauty Comb along with a long-handled bath bruth and a Multi-Purpose Grip to use to hold a razor, nail file, or toothbrush.

A Long Handle Brush and Comb Makes Living Alone Easier is a post from: Chronic Illness.org

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Back Scrubbers

Back scrubbers definitely make life easier, especially for those with range-of-motion or mobility issues — and are among the must-have items for those who wish to make living alone easier.

Back scrubbers come in a variety of models and prices.

Popular types of styles of back scrubbers include long handle models with a loofah, cleaning, or net pouf (mesh) sponge. Others have nylon bristles or natural bristles. Also popular are the two-handled back scrubbers and those with a dual-sided head that has bristles on one side and massaging “beads” on the other.

The AquaBella Long Handle Bath Brush is a 14-inch long back scrubber.

The AquaBella Long Handle Bath Brush’s nylon bristle brush provides a gentle, cleansing massage and is appropriate for use with bath soap or gel.

The 18-inch AquaBella Loofah Back Scrubber Brush is a high quality bath brush with a 5-inch long removable loofah sponge head.

A loofah will be soften once its wet, which makes it a great natural defoliator.

The 18-inch AquaBella Natural Bristled Bath Brush has an all-natural, removable bristle brush.

The AquaBella Natural Bristled Bath Brush’s long handle makes it great for reaching your back and other hard-to-reach areas of your body.

The AquaBella Deluxe Mesh Brush helps a little soap or bath gel go a long way. The all-around net mesh also makes the brush gentle on your skin. The handle is easy to grasp, a great consideration for those who are prone to drop things.

Note: The AquaBella Deluxe Mesh Brush is also appropriate to use as a lotion applicator. (It’s recommended that you use a separate brush for the shower and another one for lotion.)

Tip: If you don’t have time to wash out the AquaBella Deluxe Mesh Brush after use (with either soap or lotion), place an appropriately sized zip-closure baggie over the head; this allows you to store or hang the brush without the soap or lotion in the head attracting dirt or dripping onto a bathroom surface.

The AquaBella Massaging Bath Brush has a natural bristle brush on one side of the head and massaging beads on the other.

At 12 inches the AquaBella Massaging Bath Brush is a little shorter than some back scrubbers, but some prefer the stability of a non-removable head.

Like most long-handled back scrubbers, the AquaBella Massaging Bath Brush has a hanging “loop” so it is easy to hang to dry.

The AquaBella Sisal Back Scrubber is a dual-handled, exfoliating back scrubber made of natural sisal scrubber and terry cloth.

The dual handles make it easy to stretch the AquaBella Sisal Back Scrubber to get to those hard-to-reach places on your back and body.

As a plus, the AquaBella Sisal Back Scrubber can also be used as a back scratcher.

The two-handled, Dual Sided Back Scrubber lets you clean and massage your back (and other hard-to-reach places) at the same side.

One side of the Dual Sided Back Scrubber has large bristles, and the other side has smaller one, letting you choose which style of scrubbing, massaging, and exfoliating action you prefer.

The Dual Sided Back Scrubber also has comfort-grip handles.

Back Scrubbers Make Living Alone Easier is a post from: Chronic Illness.org

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A Foot Brush

A foot brush and foot care aids definitely make life easier, especially for those with range-of-motion or mobility issues — and are among the must-have items for those who wish to make living alone easier.

Brushes for the feet and other feet-cleaning aids come in a variety of models and prices.

Foot Cleaning Brush by Rose

The 25″ long, long-reach wand on this Foot Cleaning Brush lets you clean your feet without bending.

The Foot Cleaning Brush by Rose features soft nylon bristles.

The Foot Cleaning Brush by Rose has a sponge tip to clean with soap or to use to apply lotions and medicinal ointments.

Long Handled Foot Brush by Dynamic Living, Inc.

This Long Reach Foot Brush and Toe Washer makes it easy to clean your feet, even if you can’t bend down!

The Long-Handled Foot Brush has bristled brush scrubs for use on the soles of your feet.

Other features are:

• Soft foam sponge to slide between your toes to remove dirt.
• A length of more than 20″ to help you reach your feet in the shower or tub.

Ms. Pedicure 2-in-1 Foot Brush & Pumice

The Ms. Pedicure 2-in-1 Foot Brush & Pumice can be used in the bath, in the shower, or while soaking your feet. Use it to scrub your feet, cuticles, and under nails with the brush; use the pumice to rub away dry, rough skin and calluses. When you’re done, simply rinse the brush and pumice and then hang to dry.

