As you follow through on a golf swing, your grip tightens and your wrist curves, engaging the muscles of your wrist and forearm. As you swing again and again, you strain the same parts of your arm and elbow.
Over time, the inside of your elbow may start to throb. The pain may be coming from the tendon that attaches your wrist muscles to your arm bone at the elbow. This condition is called golfer’s elbow, though the injury isn’t limited to the sport. Any repetitive action that uses the wrists, like turning a screwdriver or pitching a ball, can cause it.
George M. White, MD, a private practice orthopedist at the AdventHealth Orthopedic Institute and medical director of the Hand to Shoulder Center, said golfer’s elbow is typically caused by repeated activity that involves turning the wrist and flexing the elbow. “You see it in rowers, golfers and certainly you see it in tennis players who put a lot of spin on the ball,” Dr. White says.
No matter what causes their pain, a person with golfer’s elbow generally wants two things: (1) an end to the pain and (2) the ability to return to their hobby, sport or job.
In most cases, a combination of icing to reduce swelling and rest to allow the tendon to heal are enough to reduce pain. In the longer term, forearm strengthening exercises can prevent it from returning. In rare cases, when these options don’t work, injections and surgery can remove damaged tissue and allow the tendon to heal. “Less than 10 percent of patients with this problem require surgery,” Dr. White says.
Do You Have Golfer’s Elbow?
The first thing to consider is where you’re hurting. If the pain is coming from the inner curve, the inside part of the elbow, it could be golfer’s elbow. If it’s coming from the other side of your elbow, near the point, it could be a related condition, sometimes called tennis elbow.
The pain of golfer’s elbow might radiate from the elbow along the inside of your forearm and may feel worse with certain movements. Other symptoms may include a weak grip, stiffness, numbness or tenderness (pain when it’s touched).
Photo credit: AdvenHealth
What Can Help?
Dr. White says there are several lines of attack to treat the pain of golfer’s elbow.
The first is rest, and in many cases a couple of weeks avoiding the repetitive activity that caused the pain will relieve it. If rest alone doesn’t work, a gentle ice massage or prescription anti-inflammatories could. Next, a technique called iontophoresis can be used. It relies on an electrical charge to drive anti-inflammatory medicine into the tendon.
If these measures haven’t helped, medication can be injected into the elbow. New advanced treatments like growth factor therapy and stem cell treatments aim to stimulate the body’s own restorative powers. However, when all of these don’t work, surgery may be needed. It involves repairing the tendon to remove some of the painful tension.
Prescription: Prevention
After the pain goes away — or, ideally, before it even starts — golfers, weight lifters and others can take steps to prevent the pain altogether. Dr. White says there are three general ways to prevent the pain of golfer’s elbow: (1) build forearm strength through targeted exercise, (2) ice down after activity to reduce swelling, (3) and take an over-the-counter pain reliever on active days.
Hand grippers can build wrist strength, as can holding a light weight and rotating your wrist back and forth. Start slow and build up from there, Dr. White says, or you’ll risk causing the problem you’re trying to prevent.
Many athletes and hobbyists can give their elbow tendon a break by changing their form. Weight lifters can keep their elbows closer to their body and rowers can change their grip. Unfortunately, turning the wrist on the downswing of a golf stroke is an integral part of the game, so it’s harder to modify that activity. Instead, some golfers take an over-the-counter medication on the days they play, Dr. White says.
Originally published by AdventHealth; reprinted with permission.
Age-related macular degeneration, the leading source of vision loss, caused Gary Foster to become legally blind in his 50s.
Nearly 4.2 million Americans age 40 and older are visually impaired, according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, as a result of macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, cataracts and other conditions.
“I had been told repeatedly by my retina specialists that there was nothing that could be done for me,” Foster says. So he began advocating for himself and others impacted by vision loss by exploring technology options and assistive devices. While attending a conference with his wife and sister, Foster stumbled upon eSight, electronic eyewear intended to help individuals with legal blindness and/or low vision see clearly. Foster admits he was skeptical. “I just didn’t expect it to work,” he says. To his pleasant surprise, he tried on eSight and saw his wife’s sweet face for the first time in years. It was an emotional, life-changing moment.
Gary Foster uses eSight at home and in the workplace.
The Need for Electronic Eyewear
eSight was invented in 2006 by Conrad Lewis, a Canadian electrical engineer who pledged to restore sight for his two legally blind sisters. In the United States, legally blind means a person sees 20/200 or worse in the better eye or 20 or less degrees of visual field, according to Dr. Cathy Borgeson, an optometrist at Macali Eye Clinic (not affiliated with eSight). “The official definition of low vision is when a person is correctable to 20/70 or worse in the better seeing eye or has a significant visual field defect (large blind spot or loss of the peripheral vision). It means that the person has lost a significant amount of vision that cannot be corrected with conventional glasses, contacts, surgery or medication,” Borgeson says. She adds, “Low vision inhibits the ability to do normal daily activities (cooking, driving, etc.).” People who are legally blind have a greater degree of visual impairment than those with low vision.
Following nearly a decade of research and funding, the first eSight product launched in 2013, followed by the improved eSight 2 in 2015 and the most current generation, eSight 3, in 2017. That same year, Time magazine recognized eSight on its list of “The Best Tech of 2017 So Far.”
eSight glasses can help restore independence.
