Saturday, January 28, 2012

Get a FREE CaptionCall® Caption-Enabled Phone!

Well, shiver me timbers and hold on to your hats!! Have we got an amazing opportunity for you. If you have hearing loss or use hearing aids then hurry and get your FREE CaptionCall Caption-enabled telephone from Marilyn Electronics. I know, I know, you are thinking that this is too good to be true. Believe me, we were skeptical at first and are now true believers. This phone is amazing and you won't be sorry that you took the time to order one by clicking here.

We recently got one of the CaptionCall caption-enabled phones for Marilyn (Yes, the Marilyn and the retired founder of Marilyn Electronics) and she absolutely loved it and was laughing the entire first time using it because she could actually carry on an entire conversation with her son and grandchildren without missing any of it! (Just to note, Marilyn has a Cochlear Implant and wears a hearing aid in her other ear with less than 10% hearing with which she uses a neckloop while on the phone). Marilyn says that it is the phone she has been waiting for her whole life!! She doesn't miss a thing her grandchildren say, but admits even with captioning, that she sometimes doesn't know what in the world they are talking about! :-)

The CaptionCall caption-enabled phone is a revolutionary new 40dB amplified phone designed to make telephone communication easier for anyone who has difficulty hearing on the phone, with superior sound quality and customizable audio settings. The large, easy-to-use touchscreen provides smooth scrolling captions so users can read what callers say. To find out more about CaptionCall or to watch a demo video, go to MarilynElectronics.com.


What does it cost?
CaptionCall is absolutely free for anyone qualified with a hearing loss. There are no service charges, additional hidden costs, or contracts to sign.

How can CaptionCall be free?
CaptionCall is able to offer this because they are reimbursed by the FCC for providing valuable captioning service for people with hearing loss or who wear hearing aids.

Order now and get:
  • Free delivery
  • Free installation assistance
  • Free ongoing captioning service

How Do I Get my FREE Phone?
Just follow the link below to the Marilyn Electronics web site. Click Add to Cart and continue to our shopping cart. Add your information and submit your order and a CaptionCall representative will contact you to have your phone shipped directly to you and arrange for installation assistance if you need it.
It's as easy as that! Enjoy and we are sure that you won't be sorry.
Please don't hesitate to contact us with any questions you may have.

Happy Captioning,
Marilyn Electronics

P.S.
Act today because this offer is only for a limited time.

Saturday, July 16, 2011

What does TIA-1083 compliant mean to you and your phone?

As you read some product descriptions on the Marilyn Electronics web site, you might see the term "TIA-1083 compliant," but what does it mean?
It's a new standard for cordless phones. On tiaonline.org, "This standard will curtail the interference experienced by cordless phone users with hearing aids and cochlear implants." For compliant products, see http://tinyurl.com/6em7vbe.

Wednesday, June 29, 2011

Be Prepared for a Medical Emergency

Your next medical emergency is just as likely to happen at 2:17am as it is at 3:15pm---any day of the week. Your medical emergency may involve a trip to the local Emergency Room or an unexpected hospitalization. It could also happen while you are on vacation (in a strange town) or while you're visiting Aunt Betsy at the old family homestead. No matter where it happens, you can be prepared.

Make a List!

For yourself, and each member of the household, make a list of:

  • current medical issues (such as "diabetes")
  • current medications
  • known allergies
  • physicians (family physician and specialists, if applicable)
  • prior hospitalizations
  • prior surgeries
  • current physical restrictions
  • family history (if applicable)

Current Medical Issues: The obvious "issues" are diseases, disorders, syndromes, and any other "recognized" medical complaint (such as "migraines"). You should also include "date (age) of onset" for each medical problem. If the list is more than two or three issues, arrange the list in chronological order, according to date (age) of onset.

Current Medications: The hardest thing to "remember" in a time of medical emergency is what medications you are taking, medication strength, and medication dosage. Often, you can remember that you take your heart medication in the morning---but do you remember the brand/generic name of each, the medication strength (usually indicated in "mg" [milligrams] or some other unit measurement), and how many times you take it each day (often indicated as something like "with each meal" on the prescription label). The best way to make the list is to get all of your prescription medication (boxes, bottles, tubes) and put them on the table next to you. Pick up each and transfer the information that is on the label onto your list. Be sure to include: drug name, drug strength, dosage (times per day), and prescribing doctor. You should also include over-the-counter (OTC) medications, including pain relievers, vitamins, herbal and nutritional supplements, and other medications (such as anti-acids). BE HONEST. If you take more than the recommended dose or take untested or non-regulated drugs or supplements, then the doctor will need to know about it (as it may affect the manner in which you need to be treated).

TIP: Keep the printout that you get from the pharmacy for each of your medications. Put the printouts in a file folder. This helps to centralize the information you will need about your medications.

Known Allergies: Even if you take medication for them, be sure to list the
specific allergies that you deal with. Also, if you have "unpleasant reactions"
to eating particular foods (not really an allergy, per se), you should make note
of that as well. During a medical emergency there are many factors that come
into play and giving a treating paramedic and/or physician too much information
is better than not giving them enough information.