One reviewer says:

“I use this brush with the pumice side removed…the angle of the handle and the low height of the brush’s bristles are perfect for getting inside Uggs boots and lined Crocs to brush them out. Nothing else works as well.”

Natural Bristle Brush Options:

6 1/2-inch Merben International Hard Texture Coconut Foot Brush

The 6 1/2-inch Merben International Hard Texture Coconut Foot Brush is a handmade natural coconut foot brush is perfect for a fabulous foot massage at the end of a long day to relieve your dry, itchy and aching feet. Brush to have soft and smooth sandal-ready feet all the time! 6 1/2 inches in length, this handheld foot brush can be used wet or dry to soften dry and rough skin on the heels and soles of your feet. The natural coconut bristles are firm but gentle on your tender tootsies!

8-inch Merben International Hard Texture Coconut Foot Brush

The 8-inch Merben International Hard Texture Coconut Foot Brush is natural, handmade brush that provides a longer handle for an easier reach.
The longer reach makes it a more convenient way for those with mobility issues to clean their feet.

EcoTools BAMBOO Foot Brush & File

The EcoTools BAMBOO Foot Brush & File lets you bring more green into your shower scene!
Scrub feet clean with the brush side, then smooth and soften with the file. (Green advantages: File made of eco paper. Recyclable paper hangtag. File shrinkwrapped in recyclable plastic.)

Practical Alternatives to a long-handle foot brush:

Soapy Soles Elite Foot Brush

The Soapy Soles Elite is a 3-in-1 foot care product that scrubs, massages, and indulges your feet with three different surfaces. One cleans, one massages, and one stimulates. Therefore the Soapy Soles Elite give you the  ultimate way to clean and massage your feet – without bending over.

The Soapy Soles Elite pad suctions to the floor of a tub or shower. The bumpy center oval has nodes or “bumps” that can be used for a reflexology home treatment to reduce stress and improve health.

The center oval is detachable and can be replaced with the Elite Pumice or Elite Soap Dispenser. Just pop out the center insert and pop in a different insert. Use the Pumice for exfoliating and gently removing dead, dry skin. Rub your foot over the Elite Soap Dispenser to release just the right amount of your favorite liquid soap.

Avivo Shower Sandal Footscrubber

The Avivo Shower Sandal brings the spa treatment directly to you, allowing you to gently scrub, massage, and stimulate your feet without bending. This Avivo Shower Sandal’s soft, high-quality bristles offer premium cleaning power, while its sole features suction cups (shown on the right side of the picture on the right) that affix securely to your shower or tub surface. With this innovative sandal, an invigorating foot scrub is as simple as moving your foot back and forth while showering.

Keeping the Avivo Shower Sandal clean is a snap because it is safe to wash it in the dishwasher or washing machine.

Sole Scrubber Foot Mat

Take a cue from Asian culture and make foot scrubbing an end of the day ritual with this convenient mat. Suction cups secure the foot-shaped mat to the tub or shower floor, while plastic fibers cleanse and massage. With a squirt of Tea Tree Oil Purifying Foot Wash, squeaky-clean feet are just a shuffle away. (Note: The suggested Tea Tree Oil Purifying Foot Wash has antiseptic properties from the tea tree oil and deodorizing ones from a refreshing blend of Citrus and Wild Mint.)

Pedi-Perfect Foot Scrub

No more bending or back pain.

The Pedi-Perfect Foot Scrub is a unique foot cleaning system you use in the shower. 2-in-1 pumice and nylon brush sides provide you with an easy way to clean and polish feet. It suctions to the shower floor for secure footing.
xxx

A Foot Brush Makes Living Alone Easier is a post from: Chronic Illness.org

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1. My Fibromyalgia Story: Living with Fibromyalgia by Julie Wendell Julie Wendell lives with her 2 sons in Naples, FL. ...

A dressing aid stick definitely makes life easier, especially for those with range-of-motion or mobility issues — and is among the must-have items for those who wish to make living alone easier.

The Duro-Med dressing aid stick pictured on the left adds 27 inches to an individual’s reach.

The Duro-Med dressing aid stick has two hooks for picking up items.

It assists with dressing or undressing for those with limited dexterity or the use of only one hand.

The Duro-Med dressing aid stick can be a valuable assistance to helping make living alone easier for anyone who needs help getting dressed or undressed.

A Dressing Aid Stick Makes Living Alone Easier is a post from: Chronic Illness.org

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