National Call-In Day for Complex Rehab Technology Feb. 16

February 16, 2011 is National Call-in Day for Complex Rehab Technology.  If you or someone you know utilizes a complex power wheelchair, a highly configurable manual wheelchair, or adaptive seating, this is the day to call your congressman. 

The current Medicare durable medical equipment benefit does not adequately distinguish complex rehab technology from the standard wheelchairs most people are used to seeing.  A separate benefit category is needed to address the unique needs of individuals with disabilities and medical conditions who require these complex products.

To create a separate benefit, Congress must pass legislation.  Without this separate benefit, the funding for the needed products will be limited, decreasing the ability for a person with spinal cord injury, cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, multiple sclerosis, or Lou Gehrig’s disease to get the appropriate medical equipment.

Please consider calling your Congressman on February 16 and encourage them to sign this legislation for a separate benefit for Complex Rehab Technology. 

If you know the name of your Senators and/or Representative, you can reach tem by calling the US Capitol switchboard at (202) 224-3121 and asking to be connected.

If you need to look up the name(s) of your Members of Congress, please go to www.celaadvocacy.org and enter your zip code in the box at the lower left hand corner of the home page.

You want to speak with the Health Legislative Aide, but can speak with any legislative aide or leave a detailed message if neither of the above are available.

This is a great way to make a difference for health care.

By; Diane Thomson, MS, OTR/L, ATP, Senior Occupational Therapist at

Rehabilitation Institute of Michigan

Is Exercise During Pregnancy Safe?

Exercise is actually a big plus for both you and your baby. Strong muscles and a fit heart can greatly ease labor and delivery.

Before starting an exercise program talk with your obstetrical health care provider to make sure there are no medical risks before starting an exercise program. If there are no indications to the contrary, woman are encouraged to engage in regular, moderate intensity physical activity.

Deciding on what type of exercise depends on what interests you and what your doctor advises. Many women enjoy dancing, swimming, water aerobics, yoga, Pilates, biking, or walking. Try for a combination of cardio (aerobic), strength, and flexibility exercises.

Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, it's also a good idea to avoid any activities that include:

• bouncing
• jarring (anything that would cause a lot of up and down movement)
• leaping
• a sudden change of direction
• a risk of abdominal injury or strain

Whatever type of exercise you and your doctor decide on, the key is to listen to your body's warnings. Many women, for example, become dizzy early in their pregnancy, and as the baby grows, their center of gravity changes. So it may be easy for you to lose your balance, especially in the last trimester.

By: Jane Frahm, PT, Rehabilitation Institute of Michigan.