Spinal Network: The Total Wheelchair Resource Book
Barry Corbet
Price: $39.95
Excerpt

Dennis Palumbo, director of the Hakkoryu martial arts federation in Aurora, Colo, teaches a jujitsu method of self defense.  It differs slightly from the Kung-fu method of hitting focusing on a means of escape, vital pressure points on the body and arms and headlocks.  There are also self-defense tools such as Yawara sticks and twin headed  ‘dragons’ that can thwart a would be attacker if used properly.

Palumbo also recommends using a stun-gun, especially for quads. The stun-gun able to administer up to 50,000 volts in one blast, easily discourages would-be attackers. It sells for less than $100.  Additionally a product called Capiscam spray, which is made from hot peppers is available for between $10 and $20.  Capiscam is an enormous improvement over Mace - it is 10 times stronger and works on anybody.

While martial arts are mostly used for self defense, a growing community of disabled people is participating in the sport for, well sport.

The Torrey pines Kiwanis club Sandiego country has created a program in conjunction with karate a local studio, to create one of the largest disabled martial arts programs in the country.  About 70 students, 35 of them are in a wheelchair participate in the weekly classes.  Tournaments are also held; open to any martial artist of any ability.

TAG: disability, disability and society, disabled, Wheel chair wheelchairs, wheelchair

The Orchestra Conductor’s Secret to Health & Long Life: Conducting and Other Easy Things to Do to Feel Better, Keep Fit, Lose Weight, Increase Energy, and Live Longer
Dale L. Anderson
Price: $11.95

Patients with lower extremity problems are urged to use the legs as much as possible. Some hip, knee, ankle, or foot conditions make that impossible. However, it’s still wise to pursue the bene­fits of exercise. Non-weight-bearing exercise continues to be a must. Most of us do not have the luxury of swimming pools or stationary bicycles, but we can all stretch to help maintain mus­cle and joint tone. And we can J ‘ARM for cardiovascular fitness.
If you have neck and shoulder, arm, or hand pain, check with a physician or physical therapist before exercising.  J ‘ARM move­ments are seldom harmful, but it’s a good idea to ask and be sure.
I tell my patients that arms stiffen very rapidly when not used. If your shoulder has been weakened by disuse, start exer­cising slowly. Don’t be afraid of mild pain, however. (That means pain at a level of one or two on a range of zero to ten, with zero being no and ten being a lot.) J ‘ARM for only three to five minutes at first to see how the shoulder and arm react at the time of the exercise, and on the next day.

People confined to a wheelchair or bed
Even if you are confined to a wheelchair or bed, you can still J ‘ARM. This form of exercise focuses on moving the arms­ something you can do from a sitting or lying position. In hos­pital burn units, orthopedic wards, rehabilitation units, and nursing homes, people have used J ‘ARMing to condition both their minds and their bodies.

TAG: 911, disability, disabled, Wheel chair wheelchairs, wheelchair, Wheelchair Exercises