National Arthritis Week takes place from the 7th to the 10th 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.

Physiotherapy awareness day takes place on the 8th of September every year, with a special focus on Osteoarthritis for 2022.

What is Osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis is a type of arthritis, which can occur due to injury, hereditary factors, age, weight and gender. It affects people of the age of 45 and is a more prominent condition in women, 12:1. Osteoarthritis affects the joints and can cause tenderness, pain, stiffness and knobbly-looking joints. It can also have an effect on the muscles around the joint, and they can become weaker and waste away due to the lack of movement, likely because of the pain when moving the joint.

 

Can Osteoarthritis Be Cured?

No, it can’t be cured, but there are daily things you can do to help maintain an independent lifestyle and reduce pain. 

• Exercise – you can follow the Tenura guide for hand exercises
• Losing weight – this will put less strain on your joints, lightening the load on your knees
• Medication – seek advice from your doctor for the correct course of painkillers
• Anti-inflammatories – Inflamed areas of skin can be treated with anti-inflammatory

 

What Products Can Help With Osteoarthritis?

Even the NHS website mentions the benefits of assistive devices that can help with Osteoarthritis. We want to add to that list and demonstrate a few Tenura arthritis aids that can help.

Improve Your Writing With Arthritis Aids

If you struggle to write as your wrists and muscles become painful, try a utensil grip around the pencil or other thin handles objects such as cutlery or a toothbrush.

Get a Better Grip with Silicone Grip-Enhancement

Grip strips and silicone grip rolls are a great way to improve your grip on many objects, no matter their size. Use grip strips around small objects or handles, and the grip roll can be wrapped around larger objects for more grip and control over them.

Stand and Sit With Improved Mobility

Osteoarthritis can affect the knees, which makes standing up and sitting down tricky. You can use a Tenura non-slip floor mat to aid you when moving. The floor mat provides the user with grip and a good foothold to assist with mobility and reduce the risk of slips and falls.

 

Enjoy all the products mentioned above, plus all other Tenura daily living aids at a 10% discount with the code PAD10.

If you want to enhance your mobility when in an automobile, we have summarized some helpful Tenura daily living aids that are a great help. Getting in and out of the vehicle can be a pain so let's see if we can assist with this issue.

Help Getting In and Out of a Car

Placing a Tenura anti-slip floor mat in the footwell and, if required, one just outside of the door, on the floor, can help you get the foothold you need to exit the car safely. Tenura floor mats are non-slip and reduce the risk of slips and falls.

Improve Car Seat Comfort

Use Tenura anti-slip fabric under your car chair cushion so that it doesn't slip whilst you are on the move. If the cushion moves out of place, it could cause further discomfort for the passenger.

Stop Loose Objects Sliding When You're on the Move

Things such as your medication, phone or a drink can slide around the car if you haven't secured them. They can distract the driver, so you should place your loose articles on a Tenura Extreme mat, which means you will have a visual aid, helping you remember where you put your belongings and improving the safety of the journey for all.

Get a Better Grip On Your Seatbelt

By wrapping Tenura silicone grip roll around your seatbelt, you can ensure a better grip. The silicone is grip-enhancing and soft, and it will allow you to grasp the seatbelt better. You can even build up the silicone to make the seatbelt broader and more comfortable to hold.

Line Your Trunk to Prevent

The stuff you store in your trunk often isn't secured and will likely move about while you travel. This movement can affect the car's motion; lining your trunk with Tenura non-slip netting can prevent this. Tenura anti-slip fabric will keep your belongings in place, making them easier to remove from the car when you've arrived.

Improve Grip on Car Door Handles

On the inside of the car door, you can wrap Tenura grip strips around the handles to add the soft silicone that's grip-enhancing. This will improve your grip on the handle and make it easier for you to exit the car safely.

 

We hope you have discovered some car aids that you can use to enhance car travel safety. If you require more information about the products mentioned in the blog, follow the product page links or contact us via phone, email, or the enquiry form at the top of the website.

Come and see us at the FIME Show this year (July 27-29). We will be at stand U35 in the Platinum Hall! We love this exhibition and come back every year to meet the latest and greatest in the industry. Come and talk to us to discuss the prospects and benefits of working with Tenura.

FIME Shows are great fun and connect the healthcare community, bringing us all under one roof. It’s a leading medical trade fair and exhibition where we come to display ground-breaking products and services, such as Tenura daily living aids. 

The FIME show lets you get hands-on with the products and speak to us face-to-face.

There’s quite the array of speakers this year, from Harvard professors to record-holding athletes. Each speaker imparts useful information that can help develop goals in your personal and professional life.

If you want to explore the Tenura range beforehand, you can via the products page. You can also get in touch for more information you can by phoning, emailing, or using the inquiry form at the top of the site.

