Article - It's Alarming!

Some of us have built in timers. We wake as the sun rises, smell the cake when it's done and take medications without reminders. The rest of us need something or someone to tell us "It's time!" How do you get that information if you can't see the clock, hear the alarm or move to tap the snooze button? Alarm clocks and timers come in all different styles to suit all types of needs and tastes.

The staff at Dynamic-Living.com has been reviewing alarm clock and timer options to identify specialty clocks, timers and watches for people with special needs.

Waking up can be very difficult for some people. Teenagers can be very heavy sleepers and older people may have trouble reading the clock face without their glasses. Each of them needs an alarm clock with options that suit their particular needs.

• If you are hard of hearing, there are alarm clocks that are much louder than your average alarm. Some of these specialty alarm clocks come with a bed shaker. The bed shaker plugs into the clock and then is placed under your pillow or mattress. When the alarm goes off, the bed shaker vibrates to wake you. This type of alarm is also handy if you do not have a hearing issue, but share a room with someone who does not have to get up as early as you. Traveling? There are also compact portable bed shakers that fit in the palm of your hand.

• For people who like radio alarm clocks with some music choices, there is a clock that has pre-set buttons (just like your car!) for selecting music stations. Another option is to attach an MP3 player. The clock is particularly helpful for people who forget how to change the settings because the instructions are imprinted on the top of the clock.

• Don't have room for a clock on your nightstand? This isn't a problem when you have aclock with a remote to turn the alarm on and off. Hang the clock on a wall to leave more space for other things you might need close at hand. Think you'll have trouble seeing the clock? These wall clocks can have numbers up to 4" high!

• When you don't want to fuss with buttons to set the clock or turn the alarm off, a Voice activated Clock is the right choice. Just tell the clock "snooze" and get a few more minutes to doze. Say "what time is it?" to hear the time whenever you want.

During the course of our day there are tasks that have beginnings and ends that need timing: parking at a meter, cooking rice, taking a break at work. Some people participate in exercise or hobbies that need timers like walking, flying or playing paint ball.

• Some timers beep, flash or vibrate to let you know that it is time to stop or start an activity. Many are small enough to clip onto a belt or tuck into you pocket.

• A Talking Count Down Timer can be set on the counter or clipped on your belt to let you know when a cycle has completed and it is time to start again.

• Kitchen timers come in many shapes and sizes. A mechanical timer with large numbers could be helpful to prevent burning the cookies.

Specialty watches might be right for easy reminders on the go.

• On many watches you can set an alarm with a short beep to alert you to an appointment. A vibrating watch has a very discreet alarm which is great in a meeting and is also ideal for someone who has trouble hearing an alarm.

• A talking watch can tell you the time when you press a button and can also be set to alarm at a particular time.

Some people need a reminder several times during the day to help us with medication routines. Medication reminders usually come with some type of organizer or dispenser to help you with medication compliance.

• A locking medication dispenser prevents you from doubling up on your medications. When the alarm goes off, the medication tray rotates to expose only one compartment while an audio alarm or a flashing light lets you know that it is time to take your medication.

• Other pill organizers include talking alarms. Some will tell you the day and date to reinforce the proper medication holder, while others gently remind with announcements like "Take pillbox number 2". Some are ideal for the countertop, while others allow you to detach the alarm and one pill box for traveling.

There are lots of choices when it comes to alarms. Think about the purpose of the reminder and where you are most likely to be when you need to be alerted. Then you will be prepared to select a device that will suit your needs perfectly!

© Copyright 2008 Dynamic Living, Inc.
Dynamic Living Newsletter may only be redistributed in its unedited form. Written permission from the editor must be obtained to reprint or cite the information contained within this newsletter.

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