How Does eSight Work?
eSight is a lightweight, head-mounted assistive device that looks more like a visor than traditional eyewear. Charles Lim, eSight’s Chief Technology Officer, shared with AmeriDisability why the product is impressing both consumers and medical professionals. “The high-speed, high-definition camera captures everything the wearer is looking at. Advanced algorithms optimize and enhance the footage, then present that footage on two, near-to-eye screens in virtually real time and in stunning clarity,” he describes. “eSight’s remote allows visually impaired wearers to control everything from zoom to contrast, focus, even taking photos and streaming content directly to their eSight,” Lim explains. Plus, eSight’s ability to tilt up and down allows the wearer to always have access to their native peripheral vision and, so, this enables true mobility.
A New Outlook
eSight can be worn for as long as needed, either for a specific task or a longer duration. Foster, now 65, typically wears his eSight for a full work day. “I work on a laptop and pretty much wear them all day, with the exception of lunchtime,” he says. In his personal life, he doesn’t wear them as consistently, but always keeps the eyewear nearby just in case.
Because eSight grants Foster 20/20 vision, he was able to resume his beloved hobby of woodworking. His poor vision made the craft unsafe, but now he is able to confidently maneuver his tools again as eSight provides “24 times magnification.” Not to mention that media entertainment has become much more enjoyable. “I can connect to any electronic equipment that has a HDMI port, like my television or iPhone.”
As for that laptop? Well it just so happens to be stationed at the Toronto headquarters of eSight. After Foster bought his first eSight in 2015, he became a passionate volunteer promoting the technology to the visually impaired community. Soon thereafter, he asked for – and landed – a job! “I am the manager of the team that trains clients how to use the eSight. When you buy an eSight, you are assigned a coach and all of those coaches wear an eSight,” he says. It was a leap of faith as Foster had been on disability since he lost his previous employment. Because of his vision loss, Foster lost his license and, consequently, his job where he was expected to drive. “I felt like this was an opportunity to do good and to also be gainfully employed again. That mattered a lot to me,” he says of the decision to relocate from Calgary to Toronto. His wife, Tammy, is equally as passionate about eSight and also works at the company.
eSight can help users of all ages impacted by low vision or legal blindness.
The Cost of Vision
Foster says that even though eSight is considered a class one medical device, his health insurance wouldn’t cover it. So, he added the [then] $15,000 cost to his home equity loan. In just a few years since then, however, Foster says, “The price has come down to $5,950, I believe. And the new product is better and lighter!” And the price includes all software upgrades at no additional cost for life.
45-year-old Brian Hunt is legally blind and also tried to get his eSight covered by insurance to no avail. His professional experience working in life insurance in Michigan didn’t give him a leg up on navigating health insurance hurdles. He was told that adaptive equipment for the blind is not medically necessary. It’s an insurance loop hole that Hunt and many others are disappointed by. Hunt has familial exudative vitreoretinopathy (FEVR), a genetic condition where the retinal blood vessels do not develop normally. Unfortunately, he doesn’t expect that health insurance companies will change their policies unless congress forces the issue. That’s why he encourages people with visual impairments to speak out. “Write you congressmen to explain the situation and extreme cost. Most of the time, congress has no clue [about specific health needs] or why it costs so much.” But the high-priced device has proven to be extremely valuable for Hunt. “I use eSight mostly in meetings,” he says, to view screens and presentations.
On a case-by-case basis, some eSight users, according to Foster, have been able to get the product covered after winning appeals with insurance providers. “I think it’s simply just too new,” he says regarding the lag in coverage approvals. Nonetheless, thousands of customers have paid out-of-pocket to be able to watch movies, read books and street signs, excel in the workplace and see the faces of loved ones perfectly clear.
eSight glasses help users achieve desired tasks and activities.
Clarity on Next Steps
eSight 3 works best for those who have at least some remaining functional vision, according to Lim. “Since the device works by maximizing the functional sight that a person has, people who have no functional vision for eSight to enhance are less likely to experience satisfactory outcomes,” he says. Potential users are encouraged to try an “eSight Experience,” before moving forward with a purchase. This is essentially a 30-minute trial session to test the product and ask questions of an eSight expert. To connect with eSight, complete an online form or call 1-855-837-4448.
eSight is sold in 45 countries, but they do have competitors. Other companies have recognized the need for electronic eyewear, such as NuEyes, Aira, AceSight and IrisVision. Still, Foster has his favorite, “eSight is the only electronic eyewear that has been clinically validated.” He hopes that eye care professionals will continue to inform patients of tools that help users regain independence. “I do everything I did before [my vision loss], expect drive a car,” he says. Dr. Borgeson said she would be open to doing just that, proclaiming: “The eSight glasses certainly have potential to help people with visual impairment function better. Since they are a more advanced visual tool, I would refer my visually impaired patients to see a low vision specialist and allow the specialist to recommend devices.”
Disclaimer: This article is not intended as medical device. AmeriDisability does not guarantee the prices listed in this article; please check retailer.
