Audacity Magazine » Your Body Is Your Vessel

Scared of the Monsters in Your Closet?

Nathasha Alvarez — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 14:26:09 +0000

Wheelchair, scooter, crutches, canes, as people with physical disabilities we always have our own accessories.

Getting a wardrobe that doesn’t bunch up when we are sitting in our wheelchairs, or trip us when we are using our walking aids can be a mission impossible for even the best of us diva fashionistas.

Just because we are physically disabled doesn’t mean we have to look like we came out of Reject Fashion Magazine.

So here are some easy tips to follow before you hit the stores or throw out every piece of clothing in your closet.

First, look at what you have in your closet now. I am sure it can’t be that bad.

Take out any clothes that are raggedy or permanently stained and throw them out.

Gross! What are you waiting for?

Then you should get rid of any clothing that you don’t like. That sounds easy but we all know that in your closet you have items that you don’t want to get rid of because Auntie So So gave it to you for your birthday 800 years ago!

Let go of the past so you can embrace the future in the present!

If you have any items that you really love but need mending, do it! It’s hard enough to get clothes that fit us well so let’s take care of them.

I met a guy who lost his arm in a motorcycle accident and he was a sharp dressed man. He found a seamstress who was willing to negotiate a price for all of the shirts and jackets that he had and would have in the future.

He got rid of the sleeve where he didn’t have an arm. He said he didn’t see the need for it and it wasn’t like he was going to grow another arm anytime soon. He wasn’t into wearing a prosthetic arm.

But you know, whatever makes you happy.

After you get rid of the ugly, mend the bad, you can start looking for the good.

First, remember that quality always out shines quantity.

It is a must to have a few quality pieces like they say in those fashion magazines. However, we know that we have to adjust certain pieces to fit our bodies just right.

For example, it is very difficult for me to find a dress my size due to my short stature so now I buy blouses that can also double up as a dress.

This saves me money, time and energy!

Try not to go for pieces of clothing that require ironing. It is too cumbersome for us and a waste of time. But hey, if you have someone who can do it for you with a smile then go for it!

Accessorizing is very important and can literally transform an outfit into looking like three different new outfits.

It depends on your taste and style. Show some of your unique personality.

I have met some very well dressed people with physical disabilities and they know the importance of accessories.

Last but not least in the world of fashion, wear clothes that make you want to go out and say hi to the world.

It’s not only a statement of fashion but of your life!

Go out and live a fashionably audacious life!

Questions and comments, email us at nathasha@audacitymagazine.com .

Fitness Centers: Equal Pay with No Equal Play

Nathasha Alvarez — Sun, 06 May 2007 14:28:31 +0000

Before I decided to go on a fitness center hunt, I gave myself a reality check. I knew that not all people with physical disabilities would be able to use the machines and services of a fitness center.

I knew that the person with a physical disability would need enough strength and mobility to use the equipment. There needed to be a criteria. I didn’t know what it was but for the time being I was going to use myself as the guinea pig.

I went to Bally’s Gym and the salespeople were so helpful. They showed me every single machine even the ones I would never be able to use like the stationary bikes. They told me I could use the free weights, weights that were not connected to a machine.

I took a mental inventory and realized that the only equipment I would be able to use would be the free weights.

I wouldn’t be able to use the rowing machine, the stationary bikes, the leg press machine, and many other shiny, pricey equipment.

I asked him if there would be someone around to help me reach a free weight or a bar if necessary. They said there would be people “around”. The place was packed with big sweaty bodies and not enough people “around” to help me or anyone else for that matter.

Bally’s wasn’t offering any discounts for people with physical disabilities even though the number of machines a person with a wheelchair could use was practically down to three machines, if any!

Bally’s struck out!

The next biggest talk of the town was LA Fitness. I was told that the one closest to me didn’t have a pool that was accessible but the second closest to me did have one. I was psyched!

I figure I could use the free weights and the pool! That would give me strength training and cardiovascular exercise. As soon as I entered, I was approached with smiley faces.

We took the grand tour of the place even though I specifically wanted to see the pool. We finally got to the pool and I was so very happy! There was no one in it which is great for me since I get nervous having others around me when I am trying to swim.

I saw a hoya lift! I hate those things! They look uncomfortable and very dangerous. This one came in two pieces and I could visualize my small body sliding out from between those two pieces of cloth that were supposed to protect me from the ground.

I found it very interesting that there was no way for me to maneuveur the hoist by myself. I explained this to the salesperson and she was very understanding about it. She said that someone from the gym could help me. Then I realized that there was no way for me to get out by myself nor contact someone to help me get out.

Basically, I would be in the pool by myself and stay there until someone noticed me.

We spoke to the manager. She said that she would contact headquarters. It’s been over over a month and I never heard back from them! Yet, they really, really, really wanted me to sign up with them.

LA Fitness struck out! No pool, no accessible machines, no nada!

I was getting frustrated! What happened to the ADA! I couldn’t believe that with all of this technology and push on healthy bodies, no one realized that people with physical disabilities want to exercise too!

There was one more place that I needed to check out.

I didn’t want to go there because I still have some issues regarding my relationship with the University of Miami.

