Helpful Links
My favorite links:
handcuffs-really cool shirts
SCI info networ-SCI information
Ican\on a roll-talk radio on life and disability
Whispers4u-disabled friends ans dating
the Miami Project-to cure paralysis
SCI injury resource-anatomy of SCI
SCI resources-very helpful links
team rehab site-team based information
chronic pain-back and neck pain
rehab medicine-maximizing potential
Wellmont-Health System
new mobility-magazine on disability information
albertsons-delivery or pick up of your groceries
Safeway-delivery or pick up of your groceries
project walk-SCI recovery
wheelchair junkie-mobility with an attitude
Allegro medical-medical supplies
access e-bility-disability info and resources
Invacare-wheelchairs and medical equipment
the Boulevard-directory of products and services
SCI info pages-spinal cord injury information

transfer masters-high capacity hospital beds
PIE-pulse irrigation evacuation
TASH-equal opportunity for people\W disabilities
ADApolice-Association of disability advocates
CDIHP-center for disability issues
turned soft-automatic turning mattress
Apparelyzed-disabled wheelchair humor
KVB manufacturing-products that put people in motion
Spinlife-Bringing the world to you
Schwan's-Fine frozen foods delivery service
Jumpin'Jammer'z-Footed pajamas
Fresh pasta-Feesh pasta online
Pegasus-worlswiode healthcare companies
Rollin-Clothing and accessories for wheelchair users
Disabled accessories-Making life easier
Enablemart-Technology for everyone
Adagio teas-For tea lovers
The container store-The origional storage and organizatilon store
Adaptations by Adrian-Adaptive clothing
Aero mobility-Dedicatded to people with special needs
Alcis-The science of relief
Audible-Audio that speaks to you wherever you are
Dining with dignity-Utensils for the disabled
L'Pogee-Womens apparel as we like it
Medical products direct-Suppliees, equiptment and supplies
Smart bargains-Brand names at discount prices
Vitality medical-Home medical supply
Sammons Preston Rolyan-Enrichments products
CTAP-California telephone access program
Ergys-A four channel electrical muscle stimulator that contracts muscles
SCI intro pages-quadriplegic, paraplegic and caregiving resources
Hfriends-personal ads for the disabled
Lovebyrds-fun, friendly online disabled dating community


Next steps-a better quality of life through exercise for SCI
Stay der products-your one-stop web site for all incontinent needs
Parapros racing-off-road wheelchair development
Accessible events-We Show People There Is Life After Spinal Cord Injury
Big Bear Counytrr-outdoor excursions for the disabled and the abled
For your convenience-disability solutions for bath, bedroom and independent living