With increasing prevalence of food allergies among children, the need for evidence-based and simple yet comprehensive training for schools on caring for students with food allergies is critical. Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE) is addressing this need with an online course to help school personnel learn how to create a safer and more inclusive environment for students with food allergies.
Aligned with the recommended best practices found in the “Voluntary Guidelines for Managing Food Allergies in Schools and Early Care and Education Programs” previously released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), FARE’s “Keeping Students Safe and Included” provides a much-needed training program that is easily accessible online for free and will improve understanding of the severity of food allergies among school staff who take the course.
“The CDC’s guidelines call for strong leadership in schools and partnerships among staff, families and medical providers to ensure that students with food allergies are protected and included. Unfortunately, we routinely hear from parents who have experienced a number of challenges with managing their child’s food allergy while at school,” said Carlea Bauman, vice president of Education and Community Initiatives at FARE. “Our new training course will provide educators with a foundation on the topic of food allergy, but importantly, it will also demonstrate how schools can implement a food allergy management plan that addresses safety and inclusion.”
With the training course, FARE has created a resource that gives school personnel and parent volunteers choices about how this presentation can be delivered. Schools can opt to watch a narrated training video, or volunteers/school staff can deliver the presentation using slides, a presenter guide and presentation tips. The course concludes with a 10-question Knowledge Check, and participants may print out a certificate of completion if they pass the quiz.
In updating this training for K-12 audiences, FARE has worked to increase the interactivity of the course and to restructure the content to allow learners to focus on information about food allergies that is most applicable to them. To access the course, please visit foodallergy.org/k12
Approximately 10% of American school-age children suffer from a learning disability (LD) and/or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), according to a report by the Centers for Disease Control. It’s estimated that 4% of children have both. But, for many children, these disorders go undetected despite ongoing struggles with school work and behavior issues that often accompany LDs and ADHD.
One thing parents and kids should realize is that those with LDs are often average or above average in intelligence. In fact, it isn’t uncommon for a child with a learning disability to excel in one subject, while struggling in another. Or perhaps a child does well under certain conditions while having great difficulty in other situations.Though depending on the LD and severity of it, a child might struggle in all areas.
Forms of Learning Disabilities
There are several forms of LDs. Some pose input problems, which means a child struggles with either sound or visual input. Information isn’t processed correctly or gets stored incorrectly in the brain. This can pose problems with retrieval as well as short or long-term memory.
An LD can also cause output problems.This can sometimes be seen in motor skills such as handwriting difficulties. Another common problem is verbal output. This is usually evident in that the child has trouble organizing thoughts either in writing or orally. Punctuation, grammar and spelling also often suffer.
Dyscalculia is a math learning disability. With this disorder, children have may have difficulty learning to tell time, counting money or counting in general, learning math facts, calculating, understanding measurement or performing mental math.
Dyslexia is a reading disability, though the symptoms are not exclusive to reading. Children with this disorder may have difficulty with spelling, vocabulary or comprehension. They may read slow, have trouble learning left from right, or have organizational problems both with written and spoken language.
Dysgraphia is a writing disability. Poor handwriting and often an awkward style of holding a pencil or even contorting the body while writing are hallmarks. A child may also have trouble drawing lines. With dysgraphia, children can often better express their understanding of material through speech than in writing.
Auditory Processing Disorder (APD) is a problem with input. It isn’t a problem with hearing but rather the brain has difficulty processing sounds. As a result, kids with APD may be distracted by loud noise or have difficulty following conversations. It tends to be especially problematic when there’s a lot of background noise which makes it difficult to distinguish sounds.
Visual Processing Disorders (VPD) are also a problem with input. Similarly, they aren’t a vision problem. Rather, VPD is a problem with the brain processing what the eyes see. It can result in a child bumping into things or not being able to distinguish the shapes they see. It can also pose difficulty in identifying letters or numbers or result in problems with visual sequencing among other symptoms.
Nonverbal Learning Disorder (NLD) is similar to Asperger Syndrome and shows up as difficulties with social skills. Academic problems are sometimes present as well but often don’t show up until kids reach higher grade levels. Those with NLD may be afraid of new situations, struggle to make friends, lack commonsense and experience social withdrawal. Academic problems can include reading comprehension and working out math story problems.
ADHD is marked by attention problems and/or hyperactivity and impulsivity. Girls often have only attention issues while boys are more commonly impulsive or hyperactive. Symptoms can include difficulty staying on task or paying attention yet often hyperfocusing on stimulating activity. Children with ADHD may fidget or have trouble staying seated, interrupt and act without thinking.
What to do if you suspect your child has an LD or ADHD
The first step is to talk with your child’s teacher, and find out what the teacher has observed. Then talk to the school principal and request an evaluation. Public schools are required by law to provide an evaluation. This should include an IQ test, assessments of math, reading and writing, and testing processing skills. If your child is in a private school and the private school doesn’t offer this service, you can request it through your public school district.
Once your child has received a diagnosis, your school psychologist should be able to recommend and help you set up services or accommodations for your child. Depending on the specific learning disability, your child may qualify for special education services under the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) or accommodations through Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.
