Specifications & Details
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Specifications & Details
Index:
- What is the SadElite used for?
- How can I tell if I have S.A.D.?
- What is the difference between the SadElite and light boxes?
- Why do doctors recommend using the SadElite for S.A.D. in the early morning and only for 15-30 minutes?
- Must I look into the light to derive maximum benefit?
- Why is the SadElite so much less expensive than light boxes?
- How much energy does the SadElite draw?
- How much "Full Spectrum" light does the SadElite emit?
- How long should the fluorescent tubes last?
- Must I buy replacement tubes from Enviromart or can I get them elsewhere?
- Does the SadElite give off any UV radiation or magnetic fields?
- Would my insurance company cover this purchase?
- Can I take the SadElite to Europe and use it with an adaptor?
- Is there any danger in using the SadElite all day long?
- Is there any assembly required?
- Does the SadElite come in a choice of colours?
- What warranty does the SadElite come with?
- How long has the SadElite been around?
- What if the lamp doesn't do anything for me; can I return it?
- What is the SadElite used for?
- Thousands of psychiatrists, psychologists, sleep specialists, and GPs have been using and recommending the SadElite for Seasonal Affective Disorder (S.A.D.), sleep disorders and jet lag. It is also being widely used by people with failing vision and in industry as a super-bright task-lamp for meticulous work and in product inspection.
- How can I tell if I have S.A.D.?
- As the name suggests, the Seasonal onset of this depression seems to occur in the late Summer or Fall, especially in northern latitudes, when the days grow shorter. It subsides in the Spring when the weather improves and the days grow longer. This depression is often accompanied by general sluggishness, irritability, carbohydrate craving and reduced libido. It is important, however, to consider that the seasonality may be caused by other factors, notably psychological (e.g.. the return to school in the Fall and the anticipation of Summer vacation in the Spring). For this reason, it is always a good idea to consult with a mental health professional. If you do not know of any, please contact us for our free referral to experienced clinicians in your area.
- What is the difference between the SadElite and light boxes?
- With its adjustable arms and pivoting head, the SadElite is much more versatile than a light box. It is infinitely adjustable, allowing you to find your own level of comfort. On an office desk, the SadElite's high-tech appearance makes it far less obtrusive than a light box. Its photometrics also incorporate a highly polished parabolic reflector that amplifies light output making it one of the most powerful, yet efficient of such devices.
- Why do doctors recommend using the SadElite for S.A.D. in the early morning and only for 15 - 30 minutes?
- Early clinical studies observed that 2,500 - 5,000 Lux light boxes required treatment times of 2 to 4 hours. More recent studies have shown superior treatment for S.A.D. symptoms using 10,000 Lux devices for only 1/2 hr. Early morning treatment was also shown preferable to other times of the day because it did not interfere as much with the sleep-wake cycle.
- Must I look into the light to derive maximum benefit?
- Clinicians advise sitting in front of the SadElite with the light shining in your face so that your eyes are not in shadow. You would thereby admit light through your peripheral vision. You would do so for 15 to 30 minutes reading a newspaper or a book, drinking your favourite beverage, or engaging in any other seated activity. It is not necessary to stare into the light, although some clinicians suggest occasionally glancing at it as you shift your head.
- Why is the SadElite so much less expensive than light boxes?
- Being the most widely sold unit with overwhelming demand, the SadElite benefits from economies of scale. Northern Light Technologies, the manufacturer, states that with each SadElite sold, a modest contribution to overhead and profit is made. Were they to produce only light boxes, Enviromart would have to mark them up a lot more to cover overhead and maintain comparable profit.
How much energy does the SadElite draw?- The SadElite draws 86 Watts; less than a 100 Watt light bulb!
- How much "Full Spectrum" light does the SadElite emit?
- Whereas "Full Spectrum" lighting was formerly thought to be important, it is now widely accepted as being unnecessary. Rather, it is the amount or intensity of light that counteracts S.A.D. Indeed, full-spectrum lighting is potentially more hazardous than normal fluorescent lighting because of its higher UV content. The SadElite maintains 10,000 Lux at a distance of 8" to 18" from the light source, with a colour temperature of 3,000 Kelvin (warm-white).
- How long should the fluorescent tubes last?
- The tubes are rated by their manufacturers at 12,000 hours. Northern Light Technologies rates them, more conservatively, at 5,000 hours because they decline in light-output after that by 10-15%. Used for only 1/2 hour / day, 200 days a year, they should last many years.
- Must I buy replacement tubes from Enviromart or can I get them elsewhere?
- Enviromart has replacement tubes and sells them at $25 each. Although these are not common types of fluorescent tubes, they are available at larger electrical and lighting dealers. We provide tube model numbers so that the purchaser is not dependent on us and may choose to purchase locally.
MOST ASKED: Does the SadElite give off any UV radiation or magnetic fields?
No. The little residual ultraviolet (UV) radiation given off by the fluorescent tubes is screened out by the SadElite's UV filter. Most light boxes use standard acrylic diffusers that do not block UV-B or UV-C. The SadElite also employs an electronic ballast which produces a magnetic field that is weaker than any of your electrical kitchen appliances. This field is shielded by the metal base enclosure.
MOST ASKED: Would my insurance company cover this purchase?Many insurance companies do recognize the benefits of light therapy, its cost effectiveness, and significant advantages over antidepressant medication. Reimbursement normally requires a prescription from a physician. The accepted CPT (Current Procedural Terminology) Code for S.A.D. treatment and photo therapy is 90899. Call your insurance company first. If they need additional clarification, have them contact us.
- Can I take the SadElite to Europe and use it with an adaptor?
- No. European appliances are designed to operate on 220 Volt/50 Hz, whereas North American current is 110 Volt/60 Hz. The SadElite's electronics are incompatible with adaptors. The manufacturer, Northern Light Technologies does, however, produce a 220 Volt/50 Hz version of the SadElite which Enviromart will ship to many European countries.
- Is there any danger in using the SadElite all day long?
- No. Many health care professionals use the SadElite as a desk lamp and simply turn the hood down so that the light is less intense.
- Is there any assembly required?
- No. The SadElite arrives complete and ready to use.
- Does the SadElite come in a choice of colours?
- The decorative white colour, which blends with almost every decor, is the only colour that is currently available.
- What warranty does the SadElite come with?
- Excluding the fluorescent tubes, it comes with a 5-year warranty on parts and labour.
- How long has the SadElite been around?
- Northern Light Technologies, the company who developed the SadElite, was established in January 1990. The SadElite was first introduced in September 1991, the same year Enviromart was established.
- What if the lamp doesn't do anything for me; can I return it?
- You have 30 days from date of receipt to return the SadElite, should you elect to do so. Please contact Enviromart for a Returned Merchandise Authorization (RMA) number. Reimbursement applies to the cost of the SadElite. Shipping costs to and from the purchaser are his/her responsibility and are non-recoverable.
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