When you see the different types of grip we use in our daily lives, it can help you to create your own exercises to help you stretch and improve hand dexterity, so let's explore some of the typical grips:

• Hammers Grip/­Cylindrical Grip

Holding a hammer, screwdriver, golf clubs, and wheelbarrow handles

• Precision Grip

Holding thin items like a needle or thread

• Hook Grip

Carrying a bucket or pulling a suitcase

• Pinch Grip

Holding a coin, flipping it over to view each side

• Lumbrical Grip

Holding a plate or tray flat on your hand

• Tip-to-Tip Grip

Picking up small items like crumbs, coins, or pins

• Spherical Grip

Opening and closing jars

Products to Help you Complete Tasks that Require Grip

We are happy that you are taking the time to read this blog to gather some helpful information on grip strength and how it can improve your life in daily tasks. We thought we would round up some products that can benefit those who need to improve grip strength.

Tenura Cutlery Grips

Cutlery handles are thin and can be tricky to grasp if you lack grip strength or dexterity in your hands. So, sliding on Tenura cutlery grips on utensils increases handle size, allowing you to grasp a more comfortable wider handle. You can use Tenura cutlery grips to improve your grip on many items around the home, including toothbrushes, hair combs, pens, and pencils. This means you can now brush your teeth and hair with comfort as well as write and draw.

Tenura Jar Openers and Bottle Openers

These two products can help in a myriad of ways, from the primary function of opening bottles and jars to helping you twist taps on and off and getting a good grip on smooth door and cupboard knobs. Tenura jar and bottle openers help with tasks that require your spherical grip.

Tenura Grip Strips

Similarly to cutlery grips, you can wrap grip strips around handles to improve your grasp on the object. The soft silicone is grip-enhancing, allowing you to get a proper hold of the item and reduce the risk of it slipping out of your hands.

You can use the grip strips on the items listed under cutlery grips, but you can also wrap the silicone around handles that wouldn't fit into cutlery grips. For example, you can wrap the silicone around the handles of walking aids like canes or rollators to improve your grip on the handle. You can wrap silicone strips around knives to ensure you have a safe and secure grip. When completing DIY tasks around the house, you may reach for a hammer or screwdriver, and these can be enhanced with the use of Tenura grip strips.

Tenura Grip Rolls

When carrying a briefcase, bucket, or object by its handle, you use the hook grip. To make the grip more comfortable, wrap soft silicone around the handle, building up more of the silicone by wrapping it around a further few times to create a bigger handle and improve your comfort.

Your gardening hobby doesn't need to subside just because you have been experiencing dexterity or grip strength issues. You can wrap grip roll around your watering can, trowel, or garden rake handles.

 

Why is Grip Strength Important?

You use the lateral pinch to unlock your home or a cupboard with a key. When playing sports like netball or basketball, you use a lumbrical grip. The types of grip we use are dependent on the situation and fall into two main categories, precision, and power. Each grip by design allows you to make a precise action or a powerful movement.

A lack of grip strength can affect many tasks, for example, holding a toothbrush or grasping a knife to cut food. It can impact your ability to lift objects or hold wide bars such as grab rails. You may want to improve your ability to complete these tasks, so below we have detailed a few hand exercise recommendations that you could try. By doing these exercises daily for a short time, you can improve your hand grip and dexterity.

 

Hand Exercises to Improve Grip Strength

There are many exercises you can complete to help maintain your grip. So let's explore a few that are easy to do at home or on the go.

Squeeze a stress ball

This action uses the joints in your hand, flexing them and making them stronger - this movement helps with spherical grip

Pinch the stress ball

To practice and improve more dexterous movement, pinch the stress ball, using the pinch grip

Flex your wrists

Complete small circular motions and then get larger in rotation with each movement. It helps restore your joint mobility whilst also stretching your tendons and other parts of the joint

Thumb Circles

Similar to the above, you make a circling motion with your thumb and fingers, which can improve flexibility. This hand exercise can help you with many grips where the thumb is required, like cylindrical grips and lumbrical grips

Digit Stretch

Stretch your fingers and thumb out, then curl them into a fist, then repeat

 

We hope you have found this blog helpful. Please explore the Tenura products to find ways to improve daily tasks that require grip strength or mobility.

In this blog, we explore the history of Parkinson’s, giving advice surrounding the importance of this awareness month and how you can provide support and get involved. Let's make a difference…

A Brief History of Parkinson’s

The disease was first discovered by James Parkinson, who was an English surgeon. The disease was named after James and his work into its discovery. James Parkinson’s most famous work is Shaking Palsy, which became the foundation for understanding Parkinson’s. His principles were later refined and described by Jean-Martin Charcot and William Gowers. Their efforts helped create treatments and standardize the study.

Thanks to their work, we now have defined characteristics (Parkinsonisms) of Parkinson’s. For example, the loss of facial movements and reduced eye motion known as Hypomimia, or masked face and facial masking. Hypomimia can start as early as stage one and progress as the condition takes hold. It is a misconception that the first sign of Parkinson’s is a tremor, but difficulty sleeping and smaller than usual handwriting are more common.

Another misconception is that Parkinson’s only affects the older generation, but 137,000 people under the age of 50 have early-onset Parkinson’s, which equates to 0.2% of the population.

