Resources for Wheelchair Exercisers

Ask most people of the challenges they face following through with an exercise program and you're likely to hear the common complaints: Lack of motivation, being too tired, not having enough time, too busy. Or as someone recently told me, "My get up and go has gotten up and gone".

But imagine having the unique challenge of not being able to, literally, "get up and go". This is the unique challenge of the more than 56 million disabled individuals in the U.S. alone, many who are wheelchair users.

For many involved in the mainstream fitness industry, the term "wheelchair exerciser" may conjure up images of someone in a physical therapy setting in the process of rehabilitation from injury or disability. But consider the wheelchair user who wants to participate in regular exercise for weight loss or muscle gain. Or those with the burning desire to compete in a favorite sport. What services meet their unique challenges?

Fortunately, there are many options that those in wheelchairs have in pursuing fitness goals:

Access to facilities

The Americans with Disabilities Act signed in 1990 helped increase the availability of wheelchair-accessible facilities, including health clubs. As more and more private health clubs follow suit, individuals who use wheelchairs will have increasing options.

However, access alone does not ensure that wheelchair exercisers will have the appropriate equipment to meet their strength training and cardiovascular needs. Its easy enough to modify certain upper-body exercises with dumbbells and resistance bands for a seated exercise, but most machines simply will not accommodate a wheelchair. Effective aerobic training can be even harder to accomplish, since most cardiovascular machines require use of the legs to raise the heart rate.

Adaptive Exercise Machines

Fortunately, there is a large number of adaptable exercise machines available to the exerciser and to health clubs that choose to offer adaptive exercise options:

The Endorphin Corporation
http://www.endorphin.net/
Manufacturer of wheelchair accessible fitness machines for both cardiovascular and strength conditioning, including the hand cycle and tabletop bike.

Access To Recreation
http://www.endorphin.net/
Exercise equipment and recreational products for the wheelchair-bound such as all terrain wheelchairs, pool lifts and more.

Spinlife
http://www.spinlife.com/
Sells wheelchairs of all types. Contains resource section.

Adaptive Fitness Personal Trainers

Finally recognizing the need for fitness professionals to be knowledgeable about the needs of wheelchair exercisers, a number of personal trainer organizations offer specialized certifications and/or programs in Adaptive Fitness. This is good news for those who desire professional instruction by a trainer who is knowledgeable of special needs. The following are a few organizations that offer either certification program in Adaptive Fitness or specialized education:

International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA)/Specialist in Adaptive Fitness http://www.issaonline.com/courses/saf.cfm

American Association for Active Lifestyles & Fitness
http://www.aahperd.org/aaalf/template.cfm?template=adaptedaquatics.html

Exercise videos, TV Programs and Manuals

Some may feel more comfortable working out in the privacy of their own home rather than travelling to the gym. For those searching for in-home instruction, resources such as exercise videos, TV programs and printed instruction manuals can help the wheelchair user increase activity levels, lose fat and gain muscle mass:

Armchair Fitness
http://www.armchairfitness.com/
Classic armchair exercises developed by fitness expert Betty Switkes. Includes videotapes for aerobic, strength, yoga, and "gentle" formats.

Maria Serraos Workout Tapes
http://www.dropbears.com/amazon/template_movies/type_browse/mode_290298 Actress and model Maria Serrao, in a wheelchair since the age of 5, stars in a series of exercise videotapes including: Everyone Can Exercise-Cardio Challenge, Toning & Strengthening, Real Life Fitness-Body Sculpting, Real Life Fitness- Fat Burning.

Sit and Be Fit with Mary Ann Wilson
http://www.sitandbefit.com/
Seated exercise videos for older adults and/or physically limited individuals. Sit and Be Fit is also a cable TV series; the broadcast schedule is listed on the website.

Paul Gaudino's Family Fitness Show
http://www.exerciseman.com/
Cable TV exercise show that features exercises for the disabled, wheelchair bound, seniors, people with back pain, and beginners. Exercise videotapes are available through his website.

Creative Chair Exercises
http://www.tudefitness.com/wheelchairexercisead.htm
A Seated Exercise manual by Bob Blick, including both aerobic and strength formats.

The Thrill of Victory...
Wheelchair Sports and Competition

Numerous and exciting options exist for individuals in wheelchairs who desire to quench the burning desire of sport and competition...

International Paralympic Committee
http://www.paralympic.org/
The Paralympic Games are the Olympic equivalent competitions for individuals with disabilities and are recognized by the International Olympic Committee. The IPC organizes the Paralympic Games along with other multi-disability competitions, from regional to world championships, with the highest achieving athletes in each sport qualifying for the Paralympics. IPC's vision: "To enable paralympic athletes to achieve sporting excellence and inspire and excite the world." Inspire, indeed! The next time you'd rather skip a workout, surf over to this site and be inspired by these athletes. A truly amazing organization.