Bear in mind, you are your child’s best advocate. So read books and articles on your child’s LD and learn how you and your school can help. Talk to your child’s teacher about additional ways the he/she can assist your child. Most teachers are eager to help, though depending on student ratio and school resources, it’s sometimes challenging for educators to do as much as they’d like because they likely have other children with special needs in the classroom as well. If you feel your child isn’t getting the help he/she needs, talk to the school administrator.
July 26, 2019 marks the 29th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) signed by President George H.W. Bush on July 26, 1990.
The ADA and the ADA Amendments Act of 2008 (ADAAA) give civil rights protections to individuals with disabilities similar to those provided to individuals on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, age and religion. The ADA and ADAAA also assure equal opportunity for individuals with disabilities for access to businesses, employment, transportation, state and local government programs and services, and telecommunications.
ADA Anniversary Event
In celebration of the 29th anniversary of this historic civil rights legislation, an ADA Audio Webinar Series hosted by the Great Lakes ADA Center will feature “ADA Anniversary Update: 29 Years Burning Down the Road” on Tuesday, July 16, 2019 from 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. ET. The webinar is free but registration is required; continuing education recognition is available — learn more and register for this July 16 webinar [www.accessibilityonline.org/ADA-Audio/].
“Nearly 57 million people in our country have a disability and nearly 25% of today’s 20 year olds will experience disability in their lifetime. Since 1991, the 10 regional ADA Centers in the ADA National Network have provided free, confidential and accurate information, resources and training on the ADA to businesses, employers, state and local governments, people with disabilities and their families, advocates and veterans across the United States,” said Barry Whaley, Director of the Southeast ADA Center.
Through the outreach, training and technical assistance the ADA National Network has done to promote voluntary compliance with the ADA, people with disabilities have better access to businesses, buildings, employment, state and local government programs and services, and increasing opportunities for equal and full participation in civic and community life.
The ADA National Network is the “go to” resource for free, confidential information, guidance and training on the ADA and its implementation — call toll-free 1-800-949-4232 or visit the website at adata.org — Callers using the toll-free 800 number are connected to the regional ADA Center serving their state.
ADA Anniversary Resources
You can access the ADA Celebrations Tool Kit offered by the ADA National Network and its ten regional ADA Centers across the United States.
Also, become a part of the nationwide celebration and recommit to the ADA. Sign the ADA Pledge for Individuals!
Everybody’s fighting some kind of stereotype, and people with disabilities are no exception. The difference is that barriers people with disabilities face begin with people’s attitudes — attitudes often rooted in misinformation and misunderstandings about what it’s like to live with a disability.
Here are some common myths surrounding people with disabilities, according to Easterseals, a nonprofit working to change the way the world defines and views disability by making profound, positive differences in people’s lives every day.
Myth 1: People with disabilities are brave and courageous.
Fact: Sure, many people with disabilities are brave and courageous. But that doesn’t necessarily have a direct connection to their disabilities. Adjusting to a disability requires adapting to a lifestyle, not bravery and courage.
Myth 2: All persons who use wheelchairs are chronically ill or sickly.
Fact: The association between wheelchair use and illness may have evolved through hospitals using wheelchairs to transport sick people. A person may use a wheelchair for a variety of reasons, none of which may have anything to do with lingering illness.
Myth 3: Wheelchair use is confining; people who use wheelchairs are “wheelchair-bound.”
Fact: A wheelchair, like a bicycle or an automobile, is a personal assistive device that enables someone to get around.
Myth 4: All persons with hearing disabilities can read lips.
Fact: Lip-reading skills vary among people who use them and are never entirely reliable.
photo credit: CDC
Myth 5: People who are blind acquire a “sixth sense.”
Fact: Although most people who are blind develop their remaining senses more fully, they do not have a “sixth sense.”
Myth 6: People with disabilities are more comfortable with “their own kind.”
Fact: In the past, grouping people with disabilities in separate schools and institutions reinforced this misconception. Today, many people with disabilities take advantage of new opportunities to join mainstream society.
Myth 7: Non-disabled people are obligated to “take care of” people with disabilities.
Fact: Anyone may offer assistance, but most people with disabilities prefer to be responsible for themselves.
Myth 8: Curious children should never ask people about their disabilities.
Fact: Many children have a natural, uninhibited curiosity and may ask questions that some adults consider embarrassing. But scolding curious children may make them think having a disability is “wrong” or “bad.” Most people with disabilities won’t mind answering a child’s question.
Myth 9: The lives of people with disabilities are totally different than the lives of people without disabilities.
Fact: People with disabilities go to school, get married, work, have families, do laundry, grocery shop, laugh, cry, pay taxes, get angry, have prejudices, vote, plan and dream like everyone else.
Myth 10: It is OK for people without disabilities to park in accessible parking spaces, if only for a few minutes.
Fact: Because accessible parking spaces are designed and situated to meet the needs of people who have disabilities, these spaces should only be used by people who need them.
Myth 11: Most people with disabilities cannot have sexual relationships.
Fact: Anyone can have a sexual relationship by adapting the sexual activity. People with disabilities can have children naturally or through adoption. People with disabilities, like other people, are sexual beings.
Myth 12: People with disabilities always need help.
Fact: Many people with disabilities are independent and capable of giving help. If you would like to help someone with a disability, ask if he or she needs it before you act.
Myth 13: There is nothing one person can do to help eliminate the barriers confronting people with disabilities.