Their work shaped the specialist roles of healthcare staff that help those with Parkinson’s, which include:

1. Physiotherapist
2. Movement Disorder Specialist
3. Occupational Therapist

Each of these key positions will help in different aspects of the person’s life, focusing on rehabilitation and support.

Ways to Support Your Loved One With Parkinson’s

Educate Yourself and Teach Others

It’s essential to have a good understanding of the topic, allowing you to help those in your community or family who have the disease. You can be more considerate and provide better support when knowledgeable. 2021’s theme of Parkinson’s Awareness Day stressed the importance of #KnowMorePD.

Reach Out to Someone with Parkinson’s

Certain individuals with Parkinson’s can become closed off, so reaching out and checking up with them is crucial for their mental health.

Participate in Charity Events and Fundraising

Up and down the UK, there are many events held year-round that you can participate in to help spread information and raise awareness and money for this important cause. There are many fun ways to get involved, catering to various interests, from walks and runs to bake sales and coffee mornings.

Share Information and Resources Around PD

2018’s theme for Parkinson’s Awareness Day, Start a Conversation, asked people to get involved in the observance day by spreading knowledge and information about the topic to inspire others to get involved. Speak to the community, your family, friends, neighbors, local businesses, and healthcare teams.

Getting Tips On Parkinson’s Treatments

Parkinson’s Foundation 2019 theme stated that awareness is the ‘Key2PD’. They asked the community to share helpful tips to help those living with the disease. Knowing how others are coping independently with struggles associated with the disease can improve welfare. This information can help healthcare providers see trends in treatments. Make sure to go on social media and see the tweeted tips under the #Key2PD hashtag.

Create Plans to Prepare for Parkinson’s Challenges

This plan is to help improve mindset and mental health, so plan items into the day that will inspire you, such as a walk or a phone call with a friend. If there are certain tasks around the home you need some help with, stick them on the calendar and see if friends or a professional could provide the help required. There’s no need to put off the task fully. Mark it on your calendar and plan for it, which helps to minimize stress. 2020’s theme, #Plan4PD, inspired this tip.

Find Products that Can Alleviate Issues

At Tenura, we have many helpful products for those with Parkinson’s. We listed some of the most common symptoms and some products that can provide help:

Tremors are uncontrollable shakes, often in the hands and fingers, making opening containers tricky. Having a silicone jar or bottle opener can make opening bottles and jars easier as well as providing a good grip on other objects like taps or doorknobs.

Impaired posture and balance can increase the risk of slips around the home. Placing a Tenura non-slip floor mat in areas where additional grip is required, such as a foothold near a sofa or at the side of a bed, can help reduce this risk.

Writing style changes, and with Parkinson’s, it often gets smaller due to more limited hand movements and the difficulty and pain of holding a thin pen or pencil. By increasing the width of the pen with a Tenura cutlery grip, you can make writing a more comfortable task for a person with Parkinson’s.

If you want to get involved in this year’s Parkinson’s Awareness Day, use the following hashtags:

• #UniteF­or­Par­kinsons
• #KnowMorePD
• #Parkin­son­sA­ware­nes­sMonth
• #Parkin­son­sA­wareness
• #Together4PD

You can also get a 10% discount on the Tenura range, including the products above.

The discount code is: PAM10, and will be valid for one month.

Winter Paralympics 2022, are you ready?

This quadrennial event is ready to take place in Beijing this year. It will commence on Friday the 4th to the 13th of March. Channel 4 is where you can tune in to watch the games.

Some Interesting Facts about the Paralympics

The Winter Paralympics debuted in Sweden in 1976, 16 years after the Summer Paralympics started and 80 years after the first modern Olympic games were held.

The United States has the most Paralympic medals to its name, 2,598, of which 919 are gold. The country that has won the most Winter Paralympic medals is Austria, and they’ve won a total of 332 medals, of which 104 were gold.

The mascot for the Winter Paralympic games is a cartoon version of a Chinese lantern, and the design encompasses traditional Chinese paper cutting and Ruyi ornaments. The name of this mascot is Shuey (snow), Rhon (to include, to tolerate), Rhon (to melt, to fuse), 雪容融. The design of the character and name promotes inclusion with the aim of increasing communication between world cultures and the inclusion of people with disabilities.

There are Six Terms to Segment the Athletes:

The classification within the Paralympics can help keep the competition fair and safe as sports can be dangerous. The six segments are as follows:

• Amputee
• Cerebral Palsy
• Intellectual Disability
• Wheelchair
• Vision Impaired
• Others

There are Six Winter Paralympic Sports

Most Winter Paralympic sports are broken down by disability into two main categories; vision impairments and physical impairments.

The Olympics have 15 winter sports, and the Paralympics have 6, and these sports are divided into 2 categories, snow sports, and ice sports. Ice sports are played in mixed teams, meaning both men and women compete simultaneously.

Snow Sports

Ice Sports

• Alpine Skiing (Slalom & Giant Slalom)
• Para Ice Hockey
• Cross-Country Skiing
• Wheelchair Curling
• Biathlon (Cross-Country Skiing & Target Practice)
• Snowboarding

The latest of these winter paralympic sports to be sanctioned by the IPC is Snowboarding, first introduced at the Sochi Paralympic Winter Games 2014.