Disabled Sports USA
http://www.dsusa.org/
A non-profit organization established in 1967 by disabled Vietnam veterans, DS/USA offers nationwide sports rehabilitation programs to anyone with a permanent disability. Promotes successful rehabilitation and ongoing quality of life through sports and competition. Conducts training camps to prepare and select athletes for the Summer and Winter Paralympic Games. DS/USA has a nationwide network of community-based chapters, which is listed on the website.

Canadian Wheelchair Sports Association
http://www.cwsa.ca/home.html
The CWSA is non-for-profit organization whose mission is to promote excellence and develop opportunities for Canadians in wheelchair sport.

Wheelchair Sports, USA
http://www.wsusa.org/wsusa/
Provides athletic experiences for disabled athletes that parallel those of mainstream athletes. The website states the organization is "directed and developed by wheelchair athletes and wheelchair sports enthusiasts alike, individuals with a first-hand understanding to the values of participation." Wheelchair Sports USA is recognized by the U.S. Olympic Committee, and also has offerings to junior athletes.

The Wheelchair Bodybuilding Page
http://www.wsusa.org/wsusa/
Contest schedule for Wheelchair Bodybuilding Contests, links to bodybuilding federations that promote wheelchair bodybuilding contests.

International Wheelchair Basketball Federation
http://www.iwbf.org/

National Wheelchair Basketball Federation
http://www.nwba.org/index.php

Extreme Sports

Traditional sports are fine, but what if tastes crave more extreme sporting activities? Not to worry. Check out the following sites for information about extreme wheelchair sports and get ready to be amazed...

extrememike.com
http://www.extrememike.com/
Extreme enthusiast and motivational speaker Michael McKeller overcame spinal muscular atrophy to conquer extreme sports such as skydiving, scuba diving, boating, and flying. Offers extreme sports video series featuring McKeller in the pursuit of accomplishing one extreme sport at a time. His mission? "To invite everyone to take a look at how he does it and try it for themselves."

Mobility Engineering Inc.
http://www.mobilityeng.com/
Designer and manufacturer of adaptive sports equipment that opens up new adventures for disabled persons. Includes 100% arm-powered vehicles called the "Hand Bike" and the "Snow Pod." Website features past extreme trip details.

General and Recreational/Wheelchair Sport Websites

Wheelchairnet.org
http://www.wheelchairnet.org/WCN_Living/health.html
A "wheelchair virtual community" for people with a common interest in wheelchair technology and its application. An excellent resource for the wheelchair user. Site includes databases, slide lectures, article reprints, and discussion area.

Accessible Fitness
http://www.accessibilitytraining.com/
Take a look at this fitness center in Santa Clara, CA. Established to help the physically-challenged to attain both the physical and mental benefits of exercise, it offers a wheelchair accessible gym, in-home exercise programs, adaptive fitness personal trainers, workshops and more.

The Muscular Dystrophy Organization
http://www.mdausa.org/
Website carries loads of information, resources, and motivational stories.

Disabled Go Info
http://www.mdausa.org/
Offers detailed access information for disabled people across the UK.

Magazines

Sports n Spokes Magazine
http://www.pvamagazines.com/sns/
Magazine with international circulation covering the latest in competitive wheelchair sports and recreational opportunities.

Paralinks
http://www.paralinks.net/
The magazine for people with spinal cord injury. A web site dedicated exclusively for the wheelchair culture of the world.

Its clear that being in a wheelchair doesn't mean leading a sedentary lifestyle. For those individuals in wheelchairs who wish to exercise, remain active, or compete in sports, numerous resources exist. For those not in wheelchairs, take a look at any of the above links. Youll soon forget about using any of the old, worn-out excuses not to get off the couch and get active.

Jon Gestl, CSCS, is a Chicago personal trainer and fitness instructor who specializes in helping people get in shape in the privacy and convenience of their home or office. He is a United States National Aerobic Champion silver and bronze medalist and world-ranked sportaerobic competitor. He can be contacted through his website at http://www.jongestl.com.

Wheelchair Medicare

Wheelchair Medicare Coverage
Medicare can help you purchase a wheelchair in such conditions, wherein you are bed-ridden or chair confined, and that you need a wheelchair to move around and perform your daily chores, but not as a luxury item. To avail the facility, your physician is required to give a Certificate of Medical Necessity (CMN) to be filed with the claim. The coverage for electric scooters is covered only if they are ordered by a physician who is one of the following specialists: Orthopedic Surgery, and Neurology or Rheumatology. And, all wheelchairs can be ordered by any physician.

