Eye on the future: new products in the marketplace.

Inside MS is pleased to introduce Eye on the Future, a column featuring new commercial products that may help make living with MS easier.

Inclusion in this column does not imply an endorsement or recommendation by the National MS Society. This information is offered as a service. Before making an investment, check with your doctor, nurse, or physical therapist to determine if these products are appropriate for you.

Exerstrider

Best described as cross-country skiing without the skis, Exerstriding is a new method of "supported walking" that has won high praise from many people with MS. The Exerstrider consists of specially designed poles with rubber tips on the ends.

People who have adequate upper-body strength for this device report significantly improved stability and balance over simple walking canes. More akin to exercise equipment than an assistive device, many users say they have found they can increase the amount they walk, both for exercise and pleasure.

Exerstriders are $59.95 plus $6.95 shipping and handling. They come with a 37-page user's manual and instructional video. For information or orders, contact:

Exerstrider

P.O. Box 11681

St. Louis, MO 63105

Attention: Tom Rutlin

1-800-437-4647

Chewing Toothbrush 

The Chewing Toothbrush is a breakthrough for people who have difficulty brushing their teeth with a conventional hand-held toothbrush. Made of soft plastic, the Chewing Toothbrush has bristles just like a regular toothbrush, but instead of using one's hand, a user simply inserts the brush in his/her mouth and chews. The chewing motion, in combination with the movement of the tongue, advances the brush around the mouth.

No toothpaste or water is required because the brushes are impregnated with anisette, xylitol (a natural sweetener), and natural peppermint. The brushes can clean effectively and should be helpful against gingivitis.

Brushes are sold in packs of three for $12.00 plus shipping and handling (each pack contains twelve brushes; 36 brushes in all). Each brush lasts approximately two cleanings. If preferred, a user can extend a brush's life by applying a small amount of toothpaste. For information or orders, contact:

Wise Word Communications

1619 N. Miller Road

Scottsdale, AZ 85257

Attention: Shannar Douglas

Phone: [phone]

Higher Ground

Higher Ground is a new company offering educational products for people with disabilities, including books on subjects ranging from exercising to job hunting to starting a business, as well as instructional audio and video tapes. In the words of the company's founder, Ceil Blumenstock, the products offered by Higher Ground are specifically for people with disabilities who are looking to reach their full potential, or "higher ground." The products are illustrated in a free catalog. Please contact:

Higher Ground

P.O. Box 6829

Ithaca, NY 14851

Attention: Ceil Blumenstock

Phone: [phone]

Internet: http://higher-ground.com

Flexseat-Low

One of the most common dilemmas associated with wheelchair cushions is achieving comfort while maintaining posture stability. Flofit has introduced Flexseat-Low, a temperature resistant seating cushion that is less contoured than the original Flexseat. Developed in conjunction with the Rocky Mountain MS Center, the Flexseat-low works by providing openings in the area of common pressure points to reduce pressure on the buttocks and lower back and ensure good stability. These pressure-relief openings also provide increased ventilation.

The front of the Flexseat-Low provides a wide surface for better distribution of body weight. This helps the user to maintain good posture by preventing the pelvis from tilting too far forward or backward. A variety of adjustment points enable the user to customize the position of the cushion on any wheelchair.

Two versions are available: a fluid-filled ($340) and a foam-filled ($240) model. The Flexseat-Low is covered by most insurance plans, and by Medicare. For information or orders, contact:

Flofit Medical, L.L.C.

5455 Spine Road, Suite A

Boulder, Colorado 80301

Phone: [phone]

Fax: [phone]

Bill Rosen is marketing planning manager at the National MS Society.