Respironics Cough Assist video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DlPyF...layer_embedded

This video is of Shartrina and I using the cough assist to clear my lungs. I credit the cough assist for keeping me in good health, and free of the chronic pneumonia that plagues ALS patients living on a vent.



I first learned of the cough assist from another vent patient who saw I was using a suction catheter to clear my lungs. The suction catheter was uncomfortable and ineffective. Once I started using the cough assist my pneumonia disappeared and I felt immeasurably better. Using the cough assist is simple and pain free. I use it twice a day or more if necessary.



Cough assist is manufactured by Respironics. You can find more information on their website.

http://coughassist.respironics.com/

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Using the Computer

Matt currently uses Smartnav Naturalpoint it is a hands free mouse solution. As long as he has some control of his head, he can continue to use it to do everything on the computer that you and I can. Obviously our concern is how long he will continue to have control of his head. We are constantly looking for the technology to catch up with his needs to communicate.

Here’s a video of him using the computer.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZHZ9p3ydNBc


If you are interested in the hardware: http://www.naturalpoint.com/smartnav/products/4-at/

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Stand Up Exercise for Immobile ALS person video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G_gt_nxpYyo

Medical Benefits of Standing
Passive standing has been demonstrated to prevent, reverse, or improve many of the adverse effects of prolonged immobilization.

The most widely accepted medical benefits of standing include:

Prevention of contractures (ankles, knees, and hips)
Improvement of range of motion (spine, hips, knees and ankles)
Reduction in spasticity
Prevention or reversal of osteoporosis and resultant hypercalciuria
Improvement of renal function, drainage of the urinary tract, and reduction in urinary calculi
Prevention of pressure ulcers through changing positions
Improvement in circulation as it related to orthostatic hypotension
Improvement in bowel function
Normalization of respiratory function
Other specific reasons that people stand include:

Facilitation of a natural symmetrical standing posture
Development & improvement of upper body balance & strength
Alleviation of pain caused by prolonged or inappropriate position
Development of standing tolerance & endurance
Lessening progressive scoliosis

Maintenance of bone density
Psychological Benefits of Standing
Although funding sources rarely recognize the psychological benefits of standing, they can be some of the most important reasons to stand.

http://blog.easystand.com/topic/lou-gehrigs-disease/


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Videos of Equipment for People with ALS - Cough Assist, Computer, and Stand-Up Chair

http://www.cureals.org/