Medical Record
In order to substantiate your medical condition, your medical record must contain sufficient papers to be eligible for a wheelchair. The record should comprise of the diagnosis, the details of the health condition for which the wheelchair is recommended, nature and extent of functional limitations, etc. A copy of the Certificate of Medical Necessity (CMN) should also be included in the medical records. In case if Medicare asks for more information, then you are required to provide the same for approvals.

The Wheelchair Dealer
The role of the wheelchair dealer or supplier is that they need to cross-check your information for accuracy and authenticity and make sure that Medicare's guidelines and met by your records. In case the information provided is proved to be fraudulent, then the claim will be denied by Medicare and the supplier/dealer may have to absorb the dollar cost of part or the entire wheelchair. Usually Medicare responds within 30 days of papers submission.

Wheelchair Medicare in Home
Medicare pays for a wheelchair when needed for home use only to increase your mobility around the house.

Medicare for Wheelchair payment
Once you have made the choice of your manual wheelchair, most of the time ten monthly rental payments are made by Medicare for the purpose of renting it. Once you choose to purchase one, Medicare will make three more rental payments (13 total rental payments). You are responsible for the 20% coinsurance amount and, for unassigned claims, the balance between the Medicare allowed amount and the supplier's charge for the wheelchair. If you select this option, you own the wheelchair and are responsible for the maintenance.

Medicare for Renting Wheelchairs
At the time of choosing to continue with renting of wheelchair with the supplier, Medicare makes total of 15 rental payments. You are responsible for the 20% coinsurance amount unassigned claims, the balance between the Medicare allowed amount and the supplier's charge. The wheelchair remains yours to use as long as you medically need it; however, the supplier maintains title and ownership of the wheelchair. The supplier is also responsible for the maintenance of the wheelchair.

This article was originally published at
http://sourceonewheelchairs.com/wheelchairs-help/wheelchair-medicare.html

Portable Scooter and Wheelchair Ramps - Getting to know what types are available

If you are considering the need for a mobility ramp to keep you moving or to transport your scooter or wheelchair down from a truck or mini van, it is advisable to find as much information as you can on the types of ramps available. The wide variety of ramps on the market are ideal for negotiating steps and curbs, getting you smoothly over any transition in height that a doorway may present, and also to load and unload your chair from a vehicle. Determining what height or obstacle you are trying to negotiate will help you to decide which style of ramp works best for you. How steep is the incline? How high? How wide and heavy is your chair or scooter? Do you need to carry the ramp with you to use at your destination? What is your budget? Answering these questions will assist in narrowing down the choices and finding a ramp that works best for your needs.
Here is a description of some of the more popular scooter portable ramp types:

Threshold Ramps These are designed for doorways, sliding glass doors, and raised landings. They allow for easier wheelchair movement within or outside of your home.
These ramps can be installed permanently or moved around as necessary. These are generally smaller in size and fairly inexpensive, ranging from $40 - $150.

Roll Up Ramps This style of ramp is a good choice for someone who needs an easily transportable ramp. Designed with hinges and usually made with aluminum, it easy to roll up and light enough to carry anywhere. Some ramps are of a fixed size and some allow for extension of up to 8 feet or more, meaning the user can access different models of mini and full-sized vans with just one ramp. Prices start around $200.

Suitcase Ramps - A convenient and compact ramp that folds in half lengthwise and features a built-in carrying handle to allow it to be carried like a suitcase when not in use.
Again, made of aluminum to keep it lightweight. Smaller models may come with a storage bag. This ramp works for most scooters and wheelchair types and is designed to bridge the gap over steps and curbs. Larger models work for van loading. To use it you simply unfold the hinged ramp, position it and go. Prices start around $135 for a 2 foot ramp.

Multi-Fold Ramps These are very similar in design to the suitcase ramp and may also offer a handle for carrying like a suitcase. The reason you may want to choose a ramp that does more than just fold in half is if you need a larger ramp and storage is an issue. Here you are going to get a ramp that allows to you to maneuver much taller obstacles but yet still be able to fold up the ramp into a size comparable to a much smaller ramp. Prices start around $225.

Telescopic Ramps These extend to allow you to use them at a variety of height levels so you can use just one ramp to navigate steps, vans, or curbs. For storage, simply pick up each ramp rail and depress the guide buttons to collapse; this ramp offers the lightest weight and most compact storage. Prices start at around $150

Track Wheelchair Ramps Basically this is two separate ramps that are lined up to the width of the chair or scooters (doesnt work for 3 wheeled scooters) wheels. Some versions offer telescoping for easier storage. Generally they are made of aluminum to keep them lightweight. This is a good option if you are transporting more than one chair and not all of them have the same wheel width. Prices start around $250.

