I have always tried to take care of myself and my health, especially with my being required to use a wheelchair for basic mobility needs for the past 28 years. Besides watching my diet, drinking lots of water, etc., I’ve also tried to maintain a fairly routine, but basic, exercise schedule, as well.

With my requirement to go back into an aggressive rehabilitation mode, thanks to an aggressive infection that came out of nowhere and severely

affected even my very basic wheelchair mobility needs, I’ve had to go back into a “beginners” rehabilitation mode and, basically, start over.

In essence, I’ve had to relearn those techniques that built back up the strength that I lost in my arms and shoulders (while keeping them strong), after being in bed so long, while learning some new “tricks” that can be used by me to transfer more easily into and out of my wheelchair, for example.

In the process, after working with some of the best physical therapists here at the National Rehabilitation Hospital (NRH) in Washington, D.C., I thought that it might be very helpful to review some of those “new”

exercise protocols that can help almost all people with mobility needs and who must use a wheelchair, accordingly. As such, the goal here is to help people

with wheelchair mobility needs to maintain their bodies in a more than reasonably good physical condition, while substantially reducing the

possibilities that people with severe mobility restrictions who use wheelchairs can avoid any number of pitfalls.

Such pitfalls could include such health issues as heart attacks, strokes, respiratory diseases, diabetes,

muscle overuse injuries, and pressure sores, to name just a few of the bad things that can affect people using wheelchairs who do not develop and regularly use any type of exercise program.

To begin with, such people with mobility disabilities must do the following before starting their exercise routine:

Empty their bowels and bladders before starting their exercise

routines;

Stretch and limber up any spastic muscle groups before you begin;

Drink plenty of fluids;

Stop exercising if you encounter any severe joint pains;

Stop and consult with medical help if you experience any such issues

as severe chest pains, headaches, flushing, vomiting, nausea, or cramping; and

Always remember to use pressure releases every 15-20 minutes during your exercise program to avoid pressure ulcers.

And finally, before starting your exercise program:

Check with your doctor first before starting or changing your exercise program; and

Review with your physical therapist first to determine the types of exercises that would be best for your particular exercise and physical needs.

Remember, regular physical activities and exercises are good for everyone, but are especially useful for people with disabilities. As always, you should

check with your doctor and your physical therapist before beginning your exercise program to both determine the type of exercises that would best meet your individual needs, while not adding in a negative way to your health situation. Good luck.

Paul Rendine is chairman of the Disability Advocates of Delmarva Inc. group. He can be reached at his e-mail address at quoteman3@aol.com with any comments or questions.