BY FRED CHERNOW
Early in my relationship with
my friend Rita, she accused
me of selective hearing. She
thought I heard only what I wanted
to hear. Many people with a mild
hearing loss like myself are accused
of this. Now with my hearing aids,
I no longer answer each question
with “What?” This has made me
sympathetic to people with more
severe loss who can’t depend on an
ordinary smoke alarm.
A standard smoke alarm is loud
enough so everyone should be
able to hear it, right. No, that’s
not true for lots of people with
hearing loss.
Sound is all around us and can
be used to inform and protect us.
There are different units for measuring
sound. A decibel (dB) is a
unit to measure the intensity of a
sound. A Hertz (Hz) is the frequency
or number of sound waves per
second. Most detectors have a very
high-frequency fire alarm. That’s
bad news for many people, because
it is the high-frequencies people
tend to lose first. Normal speech
is 1000 Hz. Sadly, most available
alarms produce a sound with 3000
Hz, which is much too high.
For manufacturers, it’s mostly
a size issue. Low-frequency
sounds require a larger speaker in
the device. The popularly priced
smoke or smoke/carbon monoxide
combo alarms have small speakers
which produce a high-frequency
sound insufficient to warn most
hearing-impaired people.
Fortunately, there are detectors
which use low-frequency, easy-tohear
sounds with larger speakers.
Many also have a pulsating strobe
light. Three of these manufacturers
are: LoudNlow, Lifetone, and
Fire Angel. Each sells for around
$200, but all are dependable and a
one-time expense. They also offer
a Veteran’s discount. Details are
available on your computer when
you type in one of these three
brands.
If you do not have a computer
you may find low-frequency
alarms at Home Depot or Loews.
Three such are:
• Firex KN-COPE-IC $61.00
made by KIDDE
• Maxiaids First Alert Smoke
Alarm with Strobe Light.
• Gentex Alarm with Signaling
Appliance.
Another resource is Hear More.
Their phone is 800-881-4327. They
have a Long Island showroom
where you can see and try out these
products.
Hope you find this helpful.
Please pass this information along
to someone who would benefit
from an enhanced alarm.
Fire Safety for the
Hearing Impaired
“Highly recommended;” Firex
KN-COPE-IC ($61.00) made by
KIDDE
Pilates is for Every "Body"��
BY MARIA OCHAKOVSKY-GOMEZ
Created by the late Joseph Pilates
in the early 20th century, Pilates is a
form of exercise, which balances
the whole body by stretching
and strengthening muscles, while
maintaining spinal alignment and
core stabilization.
Special attention is given to
proper biomechanics while moving
and modifications are provided
for every posture. The mind-body
connection is emphasized, so that
the work is focused on quality over
quantity. By incorporating the 6
Pilates principles (concentration,
centering, control, breathing,
precision and flow), the movements
are more efficient, and posture
improves.
Pilates truly is for every “body.”
With an increased awareness on
fitness and health, Pilates has
become one of the most effective
options for rehabilitation and post
rehab for people of all ages. Many
longstanding orthopedic injuries
are a result of an imbalance of
some kind, and the Pilates method
can correct these imbalances by
emphasizing strength & flexibility.
The Pilates apparatus, such as
the Reformer (see picture), can
provide support, which allows for
more creativity and freedom in
rehabilitation. Footwork exercises,
such as a leg press, provide the
instructor with an opportunity to
correct misalignment without the
effects of gravity on the joints. This
is helpful for treating painful arthritic
joints, when standing activities are
not suitable.
The reformer is well-designed
in that it can help the instructor
achieve improved mobility and
strength in the participant without
the pull of gravity or uncomfortable
positions used in so many typical
gym machines.
Pilates classes are everywhere
and the North Shore Towers Country
Club offers both private and group
classes! Please refer to the front
desk for group class times. It is
highly recommended to schedule
a private session prior to joining
a class, if you are unsure of any
limitations, which would prevent
you from doing Pilates.
Maria is offering a
complimentary 30-minute private
session for any Country Club
member who has never tried the
reformer. To book, please contact
her directly at 718-926-2866 or
mochakov77@gmail.com.
10 NORTH SHORE TOWERS COURIER ¢ July 2018
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