If you are looking to buy a portable or van ramp for your scooter, we suggest taking a look online for the best prices and value. There are many quality online stores that focus on top notch mobility aids, keeping up with the latest brands and manufactured technology. see: http://www.wheelchair-ramps-and-mobility-aids.com/wheelchair-ramps.htm
Nicole Martins is a contributing author and publisher to http://www.wheelchair-ramps-and-mobility-aids.coma comprehensive guide to the mobility products available online, helping you to overcome disabilities and live a more active life.

Using Wheelchairs to improve mobility

No person likes to feel housebound and dependent on others. While people who have been injured or suffering from a debilitating disease may not have full functionality of their motor skills, it is still possible for them to be semi-independent and mobile. It cant be over emphasized how critical that sense of independence can be. Quality, dependable Wheelchairs are the means of transportation that many people choose as their way to get around.


There are so many different Wheelchairs available on the market that its hard to know where to start. Here are some suggestion when looking at different Wheelchairs. Pediatric Wheelchairs are generally deigned to be mobile and safe for young users. Heavy duty Wheelchairs are for large patients that weigh more than average yet require the ability to get around. Some Wheelchairs come with reclining backs and others can be easily folded to fit into a standard car trunk.


While Wheelchairs are an adjustment for the user they do provide that person with the ability to get around and maintain some, or even all of their independence. If you work in the health care field you'll need medical supplies to help you with your work. Dependable, quality products that you know you can depend on are a necessity. Not only are they reliable and durable, but they will give you greater confidence during stressful situations.


Mike Yeager
Author/Publisher
http://www.a1-medical-supplies-4u.com/

Wheelchair Medicare Coverage:The Process Defined

Wheelchair Medicare Coverage
Medicare can help you purchase a wheelchair in such conditions, wherein you are bed-ridden or chair confined, and that you need a wheelchair to move around and perform your daily chores, but not as a luxury item. To avail the facility, your physician is required to give a Certificate of Medical Necessity (CMN) to be filed with the claim. The coverage for electric scooters is covered only if they are ordered by a physician who is one of the following specialists: Orthopedic Surgery, and Neurology or Rheumatology. And, all wheelchairs can be ordered by any physician.
Medical Record
In order to substantiate your medical condition, your medical record must contain sufficient papers to be eligible for a wheelchair. The record should comprise of the diagnosis, the details of the health condition for which the wheelchair is recommended, nature and extent of functional limitations, etc. A copy of the Certificate of Medical Necessity (CMN) should also be included in the medical records. In case if Medicare asks for more information, then you are required to provide the same for approvals.
The Wheelchair Dealer
The role of the wheelchair dealer or supplier is that they need to cross-check your information for accuracy and authenticity and make sure that Medicare's guidelines and met by your records. In case the information provided is proved to be fraudulent, then the claim will be denied by Medicare and the supplier/dealer may have to absorb the dollar cost of part or the entire wheelchair. Usually Medicare responds within 30 days of papers submission.
Wheelchair Medicare in Home
Medicare pays for a wheelchair when needed for home use only to increase your mobility around the house.
Medicare for Wheelchair payment
Once you have made the choice of your manual wheelchair, most of the time ten monthly rental payments are made by Medicare for the purpose of renting it. Once you choose to purchase one, Medicare will make three more rental payments (13 total rental payments). You are responsible for the 20% coinsurance amount and, for unassigned claims, the balance between the Medicare allowed amount and the supplier's charge for the wheelchair. If you select this option, you own the wheelchair and are responsible for the maintenance.
Medicare for Renting Wheelchairs
At the time of choosing to continue with renting of wheelchair with the supplier, Medicare makes total of 15 rental payments. You are responsible for the 20% coinsurance amount unassigned claims, the balance between the Medicare allowed amount and the supplier's charge. The wheelchair remains yours to use as long as you medically need it; however, the supplier maintains title and ownership of the wheelchair. The supplier is also responsible for the maintenance of the wheelchair.

Source One Medical, LLC is one of the leading providers in the United States of In-Home medical equipment.
Headquartered in Salt Lake City, UT, Source One has expanded to provide wheelchair sales and service in all 50 states
http://www.sourceonewheelchairs.com

Electric Wheelchairs Independent Living

Disabled persons suddenly stop going out eventually after loosing their natural and usual way of living. They more likely to choose staying home and doing stuffs there than going out, exploring, having fun and meeting new friends.

