| Shawn Shares | 
Spazzing Out
There are many things that make living with a spinal cord injury a challenge, but having muscle spasms, specifically muscle spasms in my legs, is near the top of my list of the most annoying things about this lifestyle. Having frequent muscle spasms is a very common yet somewhat hidden aspect of living with SCI, and people who aren't "in the know" often aren't sure what to think when they witness them. And how they always seem to strike when I want them to the least is the worst aspect about having muscle spasms in my legs. The frequency or strength of my leg spasms varies day to day depending on many factors. They are usually much more manageable on days that I've been able to stand in my EasyStand. I also take baclofen as my primary anti-spasm medication. So muscle spasms are very frustrating to deal, with but manageable with medication and patience.
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Tiff's Corner
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Wheelchair Self-Defense, Healthy Eating & Living With Paralysis
When you have a disability, it can be almost too easy to let it win. Struggling with a body that no longer listens takes its toll. Coping is a daily thing, and we do it the best we can. The one thing we have to watch out for is the final defeat. Do NOT let this happen. This is where we can kick some butt and show the world a full life is still attainable, even if you can't walk.
Junk Food Queen Becomes Health Nut
You see the healthy food mantra everywhere - on the radio, in magazines, on TV. They say that whatever what we put IN our bodies makes all the difference; that anything we consume should be looked at as medicine, from food to beverages to even the air you breathe. I can't be Tiffiny "Little Debbie" forever.
Podcast #76 - Self-Defense & Online Predators
Tiff talks with Erik Kondo, a paraplegic and self-defense and online safety expert about how to stay safe in the physical world, as well as how to protect yourself online.
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Customer Story
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A Day At Work With Chelsey
We had another photo/video shoot with one of our favorites, Chelsey Junker! We visited Chelsey at the place where she works, the Cottonwood County DAC in Windom, MN. When Chelsey was a teen she was involved in a snowmobile accident that left her both paralyzed and blind. This along with a head injury can make her work challenging. During the morning, Chelsey works on different tasks while standing in her Evolv. Then in the afternoon, she spends time in the seated position, either in her stander or in her wheelchair. "I love everyone here, everyone is so kind." Chelsey says. "I love my job, I love to work here!" There was about thirty other people working at the DAC that morning, and I would be willing to bet they would all say the exact same thing. It was a morning to remember!
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Jenni's Journey
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Preparing to Win!
Attending events and doing speaking engagements is only part of what comes along with the title of Ms. Wheelchair Minnesota. The other part is participating in the Ms. Wheelchair America contest for the 2012 crown! My biggest focus so far has been getting ready for my trip to Grand Rapid, MI. It has been a bit of a challenge preparing for this amazing opportunity. I have not flown anywhere since before my car accident, so I'm not quite sure what to expect. Before making any final decisions, my family and I did a lot of research. We discovered that a lot goes into planning a trip for a week being a quad on a ventilator. It isn't like I can just book a flight, board the plane and go. There are many decisions to make and things to put together in order to be safe and comfortable. I'm very excited for this upcoming adventure and new challenge!
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Clinician Resources
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Prescribe a Home Standing Program for SCI
There are many secondary complications associated with prolonged immobility of people with a spinal cord injury (SCI). It is a common practice for SCI clinicians to include standing in their client's initial rehab program. However, to experience the long-term medical benefits of standing, a standing frame must be prescribed for daily home use upon discharge from rehab. By prescribing a standing frame with your client's initial equipment purchase (e.g. wheelchair, commode) they also have the best chance of obtaining funding for the standing frame through insurance.
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