The countdown is on! This September, Tenura is thrilled to attend the Rehacare Expo, the world's leading trade fair for rehabilitation and care. From September 25th to 28th, the Messe Düsseldorf will be abuzz with the latest innovations, products, and solutions to enhance the quality of life for people with disabilities, older people, and those in need of care. We can't wait to participate in this incredible event and connect with you in person at Booth G35/6, Hall 5!

What to Expect When You Visit the Tenura Stand

Explore Our Range of Daily Living Aids

At Tenura, we specialise in creating high-quality daily living aids to make life easier and more comfortable for everyone. When you visit our stand, you'll have the opportunity to see and try out our wide range of products, including:

• Non-Slip Mats and Coasters: Ideal for preventing spills and keeping items securely in place.
• Grip Enhancing Aids: Perfect for those who struggle with holding objects due to limited hand mobility.
• Antimicrobial Aids: Products designed with hygiene in mind, essential for both home and care environments.

Our team will demonstrate how these products can make a real difference in everyday tasks and answer any questions you might have.

Exclusive Expo Offers

We love rewarding our customers, and Rehacare is the perfect place to do so! Be sure to visit us for exclusive expo-only discounts and special offers on our products. Whether new to Tenura or a long-time user, this is an excellent opportunity to stock up on essentials at unbeatable prices.

Meet the Team

One of the highlights of attending Rehacare is meeting our customers face-to-face. Our friendly team will be there to discuss how our products can support your specific needs or those of your clients or loved ones. We're excited to hear your feedback, which will help us continue to innovate and improve our product range.

Live Demonstrations and Interactive Experiences

Seeing is believing! We will be hosting live demonstrations of our products throughout the event. These hands-on sessions will allow you to experience firsthand how our daily living aids can enhance safety, comfort, and independence in various settings. Plus, we'll have interactive displays where you can test our products in real-life scenarios.

Discover New Innovations

At Tenura, we're always looking ahead, and Rehacare 2024 is the perfect platform to showcase some of our latest innovations. Be among the first to discover new products designed further to enhance the ease and joy of daily living. Our R&D team has been hard at work, and we can't wait to share our latest developments with you.

Grab Some Tenura Merchandise

As a token of our appreciation, we'll give away a range of Tenura-branded merchandise at our stand. Stop by to pick up practical and fun items like pens, lanyards, and other branded goodies. These are perfect for remembering your visit to our stand and keeping Tenura in mind in your daily activities. We love to see our brand in your hands, and these items are our way of saying thank you for your support!

Why We're Excited to See You at Rehacare 2024

Rehacare is more than just an expo—it gathers like-minded individuals and organisations dedicated to making the world more accessible and inclusive. For us at Tenura, this event is a chance to connect with people who share our passion for improving the quality of life for those needing daily living aids.

We're excited to exchange ideas, learn from others, and donate to the community of professionals, caregivers, and consumers who attend Rehacare each year. Your insights and experiences are invaluable to us, and we look forward to meaningful conversations that will help us serve you better.

See You in Düsseldorf at Booth G35/6, Hall 5!

Mark your calendars and plan to visit the Tenura stand at Rehacare 2024. Whether you're a healthcare professional, caregiver, or someone looking for solutions to enhance daily living, we're eager to meet you and show you how Tenura can make a difference in your life.

Take advantage of this opportunity to explore, learn, and connect with the best in the industry. We can't wait to see you there!

The Paralympics is more than just a sporting event; it is a powerful celebration of human spirit, resilience, and the pursuit of excellence. Established to provide athletes with disabilities the opportunity to showcase your abilities and compete at the highest level, the Paralympic Games have developed significantly since their inception, breaking barriers and challenging perceptions about disability.

When Did The Paralympics Start?

The roots of the Paralympics can be traced back to the Stoke Mandeville Games, initiated in 1948 by Dr. Ludwig Guttmann as a way to aid the rehabilitation of World War II veterans. This innovative concept quickly gained momentum, leading to the first official Paralympic Games held in Rome in the 60's, featuring 400 athletes from 23 countries. Since then, the event has grown exponentially, showcasing thousands of athletes from around the globe and an increasing number of sports, proving that disability is no barrier to achievement.