The glow that they had before suddenly stopped and they begin to be dependent on other people even though they are just about to do something. And study shows that because of being dependent, disabled persons became insecure, unconfident and almost hopeless. They somehow lose the freedom as a person to do things that they want.

But due to the advances of technology the things around us became a lot easier, convenient and better. Much more for those persons who became dependent others due to they do not have anything around them to use all by themselves. Thanks a lot to the invention of electric wheelchairs that made things a lot easier.
Electric wheelchairs have been there for a number of years and have provided thousands of people with the mobility they need to get from one place to another. Everyone is familiar with the standard old style of wheelchair that required a person to manually move the wheels. Some people had others that would grip the handle bars at the back of the chair and push it to where it needed to go.
However, some people benefited very much from this system, there were many others that could not use their arms to move their wheelchair for long periods of time and others had intricacy in moving the chair at all. More often than not, these people were left at the hands of a friend, relative or other obliging person that would push them to their destinations.
During the early invention of the electric wheelchair it seemed that it was just for limited people who can afford to have one and who can use it alone well. The development was a result of seeing paraplegic veterans return from World War II in need of a form of transportation. The first electric wheelchair was made essentially with a typical wheelchair and then a small motor attached to the wheels. The chair was restricted by a small joystick placed at the proper distance on an armrest to allow ease and comfort of use of the stick for directing the chair.
Innovations have been made in many different areas of electric wheelchairs since the early days of strapping a motor to a regular chair. The chairs built today have a superior mobility than any before. Some have the capacity to climb over limits along the side of the road and one can even climb up a set of stairs.
Motors have become more and more powerful, offering greater speeds of travel while remaining safe and greater distances that can be traveled on a fully charged battery. The seats have been modified to provide the best comfort possible to the occupant that will spend many hours in it. This is a huge improvement that anyone who has sat in the old style of chair will quickly be glad about. Isnt cool and reliable?
Lastly, when it comes to choosing the appropriate wheelchair for you, there are more options and models of electric wheelchairs that are available today that you can choose from, according to your desired look, comfort ability and budget of course.


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Empowering Wheelchairs

Who said that only people, song, film and books can empower a person? Well, for your information even wheelchairs can empower you!
Can you just imagine how a wheelchair can empower a person? With the latest innovations that the world has it is very much convenient to have something that will brighten up your day, make things easier for you and simply empowers you. Buying an electric wheelchair can give you a major improvement in your way of living. That would give you a big difference.
The capacity to propel oneself through normal daily activities without physical assistance is something most of us take for granted. For the disabled persons, electric wheelchairs give them back there sense of independence, confidence and self-reliance.
Electric wheelchairs ease serious depression that are being experienced by persons who are disabled for quite sometime and been dependent to other persons. It gives them the thinking of being useless and deprived of the freedom that they should have. Being dependent on almost everything that you are doing is really mentally debilitating.
With the existence of modern facilities, it definitely assists the physically disabled to move and live a life as normal as possible. With wheelchair ramps at nearly every public building, business and crosswalk, and specially-equipped vans with motorized lifts to facilitate driving, few things are out of reach for the active disabled. A sense of self-determination in everyday life can bring back the vitality often lost along with one's mobility.
The physically disabled are now as able as anyone to lead full, productive, active lives once again. Few things in life are as important as feeling engaged with your surroundings rather than feeling they are passing you by.
Tons of choices are available to meet your needs so check it out! There are literally hundreds of different types of chairs available on the market. There are standard manual chairs for those with the strength to push up a ramp and manual sports chairs for those inclined to race or play basketball. It depends upon what you want and need.
Electric wheelchairs come in a variety of styles, from models that look like standard manual chairs to models with fully-padded back supports and armrests. In addition to coverage options, the sheer number of distributors and manufacturers of these products means you should be able to find one that is both comfortable and affordable. Look at this like any other major purchase that you will be interested with. A good buy with the right choice at the right store for the right purpose is a sure win and a great deal.


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Torque of a Power Wheelchair