In the UK, there are over 50 ice rinks, of which many offer disability assistance to help those with disabilities learn and take up the sport. The UK is certainly making an effort to make snow sports accessible, and it’s thanks to trainers getting additional training to support those with disabilities and the advancements in technology and adaptive equipment.

The Paralympics gets praise for its inclusivity, and rightly so; however, disabled women have only recently been allowed to compete in Para Ice Hockey (2010).

Let’s Explore Some of the Adaptations to these Sports

Sports can be dangerous and challenging, so having adapted equipment to ensure that you are safe and perform at peak performance leads to success. There are many ways to make sports accessible. We are taking a look at how you can adapt preexisting equipment and accessories to make sports more accessible to persons with disabilities.

How to Make Sports More Accessible with Tenura Products

Let’s look at ways Tenura products can help disabled people participate in sports and adapt their equipment for better results and comfort.

Taking On And Off Your Snow Boots

For many snow sports, you will require snow boots, and they can be tricky to take on and off, so we suggest you use a Tenura non-slip floor mat to help. Place the snow boot onto the floor mat to keep it in place whilst you put on the boots. Floor mats help with mobility and increased grip.

Drying Out Your Equipment 

Snow melts and causes wet puddles, but thanks to the lattice structure of Tenura non-slip fabric, your equipment will be able to dry out above the water. You can place your boots or skis upon the fabric to help dry and air them out.

CupCaps to Prevent Spillages

If you have had plenty of practice at your snow sport, you may be able to take a drink on the go, and we suggest you use a Tenura CupCap to ensure your drinks container is spillproof.

Adapting your equipment to be more disability-friendly can help when it comes to participating and taking up hobbies in sports. If you have any more ideas, you would like to share. You can do so via our socials (Facebook and Twitter).

In part one of this blog series, we compared vinyl, wooden, quilted, and metal placemats to silicone table mats. This time we are going to review those table mats in terms of the following properties:

• Non-slip
• Antimicrobial
• Machine washable
• Inclusivity for people with disabilities
• Heat resistance

We hope this blog provides you with information to help you make an informed decision on your next table mat purchase.

Vinyl Table Mats Vs. Silicone Table Mats

Are Vinyl Placemats Non-Slip?

Vinyl table mats offer non-slip properties, but these pale in comparison to Tenura silicone.

If you knock over drinks on vinyl table mats, they are waterproof, but woven vinyl table mats, which are currently trendy, offer little protection, allowing liquids through the gaps.

Do Vinyl Placemats Have Antimicrobial Properties?

Some vinyl table mats have antimicrobial properties, as do Tenura table mats. The antimicrobial protection ensures bacteria can't harbor.

Can You Machine Wash Vinyl Placemats (Dishwasher Safe)?

Some vinyl table mats aren't machine washable due to their low-temperature resistance, so you may have to wash them by hand. Tenura table mats can be washed either by hand or in the dishwasher.

Are Vinyl Placemats Suitable for Disabled People?

These table mats are lightweight and easy to take on the go, just like Tenura table mats. Both mats are suitable for use with disabled people who require support at mealtimes.

Are Vinyl Placemats Heat Resistant?

Vinyl mats are heat resistant, usually up to 96.08°F, which is impressive but not as remarkable as the 482°F heat resistance of Tenura table mats. So, be cautious when placing hot plates and pans on vinyl table mats as they may warp or melt.

Quilted Table Mats Vs. Silicone Table Mats

Are Quilted Placemats Non-Slip?

Quilted table mats have no fundamental non-slip properties. Some will fare better than others, depending on the quilted table mats material. Still, the fabric will be no comparison to silicone's non-slip qualities.

Do Quilted Placemats Have Antimicrobial Properties?

The vast majority of quilted table mats do not have antimicrobial properties, meaning bacteria can harbor on the material and adversely affect a person's health. Some silicone placemats aren't antimicrobial, but Tenura table mats are.

Can You Machine Wash Quilted Placemats (Dishwasher Safe)?

This type of table mat is often machine washable. However, it depends on the fabric dyes, which could bleed or fade if washed at a high temperature. Tenura table mats are far more convenient to wash, as no matter how many times they go in the dishwasher, they will not fade.

Are Quilted Placemats Suitable for Disabled People?

Quilted table mats are lightweight, and you can take them on the go. However, they have no non-slip properties to reduce the risk of spillages for the disabled. Non-slip table mats such as silicone table mats can offer this assistance.

Are Quilted Placemats Heat Resistant?

These table mats have little heat resistance, contrary to Tenura table mats.

Exposure to high heat or flames can cause quilted table mats to discolor/burn or even set alight. However, some synthetic fabrics, such as nylon or polyester, can be fire-retardant.

Wooden Table Mats Vs. Silicone Table Mats

Are Wooden Placemats Non-Slip?