Physicians: List names, addresses, and phone numbers for physicians
whom you are seeing on a regular basis (even if "regular" is a once-yearly
physical examination). If you go to clinics for treatments (such as a dialysis
clinic), list that as well. Physicians and other medical facilities may need to
be contacted to get your most current medical records.

TIP: Collect business cards for physicians and clinics. Lay the business cards on a
copier surface and simply copy all of the cards.

Prior Hospitalizations and Surgeries: Unless you are creating a Medical
Emergency List for a child, it generally isn't important to list the fact that
you had a tonsillectomy in 1978. However, you should list all relevant
hospitalizations and surgeries that pertain to an ongoing issue. Provide the
hospital name, city and state, general date (October 2002 is sufficient, or just
the year if that's all you remember), and reason for admission. List the types
of surgeries (by generality such as "back surgery" or specifically such as
"laminectomy" if you have that information).

Current Physical Restrictions: If you are under a physician's order not to lift
more than 5 pounds, or cannot drive because of medications you are taking, make
note of that. If you have physical "limitations" due to arthritis, age, or any
other general health factor, it is wise to note that as well. Remember that
"more information" is always better than "too little information."

Family History: Physicians generally want to know about your own "immediate
family" (grandparents, parents, and siblings): diseases, cause of death, age at
time of death (if or as applicable). If you don't know specifics, then include
what information you do have (even if that information is "all living" or
"unknown").


Keep the Lists Handy!

Create a list for each member of the family (including newborns). If possible, include all of the information on one sheet of paper. Keep these lists in an envelope or folder that is in a readily accessible place. Make sure that all members of the household know where the list is kept (surprisingly, very young children often play a key role in getting emergency care for an older sibling or parent who experiences an at-home emergency). If your 11-year-old son falls out of the top bunk in the middle of the night, all you need to do is grab that envelope or folder on your way out the door. All of the information an emergency physician will need will be at your fingertips because your mind will be on your son...not on remembering his pediatrician's phone number.

Tip: Make 3 copies of each family member's list. At the time of a medical emergency, you can just give the whole page to a paramedic, triage nurse, or ER physician so that it can be included in the patient's chart.

Update the Lists!

When anything changes---a medication is changed, a new physician is seen, or you've just gotten home from the hospital---update the list! If you are pressed for time, then simply make a copy of something (drug printout from the pharmacy, discharge orders from the hospital, new doctor's business card) and clip it to the list. As soon as practicable, formally update the list---and don't forget to make NEW copies and discard the old ones.

Medical emergencies are stressful events. Avoid some of the stress by knowing ahead of time that should an emergency arise, you have all the information a paramedic, nurse, or physician will need to treat the patient promptly and provide the care that is needed.

Jan K., The Proofer is a freelance copyeditor and proofreader. Visit Jan’s Portal (http://www.jansportal.com) for more information about Jan's free crafts, recipes, tutorials, other resource
sites, and free content articles, as well as Jan’s freelance proofreading business services. Be sure to visit Mom's Break (http://www.momsbreak.com/)
for free printable crafts and projects.
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Friday, May 27, 2011

Happy Memorial Day

Just a quick blog to wish everyone a safe and Happy Memorial Day Weekend. Fly your American flag proud this weekend and remember to thank a veteran for all that they have done to preserve our freedom and liberties. Let them know they are truly appreciated.

Here is a link to some great Memorial Day History if you want to read up on the true meaning and thoughts behind memorial day.

If you are so inclined to shop this weekend and looking to save a few bucks on some great Father's Day gifts or gifts for a recent graduate make sure to check out the coupons posted on Marilyn Electronics and to review our Memorial Day Sale for even more savings.

Again have a Safe and Happy Memorial Day Weekend.

Your Friends at Marilyn Electronics.

Tuesday, March 29, 2011

People Are Talking

Three retirees, each with a hearing loss, were taking a walk one fine March day.

One remarked to the other, "Windy, ain't it?"

"No," the second man replied, "It's Thursday."

And the third man chimed in, "So am I. Let's have a coke."


Is this a familiar scene? It doesn't have to be. Marilyn Electronics carries many Assistive Listening Devices (ALDs) that will provide access to independence. A great device is a personal amplifier like the Pocketalker!


The Pocketalker Ultra Personal Sound Amplifier amplifies sounds close to the listener while reducing background noise, making it ideal for use in noisy situations, TV listening, one-on-one communication, small groups or listening in a car. With the single mini earphone, the Pocketalker can get up to 123dB SPL high volume output and clarity. Achieve nearly 100 hours of typical usage; the red light on the top panel flashes when the battery is low. Separate tone and volume controls are located on the outside of the case for easy adjustments to your hearing needs. It features a lightweight, ergonomic design for portability and easy use. Finger tip adjustable volume control allows you to quickly adjust to your listening environment - whether your hearing loss is low frequency or high frequency sounds.