If you find yourself wheelchair bound for a while or even for a long time to come and is still determined to lead a happily active and vigorous way of life, there are certain wheelchairs guaranteed to help you. Your effort to lead a normal and active life involves the need for a sporty and highly responsive power chair. There are wheelchairs specifically designed for you in certain cases and based on the advice of a health care professional.
The ActionTorque Storm Series chair is the performance machine of the Storm Series, is a power wheelchair thats designed to be sporty and highly responsive. It has a seat-to-floor height of 17.5 with an optional adjustment until 19.75. Its ground clearance is approximately 5.
The Torque differs from the Action Arrow chair because its seat is positioned farther forward. This feature gives it a very light front end and extremely responsive performance for the specific individual needing such. Other features of the Torque, different from other series include: its rear-wheel drive Action Torque chair has a turning radius as low as 29.5. Adjustments to the rear-wheel could be made to optimize the chairs performance.
The Torque power chair is built with MarkIV-RII electronics and has a programmable performance to meet individual needs. One of its programmable capacities is through Action Virtual Services. This powerful software links your electrical system to expert help via a standard phone line. The Torque has a maximum speed of up to 6.5 mph with Positive Response Steering (PRS). PRS offers smooth control for the user at all speeds. Automatic parking bakes also come with direct drive motors.
For the comfort of the individual using it, the Torque has the following new aspects: seat tilt system; seat location system; telescoping front rigging attachment; pin-and-saddle front-riggings; dynamic anti-tippers, and; flip-back removable arms. To help soften jolts and bumps felt by the individual using it, there is an independent rubber element rear wheel-suspension. For further optimum support, it has a rigid seat plan but with optional slings. Width of its seat is from 16 to 24 in 1 increments. Further, it come with semi-pneumatic standard casters with size of 8x1.75 and optional shock-absorbing casters available in 8 and 6 sizes.
For convenience, the torque wheelchair include useful features like arm pockets for storing personal items; rear battery access for ease of servicing; large gas tank with Group 24 batteries that range up to 35 miles per charge. This power chair has automatic self-connecting battery hookup and dual-mode battery charger that can charge all battery types.
If you want to know its warranty its base frame has a lifetime assurance, the seat frame can last up to 3 years, electronic components may live up to a year and its gear motors can survive until 18 months of operation. The torque power wheelchair series might be the ideal, dependable and reliable chair for your condition. -30-
Kay Zetkin discovered the pleasure of writing through her daily journals as a teen-ager. Writing in it helped sort out her thoughts, relieve her feelings and record what she observes of the world.
For her, writing is an effective tool to express your viewpoints... To write is already to choose, thus, writing should be done along with a critical mind and a caring soul. She hopes to become more professional, skilled and mature in her craft.
Aside from writing Kay likes to spend her time reading. Reading lets her travel to far-off imagined places and situations. She also learns a lot from books, especially from the socio-political and historical ones.
For comments and inquiries about the article visit http://www.wheelchairspower.com
 

Ensuring Safety in Using Power Wheelchairs

Have you just been a victim of serious motor impairment and find that you will be wheelchair-bound for the rest of your life? Fear not the coming days of your life since you can still lead an active life with a little help from the right choice of wheelchair. Of course, that would still depend on the recommendations and advice of the health care professional monitoring your condition.
The wheelchair for you will depend on what condition you are in and the extent of activities that you are limited to. Getting a power wheelchair over a manual one might be a turning point decision in overcoming your condition. However, there is several safety issues that you need to know before moving around in your power wheelchair. Remember knowledge is power, and as a power wheelchair user, it helps to know and understand the various safety issues of your apparatus to enjoy more varied uses of your power wheelchair.

First off, here are the common types and configurations of power wheelchairs that are grouped depending on their uses, size and features:
1. Folding, light-weight models
2. Light-weight, power-assisted models
3. Combination Indoor-Outdoor models
4. Outdoor models
5. Indoor Stair-Climbing models

There are basic dangers in using stair climbing wheelchair models is that if it falls down a flight of stairs, serious injury or death to the user is likely. As such, before choosing the use of a stair-climbing power wheelchair, a lot of different variables need to be considered, most depend on the users ability to control the mechanism. Generally, in order to prevent and survive accidents on power wheelchair use, the users age and health factors must be significantly considered and the wheelchair control methods.

Considerations need to be made on the specific user of power wheelchairs, too. There are disability and impairment categories that involve safety risks on using power wheelchairs.

low safety risks paraplegics and amputees
moderate risk people with weak or poorly controlled upper bodies
high risk people with little or no upper body movement, paralyzed small people like children and small adults.

Now that you know the safety risks on various disabled users of power wheelchairs, theres some safety information that you need to know in order to avoid further risks:

1) Mechanical brakes necessary item in power wheelchairs and an absolute must for outdoor models
2) Front-wheel configurations outdoor models must have powered large wheels in front and indoor models with front-wheel casters must be used only on flat, level surfaces.
3) User Arm-Stabilization for wheelchair users with impaired arm and hand function
4) Safety Shut-off and Braking controls must be provided for users who use mouth, breath or other than hand controls

Several things, like traversing inclines, avoiding ground obstacles to wheels, fully charged batteries, having a mobile phone, avoiding rain and snow and having rechargeable batteries must always be kept in mind by power wheelchair users, too. -30-
Kay Zetkin discovered the pleasure of writing through her daily journals as a teen-ager. Writing in it helped sort out her thoughts, relieve her feelings and record what she observes of the world.