The Spirit of Competition

The Paralympic Games feature a diverse array of sports, each adapted to ensure fair competition among athletes with varying disabilities. From wheelchair basketball and para-swimming to visually impaired athletics and hand-cycling, the games showcase incredible talent and dedication. Each athlete has a unique story, and their journeys to the Paralympics often involve overcoming significant physical and societal challenges.

This competitive spirit not only highlights the athleticism of the participants but also inspires millions. The sight of athletes pushing their limits against all odds exemplifies the indomitable human spirit, encouraging others to pursue their dreams regardless of their obstacles.

Inspiring Stories

Among the many athletes who inspire us, consider Tatyana McFadden, a Paralympic champion in wheelchair racing who has won numerous gold medals across multiple games. Her journey from a childhood spent in an orphanage in Russia to becoming a world-class athlete is a testament to perseverance and determination. Each Paralympic athlete has a story that motivates and uplifts, demonstrating that challenges can be transformed into triumphs.

A Universal Source of Inspiration

The Paralympics serve as a profound source of inspiration not only for individuals with disabilities but for everyone. The athletes' resilience, dedication, and passion teach invaluable lessons about overcoming adversity and striving for excellence.

Witnessing these competitors push beyond their limits can motivate us to confront our challenges with renewed determination. Their stories remind us that conventional standards do not solely define success, which is often found in the courage to rise after a fall, persist in the face of obstacles, and pursue one's passions unapolo­geti­cally.

This powerful message resonates with people of all backgrounds, encouraging a mindset of growth and perseverance. It reminds us that every individual has the potential to achieve greatness, regardless of their circumstances. By embracing the lessons learned from the Paralympics, we can adopt a culture of resilience and inclusivity in our own lives.

Impact on Society

The Paralympics also play a crucial role in promoting inclusivity and awareness about disability rights. These athletes, along with millions around the world, face challenges every day, from physical barriers to societal misconceptions. The visibility and achievements of Paralympic athletes highlight the importance of creating a world that is accessible and supportive for everyone.

As the world tunes in to witness extraordinary feats of athleticism, it's essential to recognize the broader impact of the Paralympics. This special event serves as a reminder that everyone deserves an opportunity to compete, thrive, and be celebrated for their abilities. We hope to see continued progress toward a more inclusive and accessible world where individuals of all abilities can achieve their dreams without barriers.

Tenura's Role in Empowerment

At Tenura, we believe in empowering individuals with disabilities, enabling them to live independently and engage in various activities, including sports. Our range of daily living aids, from grip aids to non-slip mats, are designed to enhance safety and independence, ensuring everyone can enjoy their passions. These products not only assist in daily tasks but also promote a sense of autonomy, enabling individuals to pursue their interests without barriers.

The Paralympics stand as a beacon of hope, inspiring athletes and spectators alike to embrace diversity and inclusivity. Celebrating these remarkable athletes, let us reflect on how we can contribute to a more inclusive society.

Disability Pride Month is an important time of the year dedicated to honouring the strength, resilience, and accomplishments of individuals with disabilities. It serves as a platform for raising awareness, promoting inclusivity, and fostering a sense of pride within the disability community. In this blog, we will delve into the significance of Disability Pride Month, explore the revised meaning behind each colour of the flag, discuss the importance of the grey background, and shed light on the origins of this empowering celebration.

The Colours of the Disability Pride Flag: The Disability Pride Flag consists of vibrant colours, each representing a meaningful aspect of the disability community. Let's explore the revised interpretation of the colours:

Green: The colour green now represents sensory disabilities, encompassing impairments related to sight, hearing, and other sensory functions. It acknowledges the diversity of sensory experiences within the disability community.