Often not, they are slippy unless a lacquer is applied, impacting the table mat's appearance. Sometimes wooden table mats will have non-slip rubber coasters on the bottom, but this will have little benefit in preventing unwanted movement of objects on top of the table mat. To avoid unwanted movement from items on top of table mats, look for slip-resistant mats like Tenura.

Do Wooden Placemats Have Antimicrobial Properties?

Certain types of wood like pine and oak naturally demonstrate antimicrobial properties, and you can treat certain woods to possess antimicrobial properties.

Bacteria, insects, and fungi can affect the wooden table mat's appearance, chemical composition, and structure, accelerating degradation. The antimicrobial additive in silicone table mats protects against mold, fungi, and a wide range of bacteria, which is vital as placemats are often close to your food.

Can You Machine Wash Wooden Placemats (Dishwasher Safe)?

It is worth noting that wood can stain, especially when in contact with curry or red wine, and sadly, you can't put them in a dishwasher to clean, which may leave you tempted to wash the placemat in hot soapy water is fine. However, leaving it to soak can cause it to swell and lose form, becoming a hazard due to its unlevel misshaped surface. You shouldn't need to soak your silicone mat. We would instead suggest you put it in a dishwasher.

Are Wooden Placemats Suitable for Disabled People?

This table mat isn't suitable for disabled individuals as they can be heavy, bulky, and have no beneficial properties for the disabled. Whereas silicone table mats are anti-slip, flexible, and lightweight, making them suitable.

Wooden table mats aren't dishwasher safe, so each table mat would have to be hand washed by the carer rather than putting all silicone mats in a dishwasher, which saves lots of time and effort.

Are Wooden Placemats Heat Resistant?

Wooden tablemats can burn, causing discoloration, and if exposed to a high temperature, you could have a fire on your hands. Tenura silicone is incredibly robust even in extreme temperatures (up to 482°F).

Metal Table Mats Vs. Silicone Table Mats

Are Metal Placemats Non-Slip?

If the metal table mat has a pattern etched on its surface, making it tactile, it has better non-slip properties. However, this affects the ability to keep it hygienic.

Tenura silicone provides a brilliant level of non-slip which stops things on its surface from being easily knocked over, helping you avoid spillages.

Do Metal Placemats Have Antimicrobial Properties?

Not all metals are antimicrobial, but silver is an example of a naturally antibacterial metal. The quantities of such metals within the placemat will determine if the placemat is antimicrobial. If unsure, check with the manufacturer. Tenura's silicone mats are antimicrobial, but some of our competitor's silicone mats are not.

Can You Easily Wash Metal Placemats (Dishwasher Safe)?

When handwashing the table mat, you should avoid rough brushes that can leave scrapes and scratches in the metal's finish, where bacteria can harbor. Some metal table mats are just metallic lacquer on top of another material. With harsh cleaning chemicals, these coatings can peel off.

You shouldn't need to use harsh brushes or chemicals on silicone table mats, as you can put them in hot soapy water or a dishwasher. Typically you should avoid placing metal table mats in a dishwasher.

Are Metal Placemats Suitable for Disabled People?

Metal table mats aren't suitable for the disabled as they can be heavy, sharp, and tricky to transport, the opposite set of characteristics to Tenura silicone table mats.

Are Metal Placemats Heat Resistant?

Most metals have incredibly high melting points, meaning hot objects such as pots and pans placed on their surface will not deform the metal. Metal is a good conductor, so some metal table mats can get hot if pans are directly placed on their surface. Instead, a silicone table mat may be a more appropriate solution as it has low thermal conductivity and brilliant heat resistance.

To Conclude…

We know that Tenura silicone table mats are a great addition to mealtimes. They can lessen the cleanup time because you reduce the risk of spillages, and you can put them straight in the dishwasher, but let's look at how all the table mats we have reviewed in this blog have fared:

The Best Non-Slip Table Mats Are…

If you are looking for a mat with non-slip qualities, you will want to go with a vinyl, silicone, or tactile metal table mat.

The Best Antimicrobial And Machine Washable Table Mats Are…

With the Coronavirus pandemic and health being in the back of everybody's mind, you may be more interested in the antimicrobial properties of your table mats and if they're machine washable. Therefore, silicone table mats are a great choice.

The Most Inclusively Designed Table Mats Are…

Both vinyl and silicone table mats are suitable for use by a disabled person who requires a carer at mealtimes. These table mats reduce the likelihood of spillages, thanks to their non-slip properties. A carer can easily wash them in hot soapy water (or put their Tenura table mats in a dishwasher). These table mats are lightweight, so you can take them out and about.

The Table Mats With The Best Heat Resistance Are…

Vinyl, metal, and silicone table mats have heat resistance, some of these materials more so than others. You will need to be the most careful with vinyl as they have the lowest heat resistance (up to 96.08°F), then silicone (up to 482°F), followed by metal. Most metals can withstand temperatures of 932°F. But in your kitchen, you aren't dealing with temperatures over 446°F. It is important to note that metal placemats can conduct heat and will be hot to the touch if you place hot pans on their surface.

