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”
Category Archives: Lifestyle
Switching to a Power Chair
For many SCI survivors, recapturing independence is your single most significant achievement. You view any concessions to that independence – accepting more help, using more or different equipment – as giving up, as failure, as the ultimate defeat. But it’s hard to deny the fatigue and pain that may come from years of pushing aContinue reading “Switching to a Power Chair”
The Benefits of Exercising, Even with Limited Mobility
When limited by an injury or disability, individuals tend to lead inactive lifestyles. There’s good news, however! Even if you are limited by your mobility or use a motorized wheelchair or electric scooter, there are still ways to be active and live a healthy life. According to the article “How to Exercise if You HaveContinue reading “The Benefits of Exercising, Even with Limited Mobility”
The Keeper of the House
By Barry CorbetReprinted with permission from New Mobility Magazine Doing housework from a wheelchair is possible. It is not practical. Nonetheless, some of us insist on doing it. For all you masochists out there, there are ways and means. To make household chores more approachable, I suggest dividing them into three categories: what you can’tContinue reading “The Keeper of the House”
Travel Tips for Scooter and Power Chair Users
Don’t let limited mobility stop you from traveling. There are many places in the world that are handicap accessible for scooter users and power chair users. With a little research and planning, your trip abroad will be one to remember. Don’t know where to start? Check out this article from the Zebra, “Travel Tips forContinue reading “Travel Tips for Scooter and Power Chair Users”
Upper Extremity Pain
For 20 years, Tom had “no aches, no pains, no nothing.” Why was his luck changing now? Maybe his shoulder pain started because his new van didn’t have power steering, or maybe it was because he was doing a lot more wheeling on carpet. Regardless, now his shoulders hurt. Thinking that the pain might goContinue reading “Upper Extremity Pain”
Weight Gain: The Battle of the Bulge
So you gained five pounds in the last year; no big deal. It’s probably not enough for anyone to notice. But think about it: What’s five pounds a year? It’s twenty pounds in four years. Fifty pounds in ten years. One hundred pounds in twenty years! Were you planning to be around in twenty years?Continue reading “Weight Gain: The Battle of the Bulge”
You and Your Doctor
As part of a growing health and cost conscious public, we now take more responsibility for our health. More concerned about what we eat, drink and how we exercise, we also bring a questioning approach to health care. We are now forging new relationships with our doctors and we are less likely to sit passivelyContinue reading “You and Your Doctor”
Your Gift Guide to Mobility Products
Picking out gifts for your loved ones each year can be a challenge. Some people are naturally good at picking the perfect gifts for their friends and family, but for many people, it can be difficult. Things get more complicated depending on the individual; some people are easier to buy for than others. Perhaps youContinue reading “Your Gift Guide to Mobility Products”
Advocacy & Protection
Advocacy and Legal Rights Many of the fifty states have advocacy and protection services for persons with disabilities. Their goal is to protect, promote, and expand the rights of the disabled. General beliefs across the board are that: Persons with disabilities should have the same opportunity to participate in the community as persons without disabilities.Continue reading “Advocacy & Protection”