Blue: The colour blue now symbolises emotional and psychiatric disabilities, including mental health conditions and challenges related to emotional well-being. It highlights the importance of addressing mental health within the broader context of disability pride.

White: The colour white now stands for non-visible and undiagnosed disabilities. It represents conditions that may not be immediately apparent or easily understood, emphasising the significance of recognising and supporting individuals with these hidden disabilities.

Gold: The colour gold now represents neurodiversity, which encompasses conditions such as autism, ADHD, and other neurological differences. It celebrates the unique strengths and perspectives of individuals with neurodivergent identities.

Red: The colour red continues to symbolise physical disabilities, including mobility impairments and other conditions that affect physical function. It serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by individuals with visible disabilities and the importance of accessibility and inclusion.

The Grey Background: The grey background of the Disability Pride Flag holds significance within the revised interpretation. It represents the experiences of individuals who have passed away due to disabilities, as well as those whose disabilities may not be readily visible or diagnosed. It serves as a reminder to honour the contributions, struggles, and triumphs of all individuals with disabilities, irrespective of their visibility.

Origins and Significance of Disability Pride Month: Disability Pride Month finds its roots in the disability rights movement, which advocates for equal rights, access, and inclusion for individuals with disabilities. It was first established to coincide with the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act in the United States. This legislation, signed into law on July 26, 1990, prohibits discrimination based on disability and has played a pivotal role in advancing disability rights globally.

Disability Pride Month is essential because it celebrates the achievements and strengths of individuals with disabilities while raising awareness about the challenges they face. It challenges societal stigmas, stereotypes, and ableism, fostering a sense of pride, self-acceptance, and empowerment within the disability community. The month-long celebration provides a platform for education, advocacy, and the promotion of accessibility, encouraging society to recognise and value the talents, contributions, and inherent worth of individuals with disabilities.

As Disability Pride Month unfolds, we are reminded of the extraordinary resilience, diversity, and contributions of individuals with disabilities. The Disability Pride Flag, with its revised colours and grey background, represents the spirit of this celebration, a celebration of strength, growth, passion, and joy. By embracing Disability Pride Month, we support the ongoing journey towards equality, accessibility, and inclusion for all. Let us join hands in celebrating and promoting the rights, accom­plishments, and remarkable potential of individuals with disabilities.

As sustainability becomes an increasingly vital consideration, the demand for reusable straws has grown significantly. In this blog post, we will discuss reusable straws and explore the best options to pair with the Tenura CupCap our drinking aid. The CupCap, a versatile and reliable spill-proof lid, can greatly benefit from the right straw choice. So, let's dive in and discover which reusable straw will enhance your Tenura CupCap experience.

 

Stainless Steel Straws:

Stainless steel straws are a top choice for many eco-conscious individuals. They offer durability, ease of cleaning, and can withstand both hot and cold beverages. With the Tenura CupCap, a stainless steel straw complements its robust design, ensuring a reliable sipping experience every time. The sleek and modern appearance of stainless steel straws adds a touch of elegance to your drink. Additionally, stainless steel straws come in various sizes and shapes, such as straight or curved, allowing you to customise your sipping experience further.

 

 

Silicone Straws:

Silicone straws are an excellent option if you prioritise flexibility and safety. Their soft and flexible nature makes them ideal for use with the Tenura CupCap, as they can easily manoeuvre around the lid's openings. Silicone straws are also suitable for both hot and cold beverages, ensuring versatility. The Tenura CupCap's spill-proof design combined with a silicone straw offers a reliable and mess-free drinking experience. Regularly cleaning and sterilising silicone straws will help maintain their hygiene and extend their lifespan.

Glass Straws:

If you prefer an aesthetic and visually appealing option, glass straws might be the perfect fit for your Tenura CupCap. Glass straws offer a clear view of your drink, making your sipping experience visually pleasing. The transparency of glass straws allows you to see if they are completely clean and free from residue. With their non-toxic properties and ease of cleaning, glass straws provide a safe and eco-friendly alternative. Additionally, some glass straws come with decorative elements or artistic designs, adding a touch of sophistication to your drink.