Please read part one of this blog series if you want to know more about the above placemats regarding their toxicity, environmental impact, price, and durability.

You can also view and purchase the superior Tenura silicone table mat from our website.

 

We are glad you are contemplating how you can be more disability-friendly. Combatting discrimination and being disability-friendly are two ways individuals and companies can be accessible and inclusive to the disabled community. In this blog are Tenura's top tips.

What Can I Do To Support Disabled People?

Educate Yourself On Disabilities

It's crucial to be educated on this important topic as it improves your etiquette and terminology, giving you a deeper understanding of the common challenges a disabled person can face.

Use The Correct Grammar

Times change and terminology changes too, so please avoid outdated derogatory language. We suggest you use the term disabled or refer to the person's actual disability, for instance, deaf, but only if required in the conversation.

Donate Time To Charities

You can positively impact charities that support the disabled. There are many exciting avenues to explore, including training a service dog, lending a few hours a week to your local charity shop, and donating items that are no longer required.

Fundraising

You could do a fundraiser to raise money for a particular charity you feel is deserving. Bake sales, coffee mornings, and charity fun runs are always a favorite.

Providing Help For Disabled People

Act, but do so respectfully, recognizing a disabled person's independence and avoiding condescending behaviors.

Stand Up Against Discrimination

Some people may feel compelled to advocate against prejudice and steward disability rights. A good understanding of disabilities can allow you to do this in a selfless, wholehearted way but avoid being patronizing.

Keep The Conversation Going

Participate in observance days to help spread awareness about disabled causes, conditions, and other things you feel need a light shining upon them in the disabled community. You can actively support the disabled community by sharing information and spreading knowledge.

Support Following The Coronavirus, Reach Out And Listen

Coronavirus has shaken the world in many ways, especially for the disabled community. In our blog, inspired by last year's theme ('Fighting for rights in the post-COVID era.') for the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, we delved into the statistics. We addressed helpful ways to support disabled people with their post-COVID worries. Their main concerns included mental health, access to healthcare, shops, and transport, and you can read how to make a positive impact via our blog.

The Facts Regarding Disabled People in the Workplace

Get a better understanding of disability employment within the UK with these facts.

1. Disabled people are over a third less likely to be employed compared to non-disabled people. (Parliament)
2. With one in six of the population living with a health condition or impairment, employers are missing out on a huge number of talented people. (Scope)
3. Disabled people were 60% more likely to lose their job during the pandemic (Learning Disabilities Today)
4. More people are reporting a long-term health condition or disability than did so eight years ago. The increasing number of people saying a disability is being largely driven by an increase in mental health conditions (gov.uk)

We hope these facts have been an eye-opener and will encourage you to take up some of the guidance below.

 

What Can My Company Do To Support Disabled People?

Make A Public Statement Of Support

The statement lets your customers and potential prospects see the human side of your company and get a better understanding of your brand's values. If you support equality for the disabled, let it be heard, and let other companies follow in your lead. You could release something less formal, in the form of a blog post, like the one you are reading now.

Make Sure Employees Within Your Organisation Do Not Discriminate

To prevent such issues, provide a training course or host a meeting complete with relevant educational information. Having a well-informed workforce gives employees the fundamentals necessary to be stewards in events of discrimination within the workplace.

Improve Accessibility Around The Company Building

This means providing a mobility ramp in place of steps to aid those who struggle climbing stairs. Another improvement you can make is to change ordinary doors to automated doors. Automated doors also tend to be wider than a typical door which means the door is wide enough for wheelchair access.

Ensure there is good lighting through the building for anyone who is partially sighted. Other changes you can make include making sure the bathroom is accessible and having modified furniture to aid in mobility and comfort.

Reevaluate And Strengthen Company Discrimination Policies And Keep Them Up-to-date

When amendments are made, inform the employees to follow your latest practices. Enlist an independent adjudicator to access the inclusivity of your company. They can provide a non-biased opinion and their experience and knowledge to further aid in your journey to improving your work environment for the disabled.

Increase Diversity And Enrol On The Disability Confident Scheme

It is a brilliant voluntary Government scheme that encourages the recruitment and retainment of disabled people in the workplace. It promotes increased employee diversity, creating a broadened idea pool. Almost 20,000 employers have signed up for the Disability Confident Scheme.

Participate In Purple Tuesday

At Tenura, we strive to make our customer service accessible to the disabled community. We would applaud you to do the same. It makes you reevaluate the current structure and adapt it to be inclusive. You can read more about Tenura's efforts in our Purple Tuesday Awareness Day blog.

Record Disability-Related Absences Separate To Sick Leave

To help those with disabilities attend appointments and seek adequate care, record their disability-related absence separate from sick leave, stopping them from being penalized for taking care of their health.

Product To Help People With Disabilities At Work

Grip Roll

You can improve a person's grip on many items in and around the office. For instance, you can wrap Tenura silicone grip roll around grab rails in the toilets, and you can cover the pens handle pens to help the person grasp the item and write. You can also wrap the silicone grip roll to cupboard handles to improve the person's ability to open them independently, thanks to the additional grip the silicone provides.

