THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, July 14, 1996 TAG: 9607100049
SECTION: REAL LIFE PAGE: K5 EDITION: FINAL
COLUMN: THE IMPERFECT NAVIGATOR
SOURCE: ALEXANDRIA BERGER
LENGTH: 79 lines
IT'S HOT, STICKY, muscle-debilitating, hit-the-road summer again. Personally, my new fragrance of choice is Cutters repellent, ``the scent for what's eating you.''
You can go with the flow, live outdoors in harmony with butterflies, killer bees and recluse spiders, while practicing the art of serendipity and exercise.
According to physiatrists (specialists in rehabilitation medicine), the water is the best place to be for a low-impact workout. First, do a set of stretching exercises.
For people with muscle disabilities (including muscular dystrophies and multiple sclerosis), post-surgical spinal patients, weight-loss devotees and the elderly, this is especially true. A complete exercise program should be designed by a physical therapist or physiatrist who knows your particular needs. Water aerobics are offered at most YMCAs.
Better yet, you can install a therapy pool (double the size of a hot tub) at home, designed to meet your own needs. With a physician's prescription, you can deduct it from your income taxes as well. The best ones are made of Fiberglas, heated and temperature controlled by propane or natural gas, have variable-speed jets or swim-lane options, disabled lifts and depths of no more than three feet. If you're interested, write me for sources. Send a SASE to the address below.
Here are some water-therapy goodies from Frontgate (1-800-626-6488, 24 hours a day, seven days a week):
The ``AquaJogger'' Workout Set - for training, rehabilitation and weight loss. The ``AquaJogger Buoyancy Belt'' holds you upright in deep and shallow water, giving all four quadrants of the body complete freedom of movement.
The gear provides the benefits of impact-free water exercise, using dumbbells for the upper body and low-impact footwear to tone and strengthen leg muscles (offered in men's and women's universal sizes). All are made of flexible foam for maximum buoyancy. Includes a 45-minute instructional video with workout routines. AquaJogger Buoyancy Belt, $50; AquaJogger Workout Set, $120. For additional questions, a product specialist is available from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. weekdays: 1-800-537-8484. I'm up to one minute walking in the water and wearing the belt. A true accomplishment for me.
For children and adults with physical, emotional and cognitive disabilities, horseback riding is both an unusual and excellent activity. Yep, that's right. Therapeutic riding offers unique benefits to victims of cerebral palsy, strokes and brain injuries and is not terribly expensive, averaging $45 to $75 for a half-hour session. Some of the places listed below have camps. So if you're planning a vacation, or just want one or two sessions, give these folks a call:
Cheff Center for the Handicapped, 8450 N. 43rd St., Augusta, Mich. 49012. 616-731-4471.
Equest Therapeutic Horsemanship, 3800 Troy Road, Wylie, Texas 75098. 214-412-1099.
North American Riding for the Handicapped Association Inc., P.O. Box 33150, Denver, Colo. 80233. 800-369-RIDE or 303-452-1212.
Pegasus Therapeutic Riding Inc., P.O. Box 2053, Darien, Conn. 06820. 203-356-9504. Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward's daughter, Clea Newman, raises money for this facility serving more than 200 disabled children and adults annually.
Heads Up Therapy on Horseback, 21652 Spice Court, Saugus, Calif. 91350. 805-297-7433.
High Hopes Therapeutic Riding, P.O. Box 254, 36 Town Woods Road, Old Lyme, Conn. 06371. 860-434-1974. They also offer family classes making it possible for the disabled child to enjoy an activity with siblings.
Remember, any facility allowing the disabled to ride must have the appropriately trained staff, including a physical therapist. Contact North American Riding for the Handicapped for ratings on the above facilities, and their requirements for safety.
Terrific summer vacation for the whole family: Try the Paralympic Games!
Atlanta seems to be the coolest place to be this summer, if you're into athletics. We all know about Summer Olympics. But the Paralympics from Aug. 15 to 22 will knock the socks off anyone who has never seen the true rewards accomplishment can provide the disabled. Just watch the power, self-worth and wholeness displayed. More than 3,500 athletes from 121 nations, competing in 17 sports, will hit ``the big Peach.'' For on-line information: http://www.paralympic.org. Make your reservations now and I'll see you there! MEMO: Write to the Imperfect Navigator, c/o Virginian-Pilot, 150 W.
Brambleton Ave., Norfolk, Va. 23510. by CNB