Bamboo Straws:

For those seeking an organic and biodegradable option, bamboo straws are worth considering. Bamboo straws align perfectly with the sustainability ethos, offering a natural and eco-friendly choice. With their lightweight design, they complement the portable nature of the Tenura CupCap, making them convenient for on the go use. Bamboo straws also add a rustic and earthy charm to your drink. However, keep in mind that bamboo straws may absorb flavours over time and may require more frequent replacement compared to other types. Proper care and regular drying can help prolong the lifespan of bamboo straws.

 

When it comes to choosing the best straw to pair with your Tenura CupCap, silicone straws emerge as the superior option. The main reason for this being that silicone is anti-microbial, meaning bacteria doesn’t harbour onto the surface unlike other straw options. Offering unmatched flexibility and safety, silicone straws effortlessly navigate the lid's openings, ensuring a spill-proof and hassle-free drinking experience. They are suitable for both hot and cold beverages, providing versatility in use. While other options like stainless steel, glass, and bamboo straws have their merits, silicone straws excel in terms of functionality and ease of use with the Tenura CupCap drinking aid. By selecting silicone straws, you can enhance your drinking experience while actively reducing single-use plastic waste. Choose sustainability and enjoy your favorite beverages with the Tenura CupCap and silicone straws, making a positive impact on the environment, one sip at a time. 

As you can see in the table, only the silicone straw is fully suitable.

Not everyone finds writing easy and comfortable, so you may be looking at the pros and cons of cutlery grips vs thicker pencils.

As children grow up, developing their fine motor skills plays a big role, from learning to walk to learning to write, and as the ones who care for them, we inevitably want the best for their development. These skills often deplete over time, with conditions such as arthritis or strokes impacting the body. But some products can help…

What are Cutlery Grips?

Tenura adaptive grips provide an extra layer of comfort to your writing thanks to their soft silicone construction - this material is also grip-enhancing.

Whether you struggle grasping pencils due to a lack of grip strength or looking for an easy, reusable way to improve your writing, Tenura's specially designed adaptive cutlery grips are versatile for all your gripping needs.

There are two sizes of cutlery grips available from Tenura. Children's cutlery grips - perfect for smaller items that are tricky to hold or difficult for smaller hands. Adult cutlery grips - suitable for anything from cutlery to hairbrushes, giving plenty of variety for these grips to be applied within your day-to-day life.

Tenura Cutlery Grip Pros

• Comfortable
• Cushioned grip, soft on the fingers
• Larger surface to grip
• Can be reused on hairbrushes, razors and toothbrushes
• Less strain on weak wrists
• 100% silicone
• No cost-saving chemicals & non-toxic
• Dishwasher safe
• Available in two sizes (children's & adults)

What are Thicker Pencils?

Thicker pencils are wider pencils to help those struggling to grasp thin objects and handles. To hold pencils requires dexterity and fine motor skills, which you may find tricky as a child or an older person, and this is where thicker pencils come in handy. They do, however, have some pros and cons.

Chunky pencil pros

• Boosts muscle development
• Less pain and stress on the hands (thinner pencils can be painful/­uncomfortable)
• Easier to grasp than normal pencils

Chunky pencil cons

• Limited to the set of thick pencils you buy
• Need a special pencil sharpener

Our final thoughts…

The soft silicone of Tenura adaptive cutlery grips lessens any discomfort and allows you to figure out the best way to hold your pencil/pen. Both cutlery grips and chunky pencils offer an easily accessible way to help with writing. Often used for those learning to write, they're a good first step into building grip.

 

Why not explore more about Tenura cutlery grips via the website and get yours today?

We have had such an exciting year here at Tenura. The world is getting on its feet again, face-to-face contact is back for good, and boy did we love seeing our customer's at the various exhibitions we have attended this year.

You may have seen us at the FIME Show in Miami or Rehacare in Germany. We had great fun, and it was nice to meet as many of you as we did. Next year we hope to be in attendance once again.