Cutlery grips

You can slip Tenura cutlery grips onto cutlery handles, giving the user a better grip on the cutlery, thanks to the increased handle size.

If someone is struggling to write information down due to their lack of grip strength or dexterity, consider investing in Tenura cutlery grips. The grips slip onto pens, allowing the user to write with ease and comfort as less hand mobility is required to grasp the pen.

Non-slip Fabric

You can cut Tenura non-slip fabric down to a suitable size, placing it under the computer keyboard to prevent any unwanted movement keeping the keyboard in an accessible and comfortable position for the user.

Anti-slip drink coasters

We all spill drinks, and some conditions can make a person more prone to doing so, but you can be a supportive employer by having Tenura anti-slip drinks coasters available to staff. These coasters are great, as they keep drinks that rest on their surface secure thanks to the non-slip properties of the silicone mat.

Floor mat

If a person struggles to get on and off their chair, they may require more grip underfoot, and investing in Tenura non-slip floor mats may be a great way to provide the necessary help without needing more permanent solutions like grab rails.

Thank you for taking the time to read the blog. We hope you have found valuable ways to help the disabled community in your everyday life and at work. If you have any further advice you feel our readers could benefit from, please let us know via our socials, Facebook, and Twitter.

When shopping for placemats, there are so many on the market, which can make your choice tricky. It isn’t always obvious which placemats are best. The material of the placemat has a significant effect on the quality and other attributes. 

In this blog, we are comparing four types of placemats; vinyl, quilted, wooden, and metal to Tenura silicone table mats in terms of the following qualities:

• Aesthetics
• Toxicity
• Environmental impact
• Price
• Durability

We hope this blog gives you some good advice and direction to help you find a placemat that meets your specific requirements.

Vinyl Placemats Vs. Silicone Placemats

Do Vinyl Table Mats Have Many Design Variations/Are Vinyl Table Mats on Trend?

Vinyl placemats come in many colors and shapes and can be produced on a mass scale. You can print on vinyl placemats which opens up even more design avenues.

Similar to vinyl placemats, silicone placemats can be molded into many shapes in a variety of colors. At Tenura, we offer three bold colors of silicone placemat (red, blue, and yellow).

Are Vinyl Table Mats Toxic?

Vinyl placemats are made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC), which gives vinyl placemats heat resistance, flexibility, and durability. However, PVC is thought to leach harmful substances like phthalates and dioxin (one of the most toxic, highly polluting chemicals ever produced). In contrast, Tenura placemats contain no phthalates or cost-saving chemicals, making them non-toxic.

What Environmental Impact do Vinyl Table Mats Have?

Making vinyl and silicone involves petroleum extraction from a non-renewable resource, crude oil, followed by a refining process requiring extensive energy and heat.

Vinyl is mass-produced but not readily recyclable, therefore taking up significant landfill space. Silicone doesn’t decompose like vinyl placemats into microplastics that are dangerous if ingested by wildlife. Silicone is a safer and more sensible alternative to plastic placemats such as vinyl, especially for the environment.

How Much do Vinyl Table Mats Cost?

The brand name has the most significant influence on vinyl placemat’s price, whereas the cost of silicone placemats is dependent on quality. Tenura placemats are a premium silicone construction that boasts many benefits, including being antimicrobial and heat resistant (up to 250°C).

How Long will Vinyl Table Mats Last?

Vinyl placemats are reparable using patches from hardware stores, but consumers aren’t unlikely to mend their placemats. Vinyl placemats can be durable, but out of vinyl and silicone placemats, silicone is a better choice in terms of its durability. Silicone is incredibly resilient even at extreme temperatures. This durability makes silicone placemats last for years.

Quilted Placemats Vs Silicone Placemats

Do Quilted Table Mats Have Many Design Variations/Are Quilted Table Mats Trendy?

Most variations of this placemat are down to the fabric, which can be plain, patterned, or textured. They are considered old-fashioned and are more likely to be in homes of older generations. They are very different in finish from silicone placemats, which are often smooth and glossy.

Are Quilted Table Mats Toxic?

Providing the fabric used to create the quilted placemat is natural. It should be plastic-free, so just like Tenura silicone placemats, it doesn’t contain phthalates plasticizers. It could, however, contain cost-saving chemical dyes that can cause skin irritation. At Tenura, we strive for our products to be premium which means we use no cost-saving chemicals in production, making our placemats non-toxic.

What Environmental Impact do Quilted Table Mats Have?

Waste products such as harmful chemicals and carbon emissions from the production of synthetic fabric contribute to global warming.

Wool can and should be recycled. Synthetic fabrics are harder to recycle and often end up in landfill sites. Silicone can be recycled by taking it to specialized recycling centers.

How Much do Quilted Table Mats Cost?

Sometimes they are double-sided, so you get two quilted placemat designs for the price of one. They are relatively inexpensive, especially those made of synthetic materials, because they are cheaper and easier to produce on a large scale.