Remedies:
I almost want a sore throat to see if this really works! Did You Know That? Drinking two glasses of Gatorade can relieve headache pain almost immediately -- without the unpleasant side effects caused by traditional "pain relievers."
Did you know that Colgate toothpaste makes an excellent salve for burns.
Before you head to the drugstore for a high-priced inhaler filled with mysterious chemicals, try chewing on a couple of curiously strong Altoids peppermints. They'll clear up your stuffed nose.
Achy muscles from a bout of the flu? Mix 1 Tablespoon of horseradish in 1 cup of olive oil. Let the mixture sit for 30 minutes, then apply it as a massage oil, for instant relief for aching muscles.
Sore throat? Just mix 1/4 cup of vinegar with 1/4 cup of honey and take 1 tablespoon six times a day. The vinegar kills the bacteria.
Cure urinary tract infections with Alka-Seltzer . Just dissolve two tablets in a glass of water and drink it at the onset of the symptoms. Alka-Seltzer begins eliminating urinary tract infections almost instantly -- even though the product was never been advertised for this use. (Note: Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold Medicine is not the same..and contains aspirin, which can cause stomach bleeding if you have ulcers.)
Honey remedy for skin blemishes... Cover the blemish with a dab of honey and place a Band-Aid over it. Honey kills the bacteria, keeps the skin sterile, and speeds healing. Works overnight.
Listerine therapy for toenail fungus... Get rid of unsightly toenail fungus by soaking your toes in Listerine mouthwash. The powerful antiseptic leaves your toenails looking healthy again.
Easy eyeglass protection... To prevent the screws in eyeglasses from loosening, apply a small drop of Maybelline Crystal Clear nail polish to the threads of the screws before tightening them.
Coca-Cola cure for rust... Forget those expensive rust removers. Just saturate an abrasive sponge with Coca Cola and scrub the rust stain. The phosphoric acid in the coke is what gets the job done.
Cleaning liquid that doubles as bug killer... If menacing bees, wasps,hornets, or yellow jackets get in your home and you can't find the insecticide, try a spray of Formula 409. Insects drop to the ground instantly. Smart splinter remover...just pour a drop of Elmer's Glue-All over the splinter, let dry, and peel the dried glue off the skin. The splinter sticks
to the dried glue. Hunt's tomato paste boil cure....cover the boil with Hunt's tomato
paste as a compress. The acids from the tomatoes soothe the pain and bring the boil
to a head.
Balm for broken blisters...To disinfect a broken blister, dab on afew drops of Listerine ... a powerful antiseptic.
Heinz vinegar to heal bruises... Soak a cotton ball in white vinegar and apply it to the bruise for 1 hour. The vinegar reduces the blueness andspeeds up the healing process.
Kills fleas instantly. Dawn dish washing liquid does the trick. Add a few drops to your dog's bath and shampoo the animal thoroughly. Rinse well to avoid skin irritations. Goodbye fleas.
Rainy day cure for dog odor... Next time your dog comes in from the rain, simply wipe down the animal with Bounce or any dryer sheet, instantly making your dog smell springtime fresh.
Eliminate ear mites... All it takes is a few drops of Wesson corn oil in your cat's ear. Massage it in, then clean with a cotton ball. Repeat daily for 3 days. The oil soothes the cat's skin, smothers the mites, and accelerates healing.
Quaker Oats for fast pain relief....It's not for breakfast anymore! Mix 2cups of Quaker Oats and 1 cup of water in a bowl and warm in the microwave for 1 minute, cool slightly, and apply the mixture to your hands for soothing relief from arthritis pain.

FUELING UP ON WATER
It's our body's vital fuel, a health drink from mother
nature. It's calorie-free, inexpensive and easily
obtained. Yet few people follow the old fashioned advice
to drink eight glasses of water a day. Most people drink
when they are thirsty, but the beverage of choice tends
to be some other drink besides water. Americans drink
two or three glasses of plain water a day, according to
a US Department of Agriculture survey conducted in the
late 1970. Based on an analysis of all fluid intake by
adults, it is said to total about two quarts of water a
day, and this includes water from foods and from other
beverages. It's not usually necessary to actually
swallow two quarts of plain water every day. However,
people with special problems such as kidney conditions
might be exceptions. Americans drink eight gallons of
bottled water a year, roughly two ounces or a
quarter-cup a day, according to the International
Bottled Water Association. Californians drink three
times the national average of bottled water, downing 24
gallons a year, or nearly a cup a day. Climate and
seasons of the year play a role in one's thirst also,
and just as we tend to perspire more in the summer
months, we also tend to drink more water. Boosting
intake of plain water makes good sense, many experts
concur, because water eases digestion and regulates body
temperature. Water also bathes the cells and accounts
for about 60 percent of body weight. And it can help us
exercise longer and more efficiently. Drinking water can
ward off constipation and maybe even crankiness. An
since it's a natural appetite suppressant, water can
help us lose weight and keep it off. It can help keep
skin healthy, although it won't necessarily banish acne.
Who should drink water? We all should, but pregnant
women, nursing mothers and athletes should be especially
careful to drink a sufficient amount. When it is hot or
humid, upping water intake is also wise. There are
certain workers who seem to have a more difficult time
developing the water-drinking habit. Among those who
don't normally drink enough water are teachers, airline
attendants and nurses. Drinking fluids, particularly,
water, during exercise reduces cardiovascular stress and
improves performance. After a strenuous workout, you
have to replace the fluids you have lost. Otherwise, you
will suffer chronic dehydration. Drink water before,
during and after exercising, and remember that water
reduces body temperature thus making the whole exercise
process safer. Water can be especially helpful for
people with a history of kidney stones because it
dissolves calcium in the urine, reducing the risk of
stone formation. Among physicians, urologists are
probably most likely to extol the virtues of water, And
it has been documented that drinking water mostly before
6 P.M. can reduce the likelihood of nocturnal bathroom
visits. It is interesting to note also that water helps
prevent urinary tract infections, both for men and for
women. Too busy to count how many glasses a day you
drink? There are other ways to calculate if your intake
is sufficient. Dark-colored urine often suggest you
aren't drinking enough water. Get into the habit by
starting with a glass of water with every meal, then
work in a cup between meals.
Read, Chat, Research!!