Fact: Everyone can contribute to change. You can help remove barriers by…
understanding the need for accessible parking and leaving it for those who need it.
encouraging participation of people with disabilities in community activities by using accessible meeting and event sites.
understanding children’s curiosity about disabilities and people who have them.
speaking up when negative words or phrases are used about disability.
writing producers and editors a note of support when they portray someone with a disability as a “regular person” in the media.
accepting people with disabilities as individuals capable of the same needs and feelings as yourself, and hiring qualified disabled persons whenever possible.
Originally published by Easterseals; reprinted with permission.
Over the past 10 years, researchers have learned Alzheimer’s disease starts much earlier than the onset of symptoms – 10-20 years before an individual, family member or friend might notice the signs of the debilitating disease.
According to the Alzheimer’s Association, 5.5 million Americans, of all races and ethnicities, age 65 and older currently live with Alzheimer’s disease, which is expected to grow to more than 7 million people by 2025.
The first-of-its-kind Alzheimer Prevention Trials Webstudy (APT Webstudy), funded by the National Institutes of Health, aims to increase the pace of research by enlisting thousands of healthy volunteers who can quickly be enrolled in clinical trials focused on preventing Alzheimer’s disease. Enrollees in the APT Webstudy can use the internet to help stop the disease while being alerted to changes in their own memory function.
“In order to change the lives of the numerous people and their loved ones who will be affected by Alzheimer’s, we need everyone to get involved with prevention efforts,” said Paul Aisen, MD, co-principal investigator of the APT Webstudy. “The bigger the army of volunteers, the faster we can work to prevent this terrible disease.”
Volunteers can access the Webstudy when and where it is convenient for them, such as on their computer or tablet, or even a public library; anywhere they can access the internet. Volunteers participate in regular online memory testing. If there is a change in memory function, eligible volunteers are alerted and may be invited to a no-cost, in-person evaluation at one of the research sites across the country.
“This is an opportunity for everyone to help future generations avoid the suffering caused by Alzheimer’s,” Aisen said. “With enough volunteers, we will be one step closer to seeing the first Alzheimer’s survivor.”
Researchers are looking for a diverse group of people ages 50 or older who have normal thinking and memory function. Volunteers must be willing to answer a few questions about their family and medical history and provide information about their lifestyles. Volunteers will take online memory tests every three months, each one about 20 minutes long. If you are interested in participating, visit aptwebstudy.org to learn more.
The bicycle dates back to 1418, according to LiveScience.com, when engineer Giovanni Fontana constructed a four-wheeled human-powered device. Today, bicycles are used for a number of reasons, such as transportation, therapy, leisure recreation and competitive sport. Today, adaptive bicycles make cycling accessible for riders with disabilities.
Benefits of Adaptive Bicycles
Jarrod Cooper, who owns a mobile bike shop called Velofix, uses his special bicycle-built-for-two as a fundraising tool. He and his son, Jacob, who has Down syndrome and autism, ride a buddy bike in campaign events, like the American Diabetes Association’s Tour De Cure. “It’s a tandem bicycle specifically made for riders with special needs who have another rider there to assist them,” describes Jarrod, who crowd-sourced to cover the cost of the bike. The pair began riding around their neighborhood and now complete 20-25 mile rides, impacting both their well-being and the greater good of nonprofit missions.
For riders with disabilities, adaptive bicycles can boost physical benefits, such as increased joint motion, muscle movement, circulation, core development, coordination and balance. And for emotional gains, adaptive bikes can help foster inclusion and a sense of independence, among other benefits.
According to Wheels for Well-being, a British organization championing cycling for disabled riders, the majority of disabled cyclists (69%) who participated in a survey said they find cycling to be more comfortable than walking, because of eased joint strain, balance and breathing. The organization hopes adaptive cycles will become more respected as mobility aids, similar to that of wheelchairs and scooters.
Jarrod & Jacob ride a tandem bike. photo credit: Cooper family
Types of Adaptive Bicycles
Because riders have varying abilities, there are many different variations of adaptive cycles. Disabled Sports USA defines the following examples:
Handcycles are popular among riders with lower-limb mobility impairments. They allow cyclists to propel a three-wheeled cycle using their arms.
Tandem bikes are available in a variety of setups with the most common being a two-wheeled bike with a guide in the front. A side-by-side tandem tricycle allows two people to cycle simultaneously or at different rates.
Four-wheeled dual recumbents keep riders in a relaxed, seated position and are best for lower-extremity cycling.
Three-wheeled recumbent cycles are lower to the ground which creates a lower center of balance.
A recumbent foot cycle comes in a tadpole style — one wheel in back and two in front. The tadpole style is better for balancing. A recumbent foot cycle also comes in a delta style — two wheels in the back and one in the front.
A recumbent handcycle sits higher off the ground. It is easier to transfer to and would be used by someone who has less mobility. There are also handcycles much lower to the ground that are more efficient for competitive cycling.
Electric bikes, also known as e-bikes, are fairly new to the cycling scene but they’re definitely here for the long-haul. An e-bike offers a motor-assisted ride which is excellent for riders who prefer to lessen the demand of pedaling. Plus, powered cycles allow riders of all abilities to cover more miles. Check out reviews of popular e-bikes here. And for other adaptive bicycles and gear, find lists compiled by especialneeds.com and friendshipcircle.org.
