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* Tip: Make a List by Function
* Tip: Make a List by Need
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It doesn't matter whether you're very tired, your hands ache or you have trouble holding onto things, you still have to eat! Every day.

One option is to buy convenience foods; meals that have already been prepared and frozen, or you can order take out from the local restaurants. These are both okay from time to time, but the healthier and less expensive alternative is to have fresh foods that you can enjoy without too much preparation effort.

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Tip: Make a List by Function

There are lots of gadgets and gizmos that claim to make short work of food preparation. Before you load up your kitchen drawers with useless tools, the staff at Dynamic Living offers these questions designed to help you look for the right tools:

• What foods do you like to eat?
• What are the tasks that you perform most frequently?
• Which tools do you always reach for?
• What functions do you wish you had a tool for?

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Tip: Make a List by Need

Once you have narrowed down the range of kitchen helpers you need and will use, think about your personal needs:

• Do you need bigger handles to hold things more easily?
• Bigger numbers or contrasting colors to help you see more clearly?
• Bigger buttons?
• Something to help you hold small things?
• Maybe a tool to help you cut down on wrist motion?

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Next, check your drawers and cabinets to see what you already have. Consider replacing knives and other cutting instruments that may have become dull through the years, making it much harder than it should be to slice or chop. Perhaps it is also appropriate to throw out, or at least store away, some of the tools and small appliances you never use, particularly those that have rusted or are broken. Don't be embarrassed - they're in every kitchen!

Now is the time to shop for equipment that can really be helpful and for replacements for those worn out favorites. Specialty kitchen stores, and even the supermarket, have lots of great choices. Some tools that are designed for people who need a little more help in the kitchen might be harder to find, which is why the staff at Dynamic Living has collected many of them together for you.

Does your list include a lot of cutting, chopping, grating or stirring? Look for tools that will help to take the effort out of this type of repetitive task. For example:

• Automatic Grater - grates cheese, chocolate or nuts effortlessly for adding that special touch to your meals and desserts.

There are also kitchen accessories that make it easier for people with poor dexterity to get the job done safely:

• Ulu Knife - has a unique rocker style design which increases leverage, making fine cuts simple and chopping easier. The Ulu knife (pronounced oo-loo) comes from Alaska, and has been used by native people of the Arctic for centuries.
  
• Large Handled Tools - help the cook with weak hands complete their preparation tasks more easily. These have become so popular, they are available in most kitchen stores and supermarkets.
  
• Easi-Grip^® Knives have offset handles that help people with arthritic hands cut food using more leverage and less hand strength.
  
• Cut Resistant Gloves are made out of a light-weight man-made fiber that will protect you from a knife's blade.

Manufacturers have started to notice that people struggle with little numbers and symbols on measuring tools. Look for some of the following new designs:

• Measuring Cups and Spoons - with colors or large contrasting numbers to indicate the size.
  
• Low Vision Timers and Talking Timers - help you keep track of the time so you can prevent your favorite dishes from being overcooked.
  
• Low Vision Meat Thermometer - has a remote, wireless display with large digits so you don't have to guess when the meat is done.
  
• Liquid Level Indicator - prevents spill-over in cups, bowls or mugs by buzzing when the liquid reaches the appropriate level.

For some of us, handling the pots and pans on the stove is a challenge.

• Pan holders - have a notch to hold a pan handle securely. This prevents the pot from moving as you stir the contents.
  
• If the weight of the pan is an issue, slide it onto the stove or onto a flame retardant surface on your counter rather than picking it up.

For those of us who hate to cook, and even those of us who love it, saving time and effort in the kitchen is important. Maybe it is time to treat yourself to some new kitchen tools that will bring comfort and convenience to your mealtime chores.

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© Copyright 2001 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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