Multi-Vitamins: Choosing a Good One
Q: What is the best over-the-counter multivitamin for general use?
A: I believe most everyone can benefit from taking a multivitamin. Too many times in today's fast-paced world, we grab whatever is convenient and quiets our growling stomachs. We often do not give much thought to the nutritional content of what we just ate. This alone is a good reason to take a multivitamin. Add to that the stress we often encounter in our lives, the aging process, pollution in the air, and smoke (both inhaled and second-hand), and a multivitamin becomes even more important.
Below is a list that outlines the key vitamins and minerals your multivitamin should supply. Centrum® and One A Day® are both brands that can be trusted. For other brands, learn to look at the label. Make sure the multivitamin in question contains all the vitamins and minerals listed below. Try to choose a multivitamin that does not exceed 150% of the Daily Value (brief explanation in a minute). Do not fall for the "Extra-Strength" formulas. Some nutrients in amounts well above the RDA (Recommended Dietary Allowance) can be quite detrimental. For example, consuming too much vitamin A can cause liver damage or birth defects when taken in excess during pregnancy. Men do not require as much iron as women. Women who are no longer menstruating do not need as much iron as they did. Iron in excess can be harmful, even toxic. So is it a good idea to go with formulations specifically for a certain group such as gender? Yes. And, if you are over 50, you might want to consider a formula for older adults. As you get older, there are nutrients you need in higher amounts. Multivitamins formulated for older adults address these important needs.
What does the % of DV (daily value) tell you? Because nutritional needs are influenced by a variety of factors (age, gender, caloric intake), the charts that list the Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDAs) are quite large and too complex for use on food labels. So authorities created the Daily Values (DVs) as a single value for each nutrient. The Daily Values for vitamins and minerals was set at the highest recommended level in place when nutrition labeling went into practice. Hopefully that gives you a better idea of what %Daily Value is.
I am listing this towards the end of things to look for on the label, yet it is probably one of the first things you should look for on the label is USP or NF. What? USP stands for United States Pharmacopoeia. NF stands for National Formulary. The USP establishes authoritative standards for botanical and non-botanical dietary supplements. When buying dietary supplements, you can be assured of quality and purity if you choose a product with USP or NF on the label. Federal law requires products displaying this on the label to comply with the standards in United States Pharmacopoeia (USP) and the National Formulary (NF). This is your only guarantee that a product contains what it says it does. It is voluntary. A dietary supplement does not have anybody making sure they comply, ethically they should. If there is ever a problem, then the FDA jumps in and checks things out. But, how is there going to be a problem by not supplying as much of a nutrient as the label says it contains? If you do not see USP or NF on the label, you are basically going on trust or the company's good name. For more information on USP, go to their Web site at
http://www.usp.org
Some final notes, always check the suggested serving size. Do not pay more for "time-released" or "chelated" products. They are not worth the extra cost. You may be wondering when the best time to take a multivitamin would be. Because multivitamins contain the fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K, you want to try to take your multivitamin with a meal that includes a little fat. This is because the fat in the meal helps your body better absorb the fat-soluble vitamins. In addition, when you take your multivitamin, be sure to drink at least 8 ounces of fluid. The fluid helps the multivitamin dissolve in your gut and maximize absorption.
Here is a list of vitamins/minerals that your multivitamin should contain and the DV: (Note: This is for the general population)
Vitamins:
Vitamin A (5,000 IU)
Vitamin C (60 mg)
Vitamin D (400 IU)
Vitamin E (30 IU)
Thiamin (1.5 mg)
Riboflavin (1.7 mg)
Niacin (20 mg)
Vitamin B6 (2 mg)
Folic Acid (400 mcg)
Vitamin B12 (6 mcg)
Pantothenic Acid (10 mg)
Optional:
Vitamin K (80 mcg) Biotin (300 mcg)
Minerals:
Calcium (1,000 mg) Chromium ( 120 mcg)
Copper (2 mg) Magnesium (400 mg)
Manganese (2 mg) Molybdenum (75 mcg)
Selenium (70 mcg) Zinc (15 mg)
Optional:
Boron (no DV) Iron (18 mg)
Potassium (3,500 mg) Vanadium (no DV)
Iron is listed as optional because most men's formulas will not contain it and formulas for older adults will contain much less than the DV. Potassium is optional because it is not hard to get this through your diet. Most multivitamins will contain potassium, just not the full DV. Do not expect your multivitamin to contain 100%DV for calcium. This would make the pill too big. Get the extra calcium you need from your diet or a calcium supplement.
I hope you find this information helpful!
Laura S. Garrett, RD, is a registered Dietitian, Fitness Trainer, and specialist on Weight Loss/Fitness Programs,Diabetes, Vitamin/Mineral/Herb Supplementation & is the owner of
http://www.NutrActive.com