Organizations Leading the Pack
Charlie’s Champs
As a neurodevelopmental pediatric physical therapist, Allie Benson has plenty of experience assisting children with special needs. During her first pregnancy, Allie and her husband, John, learned their daughter, Charlie, had multiple heart complications and omphalocele, a birth defect where organs grow outside of the belly. Sadly, Charlie died in utero but her impact lives on. In 2018, the Bensons founded Charlie’s Champs, a nonprofit focused on gifting adaptive bicycles to children.
Allie’s professional training helped steer her decision to honor her daughter and children like her. “I am really passionate about giving kids with special needs access to mobility. Insurance typically covers the necessities like wheelchairs, standers and gait trainers; but it rarely, if ever, covers recreational equipment likes bikes,” she tells AmeriDisability, adding, “For many of these kids, biking is one of the few ways they can participate in play with their siblings and friends. Bikes can be adapted so that kids of all abilities can keep up with each other.”
Samantha, pictured with her older sister Olivia, rides her adaptive bike. photo credit: Charlie’s Champs
Amanda Lyon, a mother of three, can attest that her daughter’s adaptive bike fosters inclusion. Six-year-old Samantha was diagnosed with Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE) at birth, a type of brain damage that occurs when the brain doesn’t receive enough oxygen and blood. She was also diagnosed with cerebral palsy three years later. Since infancy, Samantha has attended continual sessions of physical therapy, occupational therapy, aqua therapy and speech therapy – all of which have contributed to significant gains. “Early interventions on a regular basis have allowed Samantha to rebuild neural networks around the original brain damage that occurred from a lack of oxygen at birth,” Amanda says. She casually mentioned during a therapy session that she wished Samantha had access to an adaptive bicycle at home for continued muscle development… and that statement was all it took to get the wheels in motion! Amanda learned that Samantha’s former therapist, Allie, could make it happen and, soon thereafter, Samantha received her very own adaptive bicycle courtesy of Charlie’s Champs.
“Although we had [previously] purchased several trikes, she was never able to actually use them. She would slip off the seat or be unable to keep her feet on the pedals,” Amanda explains. The bicycle from Charlie’s Champs was customized to work for Samantha’s body and skill level. “It has a full seat, straps, buckles, adaptive handlebars and a pulley system that allows for reciprocal pedaling,” describes Amanda.
Samantha likes music, swimming and strawberries but she especially loves her new bike! And Amanda believes the benefits are definitely both physical and emotional. “This adaptive bike will allow her to explore the neighborhood and make friends with others while at the same time building muscle strength she needs for walking,” she says. And that’s all the reason the Bensons need to keep fundraising for the cause. “Charlie was never able to bike, but she inspired us to provide lots of other kids with the opportunity to,” Allie says. Based in St. Petersburg, Florida, Charlie’s Champs is now customizing its tenth bicycle to be donated. John adds, “In addition to the adaptive bikes, we also run a free durable equipment exchange [Charlie’s Closet] for special needs kids and their families. We are providing a way for families with equipment they don’t need anymore to connect with families that do. That includes wheelchairs, walkers, assistive standers, etc.”
Adaptive Cycling Foundation
With more than 28 professional years in the cycling industry, Scotty Moro describes himself as a “professional mechanic, longtime competitive cyclist and all around cycling geek.” Through engaging with military-serving nonprofits, Scotty explains that he and his wife, Lisa, recognized their “life’s purpose” with the realization that service members open up to each other while riding. “The unique peer-to-peer therapy it provides is unmatched in its ability to positively affect all aspects of those experiencing post-traumatic stress, depression, anxiety, mobility restrictions and so on,” he says.
In 2016, Scotty added another title to his resume (nonprofit founder) with the establishment of the Adaptive Cycling Foundation, an organization that supplies and manufactures adapted bikes for wounded service members and first responders. Scotty combines his cycling and mechanic expertise to create specialty adapted bikes for injured heroes and grant the “healing power of cycling.” Based in Mechanicsburg, Ohio, the Adaptive Cycling Foundation has aligned with Quality of Life Plus (QL+), an innovative assistive device developer, on a voice-activated gear shifting system for handcycles.
Thanks to the generosity of foundation donors who have made adaptive cycling possible, Scotty says he’s witnessed heroes reduce their medication use, control suicidal thoughts, repair family relationships and proactively pursue employment opportunities.
photo credit: Adaptive Cycling Foundation
Cycling Without Age
Ole Kassow explains that he wanted to help seniors feel a part of society. In 2012, his rickshaw-style pushbike initiative, Cycling Without Age, launched to grant seniors the sensation of “wind in their hair” and experience the city and nature around them regardless of mobility limitations. Today, the Denmark based effort is in more than 40 countries, including the United States (with 125 active chapters nationwide).
“Our front-passenger ‘trishaws’ are specially adapted to accommodate physically-challenged passengers,” says Kelly D. Talcott, U.S. Captain for Cycling Without Age. While styles vary, the effort primarily uses front-passenger trishaws, a padded two-seater compartment with weather-proof blankets and the pilot pedaling in the back. “When people are sitting in a trishaw, they are presented as people sitting in a place of honor ─ up front ─ in a unique vehicle that encourages interaction,” Kelly declares.
