Gadgets

Great Gadgets: Electric Peeler To The Rescue

Posted on by sherYl555

Zyliss Multipeeler Electric Peeler CNET’s Appliances and Kitchen Gadget blog features an uber-cool electric peeler. Yup, you heard that right. Electric peeler. Now you can skin potatoes, apples, and carrots like a bad ass. The peeler even features an intimidating (if not a bit redundant) name: the Zyliss Multipeeler Electric Peeler.

In all seriousness, this tool looks like it is a great gadget that will diminish the “strain-saving factor when peeling a large pile of fruits or vegetables.” The review mentions that very little effort is required to operate this gadget. I don’t own one of these yet, but I think I see one in my future.

Brian Krepshaw, the kitchen gadget blogger writes, “Sometimes it’s nice to have a tool that actually makes the job easier.”

Amen to that!

Peeling at the speed of a button press [via CNET]

Check out the Zyliss Multipeeler Electric Peeler on Amazon.com

Do you own this or another arthritis-friendly kitchen gadget? Let us know in the comments!

Honda Introduces The Best Christmas Gift Ever!

Posted on by sherYl555

Honda Robotic Walker This device may look like  it is right out of a sci-fi movie, but it actually a new machine developed by the makers of my favorite car. Honda.

The article mentions that this gadget would be useful for auto factory workers and people standing in long lines. I could definitely see this device being really helpful to us arthritis folks. Now, if we could only find a way to get our insurance companies to pay for it! Pricing and commercial product plans are still in the works.

Imagine a bicycle seat connected by mechanical frames to a pair of shoes for an idea of how the new wearable assisted-walking gadget from Honda works.

The experimental device, unveiled Friday, is designed to support bodyweight, reduce stress on the knees and help people get up steps and stay in crouching positions.

Kudos to Honda for thinking creatively! Can’t wait to see how this develops.

Great Gadgets: Musings On A New Device

Posted on by sherYl555

I’ve had rheumatoid arthritis for 11 years. I’ve been taking medication twice a day now for about that length of time, yet sometimes I simply forget to take it. I’m a bit embarrassed to admit this because it seems sort of ridiculous to me, but I’m sure I’m not the only one. Well, I hope I’m not the only one!

According to a New York Times article I was reading over the weekend, “busy people can forget to take their medications.” Good. I’m not the only one. 😉 A Silicon Valley company (Zume Life) is testing a new device called Zuri that will help you remember to take your meds, while also keeping track of symptoms, diet, exercise, and other health information. All of this data can then be uploaded to a website. The geek in me thinks this is pretty nifty.

The Zuri will not be cheap, though. It will retail at around $200 and the monthly fee for web services will run about $40 to $50 a month. Whoa! Basically, it’s like having another cell phone. Perhaps other companies will begin to develop similar devices and, eventually, we’ll have a variety of devices to choose from, at various prices, to suit our needs.

I really like the concept, but I don’t think this is something I’d buy. Busy people do not need another device to carry around that costs as much as their cell phone. The article mentions an iPhone application that is currently in the works by the same company. Now, this is more appealing… especially since I’m looking for more reasons to justify plunking down the money for an iPhone.

I can definitely see the benefits of the Zuri, and I think it could be especially useful for caregivers. This article has inspired me to do a little web surfing to see what is out there that might help me capture my day-to-day health information. Once I find some other options, I will report back.

I am intrigued, though, and I think a device like this could really improve self-care. Kudos to Zume Life for developing something innovative!

NY Times Article on Zuri
Zume Life

Great Gadgets: Can Opener That’s Easy On The Joints

Posted on by sherYl555

Can OpenerThis re-imagined can opener is touted as being gentle on the hands. Another neat feature is that it cuts the outside rim of a can, instead of the top. No sharp edges and no messy fishing expeditions for the lid.

At $20, it is a little pricey for a can opener, but if it saves me from more arthritis pain and hassle, I’m willing to plunk down a little more cash. Check it out! Anyone already own it? Leave your review in the comments.

Ratchet Safety LidLifter [via CNET Appliances & Kitchen Gadgets Blog]

Great Gadgets: Collapsible Cargo Cart

Posted on by sherYl555

Collapsible Cargo CrateWhen I go from my car to my apartment, I have a tendency to carry way too much because I don’t want to make a second trip. But my body (especially my fingers) is never happy with me for forcing it to endure this time-saving tactic. So today, I introduce the answer to my problems (and maybe yours, too!): the handy-dandy Collapsible Cargo Crate. Ta da!

It’s kinda sad that a plastic, black and red crate brings me so much excitement. What can I say; I’m a sucker for useful tools that will make life with rheumatoid arthritis easier and more efficient. And this is just the item I didn’t realize I was looking for. It will save my fingers from those plastic grocery bags (ouch!) and I should be able to bring more items up to my apartment in one load. Even better, when not in use, it can be collapsed and stored flat in the trunk of my car. Sweet!

Use it to cart groceries, books, magazines, your Smurf collection, items for Goodwill, or other cumbersome things.

Buy it on Amazon [Read more about it at the Rubbermaid site]

Great Gadgets: Save Your Hands While Opening Pesky Plastic Packages

Posted on by sherYl555

Pyranna Plastic OpenerHave you ever tried to open one of those plastic clamshell packages with scissors or a knife? It is not an easy task. I recently bought a Bluetooth and it was like pulling teeth to get that little sucker out of the packaging. After a lot of effort, I was able to remove the device, but ended up with swollen hands. Bah!

Regular scissors are not sharp enough and a knife is just too dangerous (for a clumsy soul like me). Today, I present three possible solutions to this problem. Drum roll, please…

Wired magazine suggests using a trusty ol’ can opener to set your gizmo free. This idea will definitely be easier on your joints than scissors, but can openers are not known to be an arthritis warrior’s BFF. Then there is the Pyranna and the OpenX Dual-Blade. Their names make them sound pretty bad-ass, and they just might be better options and come highly recommended. Share your recommendations in the comments, or give us your review if you’ve used any of these tools.

Open plastic packages with:
A Can Opener [how-to solution via Wired]
Pyranna
OpenX Dual-Blade [via Lifehacker]