ONLY IN AMERICA:
Only in America do drugstores make the sick walk all the way to the back of the store to get their prescriptions while healthy people can buy cigarettes at the front.
Only in America......do people order double cheeseburgers, large fries, and a diet coke. !
Only in America.......do banks leave both doors open and then chain the pens to the counters.
Only in America......do we leave cars worth thousands of dollars in the driveway and put our useless junk in the garage.
Only in America......do we buy hot dogs in packages of ten and buns in packages of eight.
Only in America......do we use the word 'politics' to describe the process so well: 'Poli' in Latin meaning 'many' and 'tics' meaning 'bloodsucking creatures'..
Only in America......do they have drive-up ATM machines with Braille lettering.

EVER WONDER .....
Why the sun lightens our hair, but darkens our skin?
Why women can't put on mascara with their mouth closed?
Why don't you ever see the headline "Psychic Wins Lottery"?
Why is "abbreviated" such a long word?
Why is it that doctors call what they do "practice"?
Why is lemon juice made with artificial flavor, and dishwashing liquid made with real lemons?
Why is the man who invests all your money called a broker?
Why is the time of day with the slowest traffic called rush hour?
Why isn't there mouse-flavored cat food?
Why didn't Noah swat those two mosquitoes?
Why do they sterilize the needle for lethal injections?
You know that indestructible black box that is used on airplanes? Why don't they make the whole plane out of that stuff?
Why don't sheep shrink when it rains?
Why are they called apartments when they are all stuck together?
If con is the opposite of pro, is Congress the opposite of progress?
If flying is so safe, why do they call the airport the terminal?

