The Ability To Protect: Self Defense For Wheelchair Users

The Ability To Protect

Just a few weeks ago my son and I had the privilege to attend our very first “Metal & Muscle” Expo.

The Houston Parks & Recreation Department along with the U.S. Paralympics Military Sports Program & TIRR Memorial Hermann, displayed several types of wheelchair sporting events and competitions. While walking through the exhibit hall we had the choice of watching events ranging from Sitting Volleyball, Power Soccer, Challenge Slalom, Wheelchair Rugby, Air Gun Competition, Wheelchair Basketball, Wheelchair Racing & Amputee Walking/Running Clinic’s. One area that caught my attention was the “Self-Defense” booth. Duane Stevenson is a Personal Trainer and owner of Monster Warrior Crosstraining. Duane has had a disability since very early in his childhood. At the young age of 3 Duane was diagnosed with having tumors on his spine. Not able to walk on his own he learned to use forearm crutches to help with his ambulation.

 

I didn’t know of his condition until he told me. He talked with such a confidence that you knew he could handle himself just about anywhere under any circumstance. Mr. Stevenson went on to say that in the world we live in people with disabilities that are using wheelchairs everyday are just as susceptible to violent acts against them as any able body person. As I watched some of the techniques two of his students performed on a matted area in front of his booth, a gentlemen in a wheelchair rolled up to check it out. He asks a few questions and then proceeded to allow himself as a simulation partner with one of the students. Duane continued to tell me just how a wheelchair bound person might defend thereselves from an attack. He went on to say that and most cases the disabled person just needs to buy some time during an altercation. Along with several tactical moves and just being prepared can make all the difference between living another day or becoming a statistic of a senseless act of crime.

Here’s the 5D’s of Self- Defense:
DECIDE – Training & Conditioning
 DETER – Boundary Setting & Verbal Escalation
 DISRUPT – Creating the Opportunity to Escape
 DISENGAGE – Escape & Get Away
 DEBRIEF – Promote Physical & Emotional Healing. Seek Support & Assistance

I started to think about how I might incorporate this new information with every client I meet. As an ATP my primary focus has been the selection of mobility equipment and accessibly options within the home. I’m sure someone that has been newly injured or has developed a medical condition that requires a wheelchair may not be thinking about self-defense at first. They are most likely overwhelmed by the fact that their life has changed 180 degrees from what they once knew. The fact that they not able to walk again is more than enough to think about. However, when it’s appropriate during some point of my time with them this subject may need to be on their “To Do List”! None of us never really knows what might be waiting for us around the corner?

I’m sure we never intend to find trouble, I’m just suggesting we all be prepared if trouble comes to find us. Duane has a great amount of knowledge in the area of self-defense for everyone in and out of a wheelchair. I found this out and I’m glad to pass the information along!

Michael S. Duenas,ATP
 Active American Mobility
Houston, Texas
281-495-4400
mduenas@aamobility.com


http://www.monsterwarrior.tv/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mp4pTDx_YXU

http://www.not-me.org/index.html

Happy feet and legs can lead to a less painful life!

Happy feet and legs can lead to a less painful life!
by Mayra Rivera

Active American Mobility and Medical Supply
Greater Houston Texas Area

Happy feet! I don’t mean the film about the dancing penguins either, even though after reading this you might want to get up and dance around. What I am talking about is YOUR feet, legs, and thighs well you know the whole lower half of your body and how I can help them feel at least 100x times better then they do now!

Yes, I know exciting isn’t it, here at my job at Active American, I am a customer service representative, which means I LISTEN TO YOU! We value our customers and being a customer service representative I take my job seriously, so when you come in I have all the answers to all your questions and if I don’t I will find someone that does; its my job.

So, anyway back to making your feet very happy, have you ever wondered why you should always go shoe shopping in the afternoon? Or why you have to buy running shoes a half size bigger then you would normally wear? Here’s your answer, swelling. Your feet swell! I know it may not look it but they do and with age and all the standing some of us do the swelling increases and can possibly get out of hand.

Let me ask you this:

Do you have swollen ankles at night?

Any discoloration of the skin?

Any kind leg pain from standing or sitting for a prolonged period of time?

Do you get a tired, heavy feeling in your legs?

Do you get a tingling, numbness, burning or cramping in the legs or feet?

Open sores or ulcers on the lower leg?

Do you have varicose or spider veins, especially during pregnancy?

Does you family have a history of vein problems?



If you answered YES to any of these questions, you may have Vein Disease. Now I am NOT a doctor, let me repeat that I AM NOT A DOCTOR; so don’t take my word for it but you might want to go see one to get it checked out you know just in case (not the guy from the insurance commercial).
One out of three Americans over the age of forty-five suffers from vein problems, vein disease occurs when the vein walls become weak or break. The valves that keep the blood flowing in the correct direction no longer close properly this causes the backflow; which causes swelling of veins as well as ankles making your legs feel heavy. Vein problems can also be caused by accidents and injuries. Women face a higher risk then men because of the possibility of pregnancy.
My solution to all your achy leg needs is, are you ready for it?! Two words: Compression Stockings!!!! Excited? You will be! Compression stockings when used properly meaning the correct size, length and compression will dramatically reduce swelling, increase blood flow, and reduce the pain in your feet and legs! Now you men out there are probably thinking compression stockings? You mean I have to wear hose, like panty hose?! My answer NO! Absolutely not unless of course you want to totally a personal decision but compression stockings also come in socks! Active socks and dress socks they also vary in color so no worries.

Most of my customers wear knee high length but they also come in thigh high and full panty. The come in a variety of colors and compressions. Now you must be thinking how can I get my hands on these things? Well you can just come right in! No prescription needed as long as you can give me a compression and with just a few sinple measurements I can find what’s right for you, I can do it with out a compression also if you can tell me what your leg issues are. Now they are a bit pricey so a prescription would help keep them slightly lower cost, because most insurances do not cover them.
Now if you have traditional Aetna or BlueCross BlueShield with one of these diagnosis’ Varicose veins, Stasis dermatitis, Venous eczema, Venous edema, Venous ulcers, Stasis ulcers, Lipodermatosclerosis, Chronic Lymph edema, Edema following surgery, or Post thrombotic syndrome you are in luck! They will be covered by your insurance, as long as you have DME (Durable Medical Equipment) Coverage in your health insurance plan.

If you would like to get your compression from your doctor there are about 5 different classes of compression starting from light being 12-16 mmHg to extra firm 40-50 mmHg. Confused by the mmHg? It means millimeters of mercury pressure, which is what the compression is measured in. Your doctor will know which one is best for you.

Here are some vein disease prevention tips!

Stay fit and exercise as much as you can.

Avoid prolonged sitting or standing.

Wear comfortable shoes and/or low heels. (For all you business women out there)

Put your feet up as often as possible. (My favorite tip)

Wear your compression stockings every day

Always remember to put them on in the morning before the swelling begins, having trouble getting them on? We can help with that too! Some of them also come with a handy dandy instruction manual. I know what you’re thinking but trust me of you’re a first timer it will be a lifesaver.

I hope I helped relieve you of this pain in the leg of a problem, but if you have any questions that I did not answer feel free to call or come right in and see me or one of my associates we’re here and willing to help.
So, are you ready to get up and dance yet?

Mayra Rivera
Customer Service Representative
Active American Mobility & Medical Supply
Webster, Tx
281-338-0701