Cycling Without Age has been praised for its community collaborations, including programs with nursing homes, advocacy groups, cycle clubs and others. To find or start a chapter, visit CyclingWithoutAge.org.
photo credit: Cycling Without Age
Bike Share Programs
Many cities throughout the U.S. have implemented bike share systems, where users can rent and return bicycles from public racks, known as docks. Many systems do not include adaptive cycles; however, some systems do, as in Portland and Detroit.
Launched in 2017 in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Twin Cities Adaptive Cycling (TCAC) is a nonprofit bike share for youth and adults with disabilities. “Our program has a fleet of 40 adaptive bikes, including handcycles, recumbent foot trikes, therapeutic trikes and various styles of tandems,” says Caito Bowles-Roth, co-founder and executive director of TCAC. This program provides customized adaptive bicycle fittings and low-cost regular use of bicycles and equipment, in addition to comprehensive training and opportunities to participate in group rides.
Caito says the program proved to be successful almost immediately. “In 2017, we introduced adaptive cycling to 40 individuals and, in 2018, that number grew to 120 individuals. We currently average about 18 riders a day, and we expect to see that number continue to grow this season,” she says.
Caito says that two other adaptive bike programs and/or rentals operate in the surrounding area, and she hopes other communities across the country will also answer the demand for adaptive systems. “Talk with your local community programs and policy-makers about the importance of making sure bike share programs are accessible to everyone,” she offers. For helpful resources, read these tips from bike share provider Zagster.
photo credit: Twin Cities Adaptive Cycling
Feature image credit: Adaptive Cycling Foundation
No matter where you are in life, whether you’re just starting your career or nearing retirement, it’s important to understand the voluntary benefits available to you that can complement traditional health insurance.
While health insurance can help cover medical costs in the event of injury or illness, sometimes there are additional expenses your healthcare plan doesn’t cover. Voluntary benefits, such as life insurance, disability insurance and dental insurance, offered by your employer or as portable options through a company like Colonial Life can help bridge the gap should an unexpected event occur.
“Even if an employee has to pay a nominal sum for a voluntary benefit like disability insurance or dental coverage, it can be well worth it,” said Sharlyn Lauby, president of ITM Group Inc., creator of the HR Bartender blog and contributor to Colonial Life’s WorkLife blog. “Think of voluntary benefits as those specialized, personalized extras that make your overall benefits package exactly what you’d like it to be.”
Benefits can be complex, but with the right information about the options available you can make choices that best fit your lifestyle and budget. Consider these common voluntary options:
credit: hrps.org
Life Insurance
While almost 9-out-of-10 Americans agree most people need life insurance, just 60 percent said they have it, according to LIMRA’s Trendsin Life Insurance Ownership study. With benefits typically paid tax-free to your beneficiary, life insurance can provide peace of mind and help loved ones pay for funeral costs, cover living expenses, pay off debt, finance future needs and protect retirement plans. Policies are often available through employers, but you may lose the coverage if you change jobs. However, portable policies are also available that allow you to maintain coverage even if you change jobs or retire. To learn how much life insurance protection your family needs, check out this online calculator.
Disability Insurance
No one usually expects to get sick or injured, however disability insurance can help protect your income and maintain your lifestyle if a physician determines you’re unable to work due to a covered accident or illness. Common conditions such as pregnancy/childbirth, heart attack, stroke, cancer and accidents make up the majority of disabilities that lead to an inability to work. With short-term disability benefits, you receive financial support for a predetermined amount of time to cover expenses such as a mortgage or rent, car payments, utilities and more so you can focus on recovery.
In 2018, Colonial Life made payments on more than 70,000 disability claims totaling approximately $210 million.
Dental Insurance
Daily brushing and flossing can help keep your mouth healthy, but that’s not always enough as dental problems can lead to other health problems if left unattended. When you see a dentist for routine appointments and necessary procedures, dental insurance can help reduce the out-of-pocket expense. In fact, among insurance benefits typically provided to employees, 61 percent of workers view dental benefits as important, ranking second after medical insurance, according to LIMRA. Dental insurance provides coverage for regular cleanings and more extensive procedures like fillings, crowns, dentures and tooth removal. Some plans even offer allowances for orthodontic work like braces and retainers.
credit: Colonial Life
Accident Insurance
When an accident happens, one of the last things many people want to think about is how they’re going to pay the bills. You can prepare for this unexpected issue with accident insurance, which provides a lump-sum benefit – based on the injury suffered and treatment received – that can be used to help pay for expenses following an accidental injury, such as doctor bills, co-pays, emergency room fees, transportation, lodging and follow-up care.
Critical Illness Insurance
No matter your age or health status, a sudden illness could significantly impact your financial well-being, and health insurance may not cover everything. When a critical illness such as a heart attack, stroke or major organ failure occurs, major expenses often follow, and critical illness insurance can help off-set costs. In addition to your day-to-day bills, the lump-sum benefit can be used to pay for treatment- and recovery-related expenses including deductibles and co-pays, child care, travel and lodging, gym memberships and out-of-network treatment facilities and procedures.