Dr Philisms:

Anger is nothing more than an outward expression of hurt, fear and frustration.
Awareness without action is worthless.
Failure is no accident.
Get up each morning, look at yourself in the mirror, and see yourself not as someone who is overweight or out of shape, but as the someone you will become.
The Ultimate Weight Solution: The 7 Keys to Weight Loss Freedom If you want more, you have to require more from yourself.
It's better to be healthy alone than sick with someone else.
Life is a marathon, it's not a sprint.
Obesity has overtaken cancer as the No. 1 cause of avoidable, preventable death in American society. It's an epidemic-level problem.
Speaking to members of US Television Critics Association Sometimes you just got to give yourself what you wish someone else would give you.
Sometimes you make the right decision, sometimes you make the decision right.
Sometimes you've just gotta give yourself what you wish you were getting from someone else.
The most you get is what you ask for.
The quickest way from A to B is not always at the most feverish pace.
We teach people how to treat us.
You cannot be who and what you are unless you have a lifestyle, both internally and externally, that is designed to support that definition of self.
You have the duty and gift of living. You don't have the right to sit on the sidelines--use your life and get back into the game.
You need to listen to your body because your body is listening to you.
You're only lonely if you're not there for you.

TIPS FOR EARTHQUAKE SAFETY
 1) Most everyone who simply "ducks and covers" when buildings collapse are crushed to death. People who get under objects, like desks or cars, are crushed.
 2) Cats, dogs and babies often naturally curl up in the fetal position.
 You should too in an earthquake. It is a natural safety/survival instinct. You can survive in a smaller void. Get next to an object, next to a sofa, next to a  large bulky object that will compress slightly but leave a void next to it.
 3) Wooden buildings are the safest type of construction to be in during an earthquake. Wood is flexible and moves with the force of the earthquake.  If the wooden building does collapse, large survival voids are created.  Also, the wooden building has less concentrated, crushing weight. Brick buildings will break into individual bricks. Bricks will cause many injuries but less squashed bodies than concrete slabs.
 4) If you are in bed during the night and an earthquake occurs, simply roll off the bed. A safe void will exist around the bed. Hotels can achieve a much greater survival rate in earthquakes, simply by posting a sign on The back of the door of every room telling occupants to lie down on the floor, next to the bottom of the bed during an earthquake.
 5) If an earthquake happens and you cannot easily escape by getting out the door or window, then lie down and curl up in the fetal position next to a sofa, or large chair.
 6) Most everyone who gets under a doorway when buildings collapse is killed. How? If you stand under a doorway and the doorjamb falls forward or backward you will be crushed by the ceiling above. If the door jam falls sideways you will be cut in half by the doorway. In either case, you will be
 killed!
 7) Never go to the stairs. The stairs have a different "moment of frequency" (they swing separately from the main part of the building).  The stairs and remainder of the building continuously bump into each other until structural failure of the stairs takes place. The people who get
 on stairs before they fail are chopped up by the stair treads - horribly mutilated. Even if the building doesn't collapse, stay away from the stairs. The stairs are a likely part of the building to be damaged. Even if the stairs are not collapsed by the earthquake, they may collapse later when
 overloaded by fleeing people. They should always be checked for safety, even when the rest of the building is not damaged.
 8) Get Near the Outer Walls Of Buildings Or Outside Of Them If Possible - It is much better to be near the outside of the building rather than the interior. The farther inside you are from the outside perimeter of the building the greater the probability that your escape route will be blocked.
 9) People inside of their vehicles are crushed when the road above falls in an earthquake and crushes their vehicles; which is exactly what happened with the slabs between the decks of the Nimitz Freeway. The victims of the San Francisco earthquake all stayed inside of their vehicles. They were all killed. They could have easily survived by getting out and sitting or lying next to their vehicles. Everyone killed would have survived if they had been able to get out of their cars and sit or lie next to them. All the crushed cars had voids 3 feet high next to them, except for the cars that had
 columns fall directly across them.
 10) I discovered, while crawling inside of collapsed newspaper offices and other offices with a lot of paper, that paper does not compact.  Large voids are found surrounding stacks of paper.



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