By Kerry Knight
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| Photo Credit: bettermedicine.com |
How do you know when it’s the
right time to buy something? When it’s on sale? Is it based on new or
special features? The right color, technology or other factors? Or maybe it's
the right time to buy a product because its time has come?
One of the best innovations to
enter the market place in the last ten years is the Walk-in Tub. For years, senior citizens and younger adults
with mobility challenges had to depend upon traditional bathtubs for
bathing. This was creating
problems. The statistics for falling in
the bathroom had become a major health issue, one that was garnering much discussion. In 2011 a report came out that stated, “Over
80% of injuries in the bathroom were caused by falls.” Reports also said that women were 72% more
likely to fall than men. According to
research from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1.6 million older
adults seek emergency care each year for fall-related injuries, and especially fractures
or head trauma. In addition to
potentially losing their independence, seniors 65 years old and up have a 25% greater
chance of dying within six months to a year if they fall and break a hip.
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| Photo Credit: bathcrest.com |
It’s a fact: the Walk-in Tub provides
a much safer alternative in the bathroom to a regular tub with a high
threshold. Instead having to lift the leg 12 inches or more across the rim of a
normal drop-in tub, they have an easy six-inch threshold to traverse. Now, after several years of being available
in the U.S., the Walk-in Tub has become an advent for greater safety in the
bathroom. And there has never been a
better time to get one. Why? Read on.
Today’s Walk-in Tubs are better
made. Just as with any new product,
there must be time to shake out all the bugs in the system. That means after ten years, these tubs just
function better than their original prototypes. Initially, the structure of the
tub was not as durable. Most were made
of thin fiberglass, and the supportive frame was lacking. Today, the better Walk-in Tubs are made of
acrylic or better yet, Marine-grade fiberglass.
That’s the same material you find in a ski boat, which is significantly more
durable. Plus, the better frames now are made of stainless steel. That means
the frame will not rust, it is lighter weight and just as durable and rugged as
pure steel.
Today’s Walk-in Tubs are
available in a variety of sizes. Let's face it, people are not all the same size, so
the Walk-in Tubs should be available in sizes to fit the person buying it. Smaller size Walk-in Tubs enable them to fit
through doors in the house without having to do major remodeling. And for larger sized individuals, or those who
may have to manipulate themselves out of and into a wheelchair after bathing, the
doors on the tubs are wider today, thus making entry a lot easier.
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| Photo Credit: goodrichlifecare.com |
Today’s Walk-in Tubs have more
features available to enhance the benefits of water therapy. The air-jetted
hydrotherapy system creates thousands of micro-bubbles in the tub that positively
affect the entire body. They stimulate
the skin and nourish it, creating a gentle massage as the bubbles burst against
the skin. It makes for a tremendous rejuvenation
of the body. Keep in mind that your body
weighs 90% less when submerged in water, easing pressure on joints, ligaments
and muscles that don’t normally receive relief. Another system that can be
purchased today is the water-jetted massage system. This allows for larger jet
ports that are adjustable. You can specifically target parts of your body that
need therapeutic attention. The
adjustable jets can alter both direction and pressure to reach the maximum
comfort level, whether you are treating your back, hips, arms, legs or
feet.
Another feature is the inline
heater. This is a way to keep the water warm while you’re bathing. It doesn’t continue to increase the
temperature (which would eventually become uncomfortable), but rather maintains
a comfortable temperature throughout the bathing experience.
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| Photo Credit: tubking.com |
The Walk-in Tub’s safety features
have never been better. Not only is there a low entry point or
threshold in
entering and exiting the tub (around six inches), there are many other safety
features to enhance the tub. The floor
and seat are typically slip-resistant.
There is also a grab bar located across from the door on the inside wall
of the tub to make it easier for getting up and down. The seat is normally ADA-compliant (17
inches) so that there is no unnecessary strain on the back. The hand-held shower sprayer allows one to
rinse off while sitting and is within easy reach, just like the faucet and other
controls. Today, everything about the
tub speaks to the point of safety and ergonomics.
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| Photo Credit: tubking.com |
Our Walk-in Tub's prices have never been lower. I
know, there are many companies out there who still charge ridiculous prices for
the Walk-in Tub, but there are a few, like Tub King, Inc., which has made these
tubs affordable for everyone. I receive
emails constantly from potential customers saying, “Why are some firms charging
$10,000 to $15,000 for the same Walk-in Tub that you sell for less than $3,000?” Of course they’re wondering if there’s
something defective about a Walk- in Tub that’s priced so low. It has nothing to do with higher price/better
quality. The answer lies in how companies
choose to market their products. Some
companies are content to sell fewer tubs (less hassle for them) while marking
the price up. Others, (like Tub King, Inc.)
would rather sell more volume, thus helping more people obtain their tub at a
lower more affordable price.
There has never been a better
time to own a Walk-in Tub. Not only does
it help with safety in the bathroom, creating independence so that you don’t
have to depend on others while performing your own personal hygiene
maintenance, relaxing the body, and soothing aching muscles, it can also help
with many medical conditions.
One article listed the following
areas that might be helped by regular hydrotherapy sessions in a Walk-in Tub:
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| Photo Credit: slimsculptedsane.com |
- Anxiety
- Arthritis
- Asthma
- Balance Challenges
- Bronchitis
- Chest Congestion
- Colds
- Diabetes
- Fibrosis
- Headaches
- Hemorrhoids
- Insomnia
- Joints
- Lower Back Pain
- Lumbago
- Muscle and Nerve Concerns
- Poor Circulation
- Rheumatism
- Sciatica
- Shingles
- Stress
- Varicose Veins
As I mentioned above, there has
never been a better time to purchase a Walk-in Tub. No reason to wait. You can get a well-equipped Walk-in Tub at a
great price and utilize a professional installer, your own plumber, or maybe
even your own skills to install the tub.
Most Walk-in tubs will fit right in the spot where you have a bathtub
now.
Maybe it’s time to stop reading
about it, and take the next step. Your
body, mind and spirit will thank you.
In this article, I listed several
reasons why now is the best time ever to buy a Walk-in Tub. Today’s models have new and improved design
features since they were first introduced about a decade ago. Several upgrades
have been made to improve their already high safety standards. Also, new
features have been added to provide additional health benefits.
If you found this article useful,
please share it with your friends and co-workers. If you have a comment related
to this article, leave it in the Comment section of this blog.
Free Walk-in Tub Buyers' Guide
If you’d like to receive
a FREE Walk In Tub Buyers’
Guide, click here. Have a question? Feel free to contact me at
the number or email listed at the end of this article and I’ll personally get
back to you. It’s been my pleasure sharing this information with you.
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| End-of-the-Year Sale on All Walk-in Tubs! Click Here. |
Thanks again for visiting with
us.
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Alan and Kerry Knight are the
owners of Tub King, Inc., and SeniorBathtub.com in Jacksonville,
Florida. Together they have many years of experience in the antique and
senior bathtub industries. Their companies not only provide superior products,
they are also award winners, receiving the “Best of Jacksonville Chamber Award”
four years running. If you’d like to contact them, call (800) 409-3375 or (800)
843-4231; or send an email to Alan@tubking.com.