New for 2011, the Pocketalker Pro Personal Sound Amplifier with Mini Isolation Earbud, a small personal sound amplifier for one-on-one communications and TV listening, this Pocketalker helps reduce background noise making it easier to hear in noisy situations. The 20dB high frequency boost, 25dB SPL high volume output and clarity of the Pocketalker are not found in many similar products advertised. To meet your individual needs, the Pocketalker Pro features an internal tone and gain control that can be adjusted by your audiologist to match your hearing ability. The Pocketalker Pro is available individually or with a choice of earphones or headsets. It is backed with a five year warranty - your assurance of quality and satisfaction.


Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Why ALDs?

Assistive Listening Devices are essential to those with a hearing loss. The term ALD can apply to anything from a personal amplification device to an amplified phone. An ALD can be a great addition to a hearing aid or even a great alternative if a hearing aid is not a viable solution. Hearing aids have two main limitations that can be solved by using an ALD: noise and distance.

It can bring distant sounds directly into your ear while eliminating background noise. For those with hearing aids there is a realm of ALDs that are compatible with Telecoil. These allow you and your family with hearing loss the ability to enjoy a variety of activities such as listening to music or talking on their cell phones. The most important fact is that you or your loved one can purchase a comprehensive hearing solution that improves their quality of life.

So, if you think an Assistive Listening Device will enhance your or a loved one's lifestyle, check out Marilyn Electronics extensive line of ALDs!

Wednesday, August 11, 2010

What is Lewy Body Dementia?

As owner of Marilyn Electronics I am trying to do my part in educating people about Lewy Body Dementia. Lewy Body Dementia is a vastly under diagnosed and underfunded disease that my Dad (Marilyn Electronics Co-founder) is suffering from and which has now consumed a large amount of our family's time and taken an emotional toll on our family over the past year to help give him the quality of life that he deserves as he struggles with this disease.

Please read the information below which is provided by the Lewy Body Dementia Association and donate to their organization if you can.

Kind Regards,
Gail Peckman, President
Marilyn Electronics

---------------------------------------------

Lewy Body Dementia is...
A progressive brain disease and the second most common cause of neurodegenerative dementia after Alzheimer’s disease. Lewy body dementia is a ‘spectrum disorder,’ meaning it can occur alone or in combination with Parkinson’s disease, or co-exist with Alzheimer’s disease.

LEWY BODY DEMENTIA IS NOT A RARE DISEASE…

It accounts for up to 20% of dementia cases in the U.S. — that’s up to 1.3 million cases in the U.S. alone, with only 30%-50% of LBD cases being accurately diagnosed, even in dementia centers.

EARLY AND ACCURATE DIAGNOSIS IS IMPORTANT BECAUSE…

Antipsychotic drugs may cause extreme adverse reactions in those with LBD. Cholinesterase inhibitors may improve alertness and cognition and potentially reduce hallucinations and behavioral symptoms.

Lewy body dementias (LBD) include:
- Parkinson’s disease dementia (PDD)
- dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB)

Items in bold are included in DLB diagnostic criteria:

---------------------------------------------

Dementia symptoms specific to Lewy body dementia:
- Fluctuating cognition
- Neuroleptic sensitivity

LBD Symptoms that resemble Alzheimer’s:
- Progressive memory loss
- Changes in mood and behavior
- Decreased judgment and insight
- Loss of initiative
- Disorientation re: time and place
- Difficulty with language and tasks

Dementia symptoms that resemble Parkinson’s:
- Extrapyramidal signs
- Muscle stiffness and rigidity
- Very slow movements, frozen stance
- Balancing difficulties, shuffling gait
- Tremors
- Stooped posture
- Blank facial expression
- Difficulty swallowing, weak voice
- Restless leg syndrome
- Repeated falls, fainting, myoclonus

Additional symptoms typical of Lewy body dementia:
- Visual hallucinations (also smell, sound, taste, touch)
- Transient/unexplained unresponsiveness
- Delusions, mood disorders
- Illusions
- Visuospatial impairment(depth perception, object orientation)
- Sleep disturbances, such as acting out vivid nightmares and dreams
- Autonomic dysfunction (blood pressure fluctuations, constipation, incontinence, sexual dysfunction)

---------------------------------------------

Clinical management is challenging because…

Antipsychotic drugs may cause worsening of confusion, Parkinsonism, heavy sedation, neuroleptic malignant syndrome.

Benzodiazepines, anticholinergics, and some surgical
anesthetics, antidepressants, and over-the-counter medications
may cause sedation, motor impairment, or confusion.

Some medications for Parkinsonian symptoms may increase
confusion, delusions, and hallucinations.

---------------------------------------------

All information above is the property of Lewy Body Dementia Association, Inc. Please go to their web site for more information.

Lewy Body Dementia Association, Inc.
912 Killian Hill Rd., S.W.
Lilburn, GA 30047
Office: 404-935-6444
Fax: 480-422-5434
Caregiver Helpline: 800-LEWY-SOS (800-539-9767)
www.lbda.org