Silicone can also be mass-produced, making it an accessible price point for environmentally conscious manufacturers such as Tenura, who want to create plastic-free products. Silicone products tend to be slightly higher in cost to the consumer than plastic alternatives; however, they will last longer as they do not degrade. Therefore, the impressive properties of silicone placemats will remain intact.

How Long will Quilted Table Mats Last?

In a shorter time, quilted placemats are more likely to stain and look disheveled. You can wash them at a low temperature, which helps retain their aesthetic appeal but follow the fabric guidelines to avoid fading and shrinking the fabric.

Synthetic fabrics are more durable than natural ones, but stitching can still come away with wear, and fading will occur. Synthetic fabrics typically have higher heat resistance and can be machine washed for ease. Silicone mats are good to use again once dry after cleaning them with warm soapy water.

Wooden Placemats Vs. Silicone Placemats

Do Wooden Table Mats Have Many Design Variations/Are Wooden Table Mats Trendy?

Due to wood’s solid composition, these placemats can have 3D effects or laser-cut designs, increasing their variety. It’s on-trend and can match many aesthetics within the home.

Silicone placemats can also be laser cut and poured into a variety of molds to make intriguing shapes. Tenura placemats, on the other hand, are simplistic by design and meet specific objectives, like being non-slip and heat resistant.

Are Wooden Table Mats Toxic?

Wood with any defects, including toxicity and disease, will not be used to create placemats. They could be dangerous to health, especially when they come so close to food.

Tenura placemats are made of food-grade silicone and are completely non-toxic.

What Environmental Impact do Wooden Table Mats Have?

Wooden placemats are one of the most environmentally friendly placemats. They are procured from trees (a natural renewable source) and can decompose in a relatively short timescale. Trees also reduce CO2 in the air, with CO2 being a pollutant that speeds up global warming. I’ve restored this, as it was fine.

Tenura’s non-slip and heat resistance qualities will last years simply by washing your mat with warm soapy water between each use. Without additional and potentially time-consuming maintenance, your wooden placemat will degrade and require replacing quicker than a Tenura placemat.

How Much do Wooden Table Mats Cost?

We have seen a price increase in recent years for pine, oak, and other cool-toned woods, whereas, in the past, mahogany was in vogue. The type and age of the wood can vastly affect the price, but they are at an accessible price point for the most part.

As you may have seen on the high street or online, silicone is trendy, especially in terms of bakeware - this is thanks to silicone’s impressive robustness and machine washable convenience.

How Long will Wooden Table Mats Last?

The durability of wooden placemats is high if it’s formed from mid-range wood and you follow the care instructions.

Because silicone is so durable and built to last, you likely won’t need to purchase any other placemat in your lifetime, whereas you might need to replace your wooden placemat in 5 to 10 years.

Metal Placemats Vs. Silicone Placemats

Do Metal Table Mats Have Many Design Variations/Are Metal Table Mats Trendy?

Metal placemats are very up and coming as they tend to signify elegance and style. You can have laser-cut designs and different finishes. Similar to silicone, the molten liquid is poured into different shapes to create showstopper table décor. 

Are Metal Table Mats Toxic?

The vast majority on the market are safe, especially if you have bought them from a reputable retailer that stocks products that meet UK regulations. Nevertheless, you need to keep them away from harsh chemicals as the metal may not be chemically inert like Tenura placemats.

What Environmental Impact do Metal Table Mats Have?

Metals are widely recyclable, which conserves natural metal resources. Recycling metals is far more eco-friendly and less polluting than making new metal from ore. Ore is increasing in scarcity.

Less environmentally friendly metals such as copper and rose gold require high heat and specialized machinery to manipulate. Copper is also toxic and can have adverse effects on marine life and waterways, whereas silicone is non-toxic and will not affect these ecosystems.

How Much do Metal Table Mats Cost?

Metal placemats have a higher price tag due to the metal’s value and specialized machinery such as large high-pressure presses used to manipulate the material into shape.

A cheaper alternative to 100% metal placemats is metal-coated placemats. However, the coating can wear away with time, especially if you don’t follow the product’s care instructions.

Tenura placemats are the middle ground in price between these two metal placemats.

How Long will Metal Table Mats Last?

Metal placemats should have a long product life as they are made of durable material, just like Tenura silicone table mats. However, metal mats will require more care and maintenance than Tenura mats.

To Conclude…

Here at Tenura, we are a bit biased towards Tenura placemats. Still, we recognize that all placemats have a purpose, which is why we have broken down our conclusion by category.

The best aesthetically appealing placemats are… 

Are you someone who likes to be on-trend? Perhaps you’ll opt for wooden, vinyl, silicone, or metal placemats.

The best non-toxic placemats are…

All placemats in this blog, bar the vinyl placemats, are non-toxic. Remember that the metal and quilted placemats can be toxic depending on the dyes or metal used.

The cheapest, most durable placemats are…

If you are frugal with your money, then price and durability may be the most attractive attributes. Based on our findings, vinyl, wooden, and silicone placemats are the best.