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Article

Always Be Prepared

Robert Taylor (left) and Erik Kondo at Aikido Dojo in Utah According to the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, people with disabilities have a higher risk of being a victim of violence or abuse than the general population. There are steps you can take to minimize danger and maintain safe boundaries. Here are some tips from self-defence experts that can help to ensure your safety.  
By Kathleen Wilker
September 2010

Article

Go Fish

Dan McDowell's accessible fishing boats feature wheelchair ramps. When that monster rose from the deep, Wylie Harvey had realized a dream. It was a scene out of a Hemingway novel, really: man vs. nature. But there he was, in a boat off of Australia’s coast, fighting—and winning—a battle with a 1,000-pound black marlin. “That one might have been a record,” says Harvey, the pride trickling through his voice as he recalls that unforgettable moment back in 2001.   
August 2010

Article

Fire Drill

Being prepared is your best defence in the event of a fire. People with disabilities face unique concerns in the event of a fire. The ability to detect a fire or escape its effects may be hindered by hearing or vision challenges, cognitive impairments or mobility restrictions. But don’t despair: Taking the steps below can help to ensure your safety in a fire emergency.   
August 2010

Article

Dive In

For people with disabilities, swimming can be an effective, healthful and fun activity. When set up properly, pools can offer accessibility, safety, specialized programs and, of course, exercise. Friendship, laughter and a chance to meet new friends are bonuses.   
August 2010

Article

Your Action Plan

Setting goals and making healthy lifestyle changes will help you self-manage your chronic condition. Living with a chronic illness or disability presents many challenges. There are so many strong emotions to cope with, and so many life decisions to make. We often need to make adjustments to our daily routines, our homes, and our careers. We must deal with reactions from family members, friends and society at large. We have to take stock of our finances and navigate the maze of government systems.   
By Gloria Troyer
May 2010

Article

Let's Play!

Embrace play by trying new activities that bring you joy, including fitness, music and games that challenge your intellect. The English Oxford Universal Dictionary defines play as something done to amuse oneself or for exercise, sport or recreation. It comes to us naturally when we are children, but as time passes and our responsibilities grow, play – doing things that give us joy – tends to fall by the wayside.   
By Nancy Chamberlayne
May 2010

Article

Meals Made Simple

Writer Linda Maran enjoys nutritious meals with help from ready-to-use foods. How many evenings have chronic pain, physical limitations or fatigue prevented or discouraged you from cooking a tasty, healthy meal for yourself or your family? How many times have you turned to processed, microwaveable and costly take-out dinners?   
By Linda Maran
May 2010

Article

Make the Leap!

Many fitness facilities offer classes such as yoga and aquacise. Like millions of other Canadians, did you resolve to improve your physical fitness in the new year? One way to make your goal a reality is to take advantage of the resources available at fitness centres in your neighbourhood.   
By Megan Purpora
May 2010

Article

Free to Ski

Bi-Skier Michele Sansregret races downhill at a CADS festival Ten years ago, Rick Martellacci took his daughter to the Mount St. Louis Moonstone Ski Resort near Barrie, Ontario, so that she could spend the day snowboarding. Martellacci, then 38, hadn’t skied since he’d had his leg amputated above the knee (as a result of a bone tumour) at age 17. He brought a book to the hill to pass the time and was prepared to sit tight until his daughter was finished. But out on the chalet deck on that mild March day, with the sun shining down and the distinctive bouquet of a ski vacation – crisp winter air mingled with barbecue – wafting in his direction, Martellacci felt compelled to get in on the action.  
By Jennifer Rivkin
March 2010

Blog Entry

Avocado-The Stress Busting Fruit!

Author mugshot Avocado-the stress busting fruit!  
By Joanne Smith
March 2010

Blog Entry

First 5 of 10 Surefire Tips for Increasing Your Self-Esteem

Author mugshot

Using Empowered Self-talk

  
By Elly Litvak
January 2010

Blog Entry

10 Tips for Coping with the Holidays

Author mugshot   
By Elly Litvak
December 2009

Blog Entry

Dates - Don't Let Their Size Fool You

Author mugshot Without a doubt, my favorite foods was the incredibly fresh dates. Besides being tasty and beautiful, this whole food has a host of health benefits.  
By Joanne Smith
November 2009

Article

Under the Sea

Freedom at Depth Canada I signed up for training with the Adaptive Scuba Association shortly after my injury. I was viewed as a natural by my dive instructor, who asked me to help present the program to dive organization directors in Kingston, Ont., and Orlando, Fla., along with the abilities of divers with disabilities.  
By Wayne MacDonald
November 2009

Article

Water Works

Wayne MacDonald (left) and Rich Carson on Sixteen Mile Creek, Oakville, Ontario The joys of outrigger paddling  
By Wayne MacDonald
October 2009

Blog Entry

Tips for Changing Negative Self-talk

Author mugshot You'll amount to nothing!   
By Elly Litvak
September 2009

Blog Entry

Nutrition

Author mugshot

What you drink is equally as important as what you eat.

  
By Joanne Smith
September 2009

Blog Entry

Watermelon helps cleanse the entire body

Author mugshot I apologize for the sudden summer hiatus from my blog.  
By Joanne Smith
August 2009

Blog Entry

Embracing Resistance

Author mugshot   
By Elly Litvak
June 2009

Article

Eat Well to Stay Well

Joanne Smith recommends eating fresh, whole foods for optimal nutrition Nutrition has a profound impact on one’s physical, spiritual and mental health. This is particularly relevant for someone living with a disability. Good health starts with a healthy digestive system. However, many health conditions significantly hinder one’s digestion, absorption and elimination functions, which can lead to common and recurring secondary health conditions, such as cardiovascular disease, pressure sores, tendonitis, osteoporosis, neurological pain, constipation, bladder infections and obesity.   
By Joanne Smith
May 2009

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