For her, writing is an effective tool to express your viewpoints... To write is already to choose, thus, writing should be done along with a critical mind and a caring soul. She hopes to become more professional, skilled and mature in her craft.

Aside from writing Kay likes to spend her time reading. Reading lets her travel to far-off imagined places and situations. She also learns a lot from books, especially from the socio-political and historical ones.

For comments and inquiries about the article visit http://www.wheelchairspower.com
 

Power Wheelchair Criticized

On February 5, 2005, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released a draft on criteria for power wheelchairs and scooters coverage. These criteria will rely on clinical guidance for determining need. The new analysis begins with an assessment if the beneficiary has a mobility limitation preventing him/her from performing one or more mobility-related activities, like household chores at home.
This evaluation also considers if the use of assistive device whether a simple cane or a sophisticated power wheelchair or anything in between would improve the beneficiarys ability to function within the home. Taking into account visual or mental impairment, the criteria further evaluates what would affect the beneficiarys ability to use the mobility equipment (power wheelchair) effectively.

According to the CMS Chief Medical Officer Sean Tunis, M.D., the draft of coverage criteria was intended to provide a clear and consistent guidance to Medicare contractors and clinician. This guide will ensure that beneficiaries receive the type of mobility device that will provide clinical benefits. Tunis was the one who spearheaded the agencys move to a more functional assessment of mobility needs.

CMS also released new codes to ensure proper payment. These plans were outlined in the Modern Mobility Initiative announced last April. They are also launching new billing codes for power wheelchairs and scooters to ensure that Medicare pays appropriately for these devices.

The final NCD is planned to be published in March to provide guidance on how to use and document the new criteria.
However, these efforts of the CMS were criticized by the Medicare Rights Center, saying that the new wheelchair coverage policy does not provide mobility and independence for disabled and impaired people. The new approach of Medicares proposed coverage criteria would replace an older, more rigid standard that relied on whether a patient was non-ambulatory or bed or chair confined. The new proposed criteria would rely on clinical guidance for evaluating whether a beneficiary needs a device to assist for mobility, and if so, what type of device is needed.

According to the Medicare Rights Center president, Robert Hayes, CMS remains old fashioned in its ways and becomes more so by proposing to retain inhumane coverage policy that leaves people with disabilities isolated in their homes and from their communities. In his heavy criticism of the proposed coverage criteria, Hayes repelled the practice of Medicare as a continuing affront to the policies of Presidents George H.W. Bush and George W. Bush who, respectively championed the Americans with Disabilities Act and the New Freedom Initiative. Unlike the CMS policy, Hayes said that the two presidents steps were aimed at liberating people with disabilities from isolation and dependence.

Even as they criticized the criteria being proposed, Hayes acknowledged that they applaud some aspects of it including the function-based determination of medical necessity and the effort to develop new codes for paying wheelchair suppliers. Still, they are demanding that the White House review the new policy especially those that breed on isolation and dependence. -30-

Kay Zetkin discovered the pleasure of writing through her daily journals as a teen-ager. Writing in it helped sort out her thoughts, relieve her feelings and record what she observes of the world.

For her, writing is an effective tool to express your viewpoints... To write is already to choose, thus, writing should be done along with a critical mind and a caring soul. She hopes to become more professional, skilled and mature in her craft.

Aside from writing Kay likes to spend her time reading. Reading lets her travel to far-off imagined places and situations. She also learns a lot from books, especially from the socio-political and historical ones.

For comments and inquiries about the article visit http://www.wheelchairspower.com
 

Power Wheelchair Folding Ramps

Having problems with navigating your wheelchair on uneven surfaces and bumpy roads? Worry not, with the Handi-Trak Wheel / Power chair folding ramps. This Trak System from Handi-Ramp is convenient to use because of its full range of lightweight, portable wheel and power chair tracks (or channel ramps). These are designed for easy use, manufactured from durable, extruded aluminum with a non-skid surface. It guarantees decades of useful service for your wheelchair. These ramps are available in different lengths that correspond with the single and multiple-step barriers commonly encountered in everyday living.
If you are interested on getting to know more about these handy ramps, we give you the following specifications on each feature of these power wheelchair folding ramps:

Lightweight the Handi-Trak line offers the lightest, most portable wheelchair track ramp products that are available on the market nowadays. The new 30 Traks, out in the market weigh only 4 lbs. per track. The new 45 unit weighs only 6 lbs. per track. However light they are though, both of these new systems can easily accommodate weights up to 600 lbs.

