Interviewer: Terri Rozaieski Pride took the opportunity to contact Bob Stanton, Director of the National Park Service (NPS) regarding the accessibility of our Nation’s State Parks. Mr. Stanton promptly offered his enthusiastic response to our inquiry and offered an interview with Dave Park, Accessibility Program Coordinator for NPS. Following is the text of that exchange:Continue reading “How are National Parks Accessible”
Category Archives: Lifestyle
Long Term Caregivers
No one plans on spinal cord injury. “No one” includes you-the spouse, the family, the person who provides care-as well as the survivor. Yet you’ve been there, all this time. And by now you know that there’s not much out there in the way of support for spouses, friends and family. You say you feelContinue reading “Long Term Caregivers”
Maintaining Mobility
By Carol Daus Assistive equipment helps the geriatric population stay active and independent. Today’s seniors have never been more on the go. Between postponing retirement and participating in sports and activities once relegated to the young, most people over the age of 65 are living much more active lives than their parents did. Given thisContinue reading “Maintaining Mobility”
Medication Misuse and Abuse: Know the Signs
Although prescription drug abuse is a widespread problem, there is an increasing risk for medication misuse and abuse among older adults. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), and their page, “Specific Populations and Prescription Drug Misuse and Abuse,” older adults and seniors are more likely to experience problems with medication.Continue reading “Medication Misuse and Abuse: Know the Signs”
Optimal Health
You are over your rehab and are reaching a level of health that you feel good about. How do you keep healthy? What does being healthy mean, considering your spinal cord injury? Here are some ideas about what optimal health means and what you can do to keep healthy for a long, long time. WhatContinue reading “Optimal Health”
Understanding the Risks of Osteoporosis
Known as the “silent disease,” osteoporosis causes bones to become thin, porous and brittle, resulting in fractures. Some of the most common fractures occur in the hips and spine. According to the New York State Department of Health, individuals with a physical disability are at a higher risk for osteoporosis. There are several reasons forContinue reading “Understanding the Risks of Osteoporosis”
Posture
You may find it harder to sit up straight at the table. You may notice a certain crookedness when glancing in a mirror or store window. The lower back pain or forward lean seems to have gotten worse over the past year. Or your back just seems constantly tired. These symptoms all point to postureContinue reading “Posture”
Remodeling Your Home for Accessibility
Although there are many questions raised when faced with an aging or disabled family member, one important question is whether a home can be adapted for a mobility device. Many families may decide it is easier to move. Before taking that step, however, read Cynthia Wilson’s article, “How to Remodel for Accessibility.” Wilson interviewed ToddContinue reading “Remodeling Your Home for Accessibility”
Smoking and Lungs, Skin, Bladder
You already know that a spinal cord injury causes an impairment of the muscles involved in breathing – the higher the injury, the greater the impairment. That’s strike one. The fact that smoking is harmful to your lungs is hardly news. Still, that’s strike two. How smoking affects your lungs – just what happens whenContinue reading “Smoking and Lungs, Skin, Bladder”
Spasticity
Thirty and forty years ago, no one “in the know” believed that aging with a spinal cord injury would be something we’d care about. Back then, no one believed any of the “survivors” would survive long enough for it to matter Now that assumption has been disproved and the tune has changed. We’re identifying andContinue reading “Spasticity”