Summer is a time to enjoy outdoor activities with friends and family — beach trips, picnics, camping weekends and parties fill our calendars. And while spending time outdoors can be a lot of fun, the warm summer months may cause health problems for some.
High temperatures and long-term sun exposure can worsen side effects for some chronic conditions, and they can also cause problems like heat exhaustion, heat rash or heat stroke. During the summer months, it’s important understand the signs and symptoms of a heat-related illness, and communicate this information with loved ones.
Chronic Illnesses and Heat
Heat and sun exposure can aggravate symptoms of certain conditions, including:
Autoimmune diseases, like Lupus and rheumatoid arthritis
In some cases, a chronic disease may increase someone’s risk for a heat-related illness because the body isn’t able to cool itself down easily. People may be more at risk for heat-related illness if they have conditions like:
Young children, people over the age of 65 and people who exercise during hot weather are also at high risk for heat-related illness, so it’s important to check on them regularly to ensure they’re staying safe and healthy.
credit: AAA
Tips for Staying Safe During Hot Weather
If you or a loved one suffer from a chronic medical condition, follow these tips to avoid symptom flare-ups and heat-related illnesses:
Ask About Your Medicines
Certain medicines can worsen the effects of heat, especially medicines used to treat depression, insomnia or poor circulation. Talk to your doctor about the medicines you’re taking and whether they may increase your risk for heat-related illnesses.
Avoid Mid-Day Activities
Try to stay inside or in a cool place during the hottest part of the day, typically between 11 am – 3 pm, and limit activity to cooler parts of the day.
Avoid Strenuous Activities
Take it slow during hot weather and, perhaps, avoid vigorous exercise. Make sure you also get plenty of rest.
Check in Regularly
Touch base with your friends and neighbors to make sure they are doing okay in the heat, and don’t be afraid to ask someone to do the same for you. Try to check in at least twice a day for adults who are most at risk for heat-related illnesses.
Replenish Salt and Minerals
When you sweat, your body loses important salt and minerals, which can increase your risk for heat exhaustion. Ask your doctor about the safest way for you to replenish.
Stay Hydrated
Drink plenty of fluids, even if you’re not thirsty. Avoid drinking sugary or alcoholic beverages, as these drinks can cause your body to actually lose fluids.
Stay in an Air-Conditioned Space
If your home doesn’t have air conditioning, try spending a few hours at the library or mall to cool down your body temperature. Use ceiling fans or portable fans to circulate air. When you shower, keep the water cool.
Stay Informed
Check your local news for high heat warnings and stay up-to-date on cooling shelters available in your city or town.
Use Sunscreen
If you’re spending time in the sun, make sure to apply broad-spectrum sunscreen regularly. Sunburns can make it difficult for our bodies to cool down, which can increase our risk for heat exhaustion or heat stroke.
Wear the Right Clothes
Wearing a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses and lightweight long-sleeved shirts can also help prevent sunburns. Stick to loose-fitting, moisture-wicking and light-colored clothing.
credit: American Academy of Family Physicians
Know the Signs of Heat-Related Illnesses
It’s important to know the signs of heat-related illnesses and what to do when you see someone with these symptoms. In some cases, it may save a life.
Heat Exhaustion
Heat exhaustion happens when your body loses too much water and salt. Symptoms of heat exhaustion can include:
Cold, pale or clammy skin
Dizziness or fainting
Fast, weak pulse
Fatigue
Headaches
Heavy sweating
Muscle cramps
Nausea or vomiting
If you believe you are suffering from heat exhaustion, make sure you:
Drink water slowly
Loosen your clothing
Move to a cool place
Place cool towels on your skin or take a cold shower or bath
If your symptoms get worse or don’t go away after an hour, seek medical help.
Heat Stroke
Heat stroke is a medical emergency. If you suspect someone is having a heat stroke, call 911 right away. Symptoms of heat stroke may include:
Body temperature of 103°F or higher
Confusion
Dizziness
Fainting
Fast, strong pulse
Headache
Hot, red and dry skin
Nausea
After calling 911, make sure the heat stroke victim:
Doesn’t drink anything
Moves to a cool place
Has cool, wet towels placed on their skin
Sunburn
Sunburns are common in the summertime and can result in painful, red and warm skin. Sometimes, sunburns can also cause blisters. If you or a loved one get a sunburn, be sure to:
Avoid breaking blisters
Moisturize the sunburned skin with lotion
Place cool cloths on the sunburn or take a cool bath
Stay out of the sun until the burn heals
Heat Rash
Heat rash is a group of small blisters on the skin. They usually form in the groin, neck, chest or the inside of the elbow. If you or a loved one get a heat rash, be sure to:
Keep the rash dry
Stay in a cool, dry place
Use baby powder or other cooling powder to ease pain from the rash
Stay Safe and Cool
Whether you’re spending time outdoors with your family or caring for a loved one with a chronic condition, it’s important to keep cool, stay hydrated and know the warning signs of heat-related illnesses. Be sure to talk with your doctor about other ways you and your family can stay safe during the warm summer months.
Originally published by AdventHealth. Reprinted with permission.
Feature image credit: Government of Prince Edward Island