Easy-to-use with a featured width of inner dimension, all Handi-Trak systems can accommodate the widest wheelchair offset and camberage. In separating or catching on wheels, there are no difficult-to-maniputalte buttons or telescoping parts. The Traks wheelchair ramps have durable welded hinges, too. You simple unfold it to use and fold it to carry around or store. Easy-Carry Handles is an added feature, too, to reduce stress on fingers and wrists. 60 Traks and longer are hinged for additional convenience and portability.

Once you start using Handi-Trak, youll find that you wouldnt have to be home-bound. You wouldnt have to be isolated too much and dependent on assistants once you have the Handi-Trak with you. It is also a sort of safety equipment for you to avoid accidents on bumpy roads and uneven spaces in your power wheelchair.

For heavy-duty uses, there are also the Super-Duty Traks. They are made from heavier gauge extruded aluminum and designed to provide extra strength and weight capacity. Handi-Ramp also offers the Stabilizer Bar, an important accessory thats developed specifically to keep Traks from moving or sliding while in use.

Planning on investing on a Handi-Trak? For non-folding Traks, the 30 long, 4 lbs. per Trak with 600 lbs. capacity cost $139.99 per pair including the shipping costs, while the 45 long 6 lbs. per Trak with 600 lbs. capacity cost $169.99. The simple Hinge Constructions have prices that range from $229.99/ pair for 5 ft. long, 9 lbs. per Trak and $369.99 for 7 ft. long, 13 lbs. per Trak.

Super-Duty Traks range from $299.99 for 5 ft long ones pairs, $399.99 for 8 ft. long pairs, $489.99 for 10 ft. long pairs. So, its time to enjoy a new freedom and independence! Get your handy ramps now and start practicing them for your convenience! -30-

Kay Zetkin discovered the pleasure of writing through her daily journals as a teen-ager. Writing in it helped sort out her thoughts, relieve her feelings and record what she observes of the world.

For her, writing is an effective tool to express your viewpoints... To write is already to choose, thus, writing should be done along with a critical mind and a caring soul. She hopes to become more professional, skilled and mature in her craft.

Aside from writing Kay likes to spend her time reading. Reading lets her travel to far-off imagined places and situations. She also learns a lot from books, especially from the socio-political and historical ones.

For comments and inquiries about the article visit http://www.wheelchairspower.com
 

Wheelchair Safety

 

Safety on the wheels is a concern for everyone. The question is how.

Keeping a safe environment for wheelchair users is easier said than done. There are a diverse set of factors that are involved which make ensuring safety on wheels quite difficult. However numerous these may be, a general set of tips is helpful to decrease the occurrence of wheelchair-related accidents if not totally eradicate it.

We are working on a premise that the rider is able enough to carry himself using the wheelchair. Cases when the patient needs assistance for mobility are another case and wont be hold much weight here though there are some advice that will be applicable to them as well.

A very sensible thing to follow is to keep your wheelchair in a good working condition. Much like other things say a car, the wheelchair requires ample amounts of maintenance to keep it in a tip-top working condition. A well maintained wheelchair significantly reduces the risk of mishaps happening. Just imagine yourself cruising with your wheelchair on the expressway negotiating a 100 mile/hour run when suddenly your wheel just runs off. The result wont be pretty. Of course its an overstatement but from the example you can see the possible outcome of this negligence. A sudden breakdown of your wheelchair will most likely result to a broken hip or a twisted ankle to name a few. The condition of you wheel is very important to your well-being and safety.

Never put things in your chair that are likely to cause you to tip over like heavy books at the back part as this may cause you to tip over. It is intended to be used as a seat and not as a shelf. Also, avoid staying in areas where you are most likely to be hit like the back of doors. Youll be sent flying if someone suddenly opens the door. Do not let children play with your chair. They might end up riding one as well.

Like all normal activities, you must exercise enough caution when riding you wheelchair. For instance, if you need to cross a street take the customary stop, look and listen routine. Be extra conscious in mounting your chair as your mobility is significantly reduced.

It still is best to take every precautionary step to make sure no accident happen. Though we can never totally prevent these from taking place, at least the chances of it happening is greatly reduced. Be aware of your surroundings and be aware of yourself. It is always better safe than sorry.

Ariel Velasco goes by the author alias of Paul Hood. This author is into books and writing. Reading is an essential part of his life and this has lent a considerable influence in his writing. Well traveled and would always want to travel more. He loves learning more about people and their ways. Took up a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology to further this fascination and had a fulfilling educational experience having been exposed to a wide spectrum of people. Always ready for new opportunities to learn and have a great deal of interest in different fields of expertise.

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carmelo@wheelchairspower.com