Before I continue, please read my small print disclaimer:
* In an effort to be open and transparent with my readers, I was not compensated for this post, however some of the products mentioned in this blog post I received a free sample in exchange for a review on my website. Regardless, all opinions are my own and are not influenced in any way… unless they sent frozen yogurt.
So now that we got all that out of the way… Today I will be reviewing 3 products:
- The Tiger Tail Foam Roller
- Lauren’s Hope Medical ID Bracelets
- Conair Bun Maker
Although it may sound like a torture device and it can cause a little bit of discomfort, it hurts so good! Parkies complaining of aching muscles are common and under reported. This pain is a result of rigidity, lack of movement and abnormalities in posture that accompany Parkinson’s disease. A muscle knot happens when muscle fibers contract and won’t release, cutting off blood and oxygen to the area, allowing toxins to accumulate. As you rub the knot, you bring all that awesome circulation back into the muscle alleviating pain.
The Tiger Tail is a hand-held foam roller that helps your sore muscles by relieving knots, aches cramping, spasms and stiffness. It is a tool designed for self-massage… or your can sucker a friend into rolling you out. The orange handles on the side (which feel like your childhood bike handles minus the streamers) allow you to grip the roller and control the amount pressure applied. The black foam middle moves independently when rolled allowing you to glide over the muscle with control.
Pros:
-With its various sizes and portability, you can take this tail with you everywhere… even to your weekly Bingo game. Not only can you roll out your sore muscles during the game, you can also use the stick to fend off potential yeti attacks. BINGO!
-Much more Parkie friendly than a traditional foam roller, which requires you to get down on the floor.
-You have the ability to control how much pressure you apply to the muscle.
Cons:
-It can be difficult to roll out your back and shoulder muscles… unless you have successfully suckered a friend into helping.
-The Tiger Tail doesn’t come in hot pink or sparkles. Bummer.
2. Lauren’s Hope Medical ID Bracelets:
Just because I have neurological disorder doesn’t mean I have to look like I have one. So when it comes to wearing a medical ID jewelry, Parkies are high up on the list. Let me paint you a scary picture… which is so true because it would be scary if I tried to paint… digressing.
You’re out walking the dog on a warm, sunny day. You don’t see a problem walking alone just like you have done many times before. But on this day, you don’t notice the loose gravel on the path in front of you. You slip and fall, hitting your head on the concrete. Ouch! Lassie! Go get help! You awake confused and surrounded by strangers who stopped to help but you can’t remember exactly what happened. Now if you had a medical ID bracelet, you could get the help you need and your emergency contact would be notified. But with those traditional boring ID bands… Blah! Who wants to advertise their illness or wear the same thing every day? Not Perky!
Lauren’s Hope offers something for everyone… men, children, women… or cats. Ok, so I might have embellished the cat thing, but with their stylish designs, I had no trouble finding something that fit my personality. I tried out the “Rose Gold Tone Love Cuff” and the “Rhythm and Blues Medical ID Bracelet”.
Pros:
-Made with high quality products and looks just like a beautiful bracelet that anyone would love to wear.
-Many styles to choose from… if you don’t want to wear a bracelet, they have necklaces, charms, tags and even ankle bracelets.
-It’s comforting to know that your emergency contact information is always with you, should you need medical attention.
-The bracelet can provide medical professionals critical information such as allergic reactions to certain medications or implanted medical devices such as Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS).
-The ID tag can be interchanged with other bracelets, so you can switch it up if you’re feeling sassy.
-The cuff was super easy to put on and I got tons of compliments on it.
Cons:
-The tag bracelet can be a little tricky to get on if you are experiencing fine motor issues.
-You personal information could be accessed if you were to misplace your bracelet.
-The bracelet does not allow for a medical alert online resource that would a medical professional to access more detailed information about your health.
Some days for us lady Parkies are challenging… to say the least! But we still want to look good. It also makes us feel better when we are put together. But when you are having one of those days when you feel like your body isn’t behaving and even the smallest task can seem impossible, the last thing your thinking of is doing your hair. But what if there was a way that you could get a gorgeous style within a few minutes… OK, if we are talking PST (Parkie Standard Time), maybe 10 minutes.
The Conair Bun Maker has been one of my go-to’s for surviving work days, when my Parkinson’s is being a Diva. If I’m moving slowly and running short on time, slap on the bun maker. There are many versions of this product and you can pretty much find bun makers in any drug store or beauty supply.
Pros:
-It takes very little time and energy to use once you get the hang of it.
-Comes in various colors to match your hair color.
-Feels secure on your head. It doesn’t fall out… the bun maker I mean… not your hair.
-Allows for different styles such as a messy bun, side bun, ballet bun, low bun, side-part bun… now that is a lot of buns!
Cons:
-If you pull your hair into a tight bun, it can cause some discomfort by the end of the day.
-Not ideal for short length hair.
-It can take a little getting used to, but no fear, I have created a tutorial for you ladies!
Hope these items can help add a little support in your life. Parkinson’s disease is a part of who we are, but it doesn’t have to define us!
**To get more information about the products I reviewed, click on the title of product and you will be directed to their website.
One thing we use for toes that are starting to cross over each other is yoga toe spacers. They are awesome and provide relief.
Great suggestion! Thank you for the idea!
As an aside, I started a “Loveable Loaner” program at our small chapter office. We have quite a few “gadgets”, including the new fork/spoon for tremors and the U-Step walking stabilizer. PD community can borrow anything to test trial it, before going out to buy their own. It’s a great PD community idea so we don’t get stuck with things that don’t work for us personally. We do not sell any of the products.
What a fantastic idea!
Great idea- can’t wait to see what else you review!
Care to review my cd to see if it makes your picks?
Sure! What is your cd about? You can send me a private message through the “contact me” tab.
Great idea Perky. I had a medical ID bracelet given to me by the hospital after my DBS which broke after I wore it for two days. I’ll check out the ones you recommend. The roller also looks interesting. Again, thanks!
Happy to hear you liked my post!
i couldn’t see what you were doing when you were tucking and rolling………….Would it work with really long hair do you think?
Yes, just keep rolling the bun maker and tucking your hair under. It will look great!
Good products and reviews! I’m going to start growing my hair so I can have a bun too… oh well. Looks like fun!
Man bun works too!
I like all the items that you reviewed, but you didn’t say where we can get them. Thank you very much. Diana
Just click on the title of the item and it will take you the products website. I will try to make this more clear in the future. Thank you for the feedback!