Electric wheelchairs are an evolution of the traditional hand-pushed manual wheelchairs. Being self-propelled, they grant mobility to users over a wide range of terrains and inclines, with the motor doing the hard work.
They also differ from manual wheelchairs in the sense that they feature systems platform beneath the seat. The platform is usually enclosed within a plastic shell. This platform consists of the motor as well as a power source to drive it, which is typically a battery array.
This power pack is then connected via a wiring system to the motor, the seat and most importantly, to the control panel of the electric wheelchair.
The controls are usually located on the armrest of the wheelchair. They enable the user to operate the majority of chair’s functions. The control panel lets you adjust the seat position (this includes both elevation and tilt), motor power for speed alternation, and directional movement which is delivered through a feedback mechanism that comprises of the battery, motor and the control circuit of the control panel on the armrest.
The motor and the control panel of the electric wheelchair are connected directly. Any control operation initiated by the user is prompted to the motor (connected to the wheels through an axle), which then performs the functions such as moving forward, backward or tilting, and sends a feedback signal to control panel. If there is a change in the operation, the control panel will send the signal accordingly. All this, while continuously powered by a 12 to 80 ampere of DC battery.
The drive system or chassis of electric wheelchairs, unlike manual wheelchairs, are fixed on a single plane. They have an additional or a pair of sets in front or back of the chair that takes care of the guidance.
These guide wheels are usually fitted with variable suspension struts and springs so that the wheels remain in contact with the ground even on uneven terrains.
Modern electric wheelchairs come with large tracked wheels and have reinforced pivot frames, pneumatic suspension units, and high-torqued motors that can be operated on robust terrains and are best for cross-country use.
Some of the popular electric wheelchairs include Golden Compass Sport, Cirrus Plus HD, Drive Medical Titan X23, Pride Jazzy 600 ES, KD Smart Chair, Invacare Pronto M51 etc.
Electric wheelchairs are priced anywhere between $1000 to $4000. Some high-end electric wheelchairs can also cost up to $7000. There are a number of healthcare websites and exclusive wheelchair websites online that sell electric wheelchairs at reasonable prices. You can also consider big box stores to buy the same. Read the reviews of the brand of the wheelchair you wish to buy, on the internet to get a better idea.
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Few tax benefits you didn’t know existed
Read moreWhile we all are worried about filing the tax returns with the best possible audits, most of us are also taking a closer look at the tax benefits and deductions. Tax deductions are important for taxpayers as these amounts can be directly deducted from the gross income. Right from getting the best investments to saving the receipts of health insurance premiums, smallest of these expenses can save you a lot more during your tax filing. Let us take a look at some of the tax deductions or benefits that you did not know that existed.
Health insurance premiums
Medical expenses can cost you a fortune and therefore, there are provisions that help in saving tax with the health insurance premiums. The taxpayer needs to itemize the medical expenses and mention the same during the tax auditing. In order to benefit from the health insurance premiums, the deductible medical expenses should be more than 7.5% of the gross income. If in case the taxpayer is self-employed and has paid for his or her medical expenses themselves, then the complete premium paid can be considered for claiming the tax benefit. The amount so deducted is considered from the gross income and not as an exclusion under itemization.Sales taxes
Sales tax can also be deducted from the federal income tax. This provision can be a big money saver in the states that do not have arrangements for their own income tax. If you are claiming your tax benefit under the sales tax, then the item needs to be mentioned under claim deduction. One can refer to the official website of IRS to know more about the savings on big purchases and tax benefits under the sales tax.Charitable gifts
These gifts make for a great money saving option under the federal income tax. It is useful to save the receipts and itemize them once the tax audit takes place. For instance, if you are baking cakes and using the funds to pay for a charitable organization, the cost of ingredients can be used as tax deductions.Investments
Investments are one of the core benefits of tax refunds. Some of the tax deductions under investments include individual retirement agreements, capital losses, the sale of a home, etc.Other tax benefits are:
- Cost of the babysitter
- Lifetime learning credit
- Unusual business expenses
- Self-employed social security
So, if you are looking for more information on tax benefits and deductions, visit the official website of IRS for a detailed list.
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4 simple yoga poses to tighten your neck skin naturally
Read moreNot many consider their face and neck as target areas while exercising unless their loose neck skin starts interfering with their youthful appearance. If you are looking for ways that can help you tighten neck skin, here are some effective yoga poses that you can try.
Yoga pose 1
You can start with a pouting stretch, as it helps tighten neck skin. To do this, you need to stick out your lower lip until it forms a pout. Then lower your jaw while keeping your face still, and your lower lip stuck out. Try to hold the pose for a few seconds and repeat the same it about ten times.Yoga pose 2
While doing this yoga pose, you need to keep your head level with the floor and lips closed and relaxed. Then you need to drop your jaw and push your lower jaw forward. Try to maintain this pose for a count of 10 breaths and repeat it at least five times. With this yoga pose, you can tighten neck skin quickly.Yoga pose 3
This is indeed one of the best yoga poses when it comes to firming the neck skin. For this move, you simply need to tilt your head back. Take your head back to a position so that you can look up at the ceiling comfortably. Hold the pose while keeping your lips closed and do a chewing movement. While holding the pose, you will be able to feel your neck and throat muscles tightening. Keep your head tilted for about 20 breaths and then bring it forward for a few deep breaths. Perform this yoga pose every day for about ten times.Yoga pose 4
This yoga pose also requires you to tilt your head back and keep your lips closed. However, in this yoga pose, you need to bring your lips in a kissing position while keeping them closed and continuing to look up at the ceiling. Repeat this pose five times to tighten neck skin.