Other ideas we have set out for ourselves in the coming year include researching and reaching out to customers to see the innovative ways they are using Tenura daily living aids, so we can help educate others.

We want to keep bringing you the latest in healthcare and disability news via our blog as well as exclusive discounts for the Tenura website. You can use these discounts to get your Tenura daily living aids at an even better price than they are already listed!

You can explore the Tenura product range via our website/

The Christmas and New Year opening times are as follows:

• 26th December - Closed
• 27th December – Closed
• 28th December – Open, limited services
• 29th December – Open, limited services
• 30th December – Closed
• 31st December – Closed
• 1st January - Closed
• 2nd January - Closed
• 3rd January – Business resumes as normal

Thanks for taking the time to read the last 2022 blog. We hope you'll continue showing your support in 2023! Have a great Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Assistive animals are trained to provide for different needs and disabilities, and they can be a catalyst for patient success. These animals can help in various ways, such as:

• Neurological Functioning
• Sensory Support
• Mobility
• Therapy
• Offer Comfort and Companionship

So, What Are the Different Roles of Assistive Animals?

In our lives, assistive animals can enrich many areas, especially for those with a disability or who need the comfort of an animal to maintain a healthy, independent lifestyle. Animals can offer help through their unique charac­te­ristics; for example, dogs have a fantastic sense of smell, whereas horses can be a docile, friendly riding partner. So what jobs do these animals take on?

• Emotonal Support Animals
• Pschiatric Service Animals
• Medical Detection Dogs
• Disability-Assistance Animals
• Guide Dogs
• Autism Assistance Dogs
• Assisted Psychotherapy Animals
• Hearing Assistance Dogs

What do Emotional Support Animals do?

Animals can offer comfort in a way humans can’t. Animals don’t judge, and this quality lends itself to those seeking therapy/­counselling or who need an animal companion.

 

What is the Role of Psychiatric Service Animals?

Psychiatric Service Animals are trained to perform roles that the owner cannot complete or requires prompts to complete. For example, people with an anxiety disorder may have a Psychiatric Service Animal that can predict panic attacks, and it will be trained to give support to the owner pre-panic attack, by picking up on heat rate.

What is the Role of a Medical Detection Dog?

Medical detection dogs use their enhanced sense of smell to detect medication. Scientists are also looking into the use of these dogs to detect illnesses such as Cancer.

 

What do Disability-Assistance Animals do?

For a disabled person, activities of daily living can be a struggle and prevent a person from being independent. An assistance dog can be trained to help the owner carry out ADLs such as transferring, toileting and dressing.

What’s the Role of Guide Dogs?

Guide dogs, one we are all familiar with, are helpful to those who lack vision. They judge special awareness keeping the owner away from danger and guiding them to safety.

 

What Do Autism Assistance Dogs Do?

Autism assistance dogs are typically used for paediatric help as more research has been conducted on the positive effects of children and assistive dogs. However, as you may know, those with autism can have a more polite word for immature mentality, which could mean we see the use of assistance dogs in the days of autistic adults in the future.

Assisted Psychotherapy Animals

Many types of animals can be used in animal-assisted therapy, ATT for short, which includes typical pets such as dogs, cats and guinea pigs but can include cows, birds and dolphins. Depending on the patient and animal, these therapy sessions may be conducted on a one-to-one basis or as a group.

Animal-assisted therapy comes in many forms and is an educational tool helping to learn to care for animals, caring for farm animals, grooming and pet health.

What Support Do Hearing Assistance Dogs Offer?

For people with a lack of hearing or completely deaf, a hearing assistance dog may be placed in their home. They are trained to distinguish the difference between doorbells, alarm clocks and smoke alarms.

 

Tenura Products to Help you Care for Your Pet

Animals are tricky to look after. They have many needs and are a costly expense. The clean-up after a pet is also a constant, but you can use Tenura products to help make life with a pet more effortless.

If you would like to explore Tenura Products to Help you Care for your pet you can via our blog. For example, placing food and water bowls on a Tenura Extreme mat can prevent them from sliding.

Tenura is all about helping people maintain an independent lifestyle. We offer range of effective daily living aids ranging from non-slip bottle openers to non-slip bath stickers. Our products are specially designed to prevent unwanted movement. All our Tenura products are made from non-toxic materials so aren’t harmful to anyone who uses them.

Tenura is looking to expand its colour range and we need your help! We are thinking of introducing some new colours such as black, white, grey, and a fun bright pink but we want your feedback on what you would like to see from Tenura!

Contact us via email and let us know your opinions.

 

National Arthritis Week takes place from the 7^th to the 10^th of October. This year's theme is Let's Get Physical, which is pretty catchy thanks to the Oliva Newton-John song. Let's get physical, physical. The theme is to bring awareness to the importance of exercise for those with arthritis, and it's one of the well-known but underutilised treatments.

Why is Exercise Important for People with Arthritis?

Pain can become associated with particular movements. A person may avoid that motion, meaning that muscle isn't getting used and becomes weaker. This can lead to muscle weakness, and the muscle will need to work harder the next time the movement is repeated. Keeping the joints exercised keeps them in a healthy condition. It helps to prevent stiffness caused by immobility.

Being overweight is a factor in the chances of developing arthritis as you get older as it puts unnecessary strain on the joints. Exercise can help you become healthy and reduce the stress that excess weight puts on the joints.

What is the Best Exercise for Someone with Arthritis?

Low impact exercises and stretches are perfect for those with arthritis as they will avoid causing further damage to the joints and have a possible impact. Focus on the areas of your body affected by arthritis, and find some movements that can slowly increase your strength while also improving the joint's flexibility.

Tenura has recently released a blog that looks at some great hand exercises for arthritis you can do to improve mobility and reduce hand pain.

High-impact exercise could cause further damage and inflammation in already sore joints. Running wouldn't be a good exercise, but a walk or very light jog could be a good start. But it would help if you warmed up first.

How do I start Exercising with Arthritis?

Following a YouTube tutorial may be a good start, or you could find a local fitness class to ensure you get out and remain active. Be sure to tell the instructor of any health conditions you have so they can amend their class accordingly. By attending classes, you increase the chances of sticking to your daily exercises.

We have some more beginner ideas in our Activities in the Sun for People with Arthritis blog, which you can read for further exercise tips.

Can Arthritis be Reversed with Exercise?

Arthritis can't be reversed by exercise is a treatment for arthritis as it can improve the flexibility in the joint, getting good blood flow to the area and reduce stiffness. Exercise can also be a good preventative measure. Being overweight puts a lot of excess strain on joints. Exercise can help you lose weight/maintain a healthy weight.

Does Inactivity Make Arthritis Worse?

It certainly can; immobility will cause the joints to seize up, and stiffness will set in. This stiffness can be painful. Therefore, you should make sure to stand up and stretch at least once an hour.

Bein inactive also leads to weakness in muscles and joints as well as weight gain, which can have detrimental effects on those with arthritis.

 

Tenura hopes you have found this blog helpful. We have also got a special discount code for you, NAW10 (10% discount). We hope you find some Tenura arthritis aids that can help you maintain an independent lifestyle.

We are back for another exhibition year at Rehacare. It will take place between the 14^th and 17^th of September 2022 in Düsseldorf. We look forward to seeing you there. You will be able to find us in hall 5, stand 5G35­/5.

The show promotes the latest products and services in relation to the healthcare industry. The designs companies create are amazing and can be so impactful for the consumers.

You can come to speak to us and discuss the Tenura range face-to-face whilst also getting your own hand on experience with the products. We love introducing the collection of innovative daily living aids to new faces, especially when they can see the versatility the products offer.

There's always so much going on, and I am sure this year will be no different with a selection of forums and lecturers in attendance discussing sport, culture, disability and entertainment.

Bring on Rehacare 2022!