However, Damian Gregory, who lives with Cerebral Palsy, works out there and he said that the University of Miami has the best health fitness centers for people with physical disabilities.

I figured I should give it a try. I also remembered that I was asked to approve the blueprint for the University of Miami’s Wellness Center during its early stages. My curiousity got the best of me. I wanted to see if they had taken of my suggestions.

I hit the jackpot!

The Wellness Center at the University of Miami has two excellent exercise machines that can be adapted for people in wheelchairs! Of course, there were free weights, too.

The beauty for me was the pool! It was calling my name!

The hydralic chair allowed me to slowly enter the pool and exit the pool without any assistance. Even so, there is a life guard there who stood next to me as an extra safety precaution.

The locker room had an accessible shower stall and there was even an indoor track where I could push for miles and miles without getting in anyone’s way.

It was a bit pricier than the other fitness centers but it was like that for everyone. I had no problem paying the same price like everyone as long as I had the same opportunity to use the equipment available to everyone.

If I could offer one more suggestion to the Wellness Center, it would be to turn the two machines around so that we could watch television like everyone else.

Being disabled doesn’t mean your body has to rot! It means we have one more reason why we need adaptable equipment to help our bodies maintain its peak in good health.

What’s working for you?
Let us know. nathasha@audacitymagazine.com .

Spa Treatment For Everyone!

Nathasha Alvarez — Fri, 06 Apr 2007 14:29:37 +0000

Ever since my birthday in January, I have been holding on to my gift certificate to Nouvelle Day Spa as if it were a treasured piece of gold. But this past week, I felt I needed it. Since I had never been to a spa before I wanted to make sure that it would be accessible. The last thing I needed was to go to a spa to relax and find out that I couldn’t because I would be arguing over its inability to accommodate me.

So here is your first tip for a spa treatment. Visit the place at least one day in advance to make sure that it will be a smooth ride. You will know right off the back when the front desk person greets you. I was welcomed by a friendly lady who didn’t feel flustered that I was there to investigate the spa’s accommodations for the disabled.

I explained that I wanted to get a facial but I didn’t know which one I wanted because I didn’t know which one I needed. She called Betty Campana, a skin specialist with 22 years of experience, who came out from the back to answer my skin questions and gave me a tour of the room where the facial would take place.

It was a narrow room with a high bed like one found at a doctor’s office but this one had a soft mattress on it. My first concern was the height of the bed. It didn’t move up and down like a dentist’s chair or a hospital bed. Betty said she help me and even get another person to help her if I couldn’t do it myself.

So my next suggestion to you: if you can’t hop on a doctor’s examining table then you might want to bring someone you trust to help you get on it or take the risk of having the spa people assist you.

Betty said that if a person has a wheelchair that reclines then she could the same treatment in the wheelchair. That’s good to know because I think that many wheelchair users with a reclining back might find that to be more comfortable than transferring to a high bed. But ultimately it’s up to each person’s individual preference.

Once I looked everything over, made my appointment and left the spa, I called one of my sister’s who is my little beauty consultant. I was very excited about the facial and the people there. Immediately, she was telling me the type of facial I should have done. There I am outside of the spa with an appointment made and she wanted me to change the treatment.

I went back in, requested to speak to Betty and asked her if I should have the facial my sister recommended. Betty said that if she were a sales person she would have recommended it but she feels ethically bound not to do it since she doesn’t know how my skin might react to it.

That gave her a gold star in my book!

I left feeling very relaxed and it wasn’t even the day of the facial treatment.

The next day, I came to the spa a half hour early in case it might take some time to set up. I came with a clean face and my hair up in a ponytail. I also came with a baseball cap and sunglasses because I knew from reading articles that I would need to protect myself from the sun after the treatment.

Once in the room and on the bed, Betty began the treatment and answered my questions while going through the process. But after awhile, I simply wanted to be silent and enjoy the diva treatment.

I had a cleaning and hydrating facial. Betty was marvelous at her job. She left me alone to relax while the facial treatments took place.

Word to the wise: If you are scared of the dark or keeping your eyes closed for long periods of time, you might want to let them know ahead of time.

By the end of the treatment, I left with a clean and glowing face. It wasn’t just the facial but the overall feeling I felt from within that made my eyes glisten and my smile shine!

For $120, I left feeling like a million bucks!

Hey! I never said feeling like a diva was going to be cheap!

Happy skin to all!

If you are thinking of getting a facial or you have done it already, email me to let me know how it went.
nathasha@audacitymagazine.com

Your Most Loyal Fan Should Be You

Nathasha Alvarez — Tue, 06 Feb 2007 14:37:03 +0000

Valentine’s Day is the day to go all out on your loved one. Flowers, candy, expensive candle light dinners and dazzling jewelry are the hot ticket items for this red heart beating holiday if you are a part of a couple.

But what if you aren’t? What if you are single? Should you pout?

Of course not! In fact, you have someone who can give you the flowers, candy and much more. Where? Here!

The most loyal, caring, loving and devoted person in your life should be you. No, I didn’t fall out of my wheelchair and hit my head on the ground. I am absolutely serious!

This Valentine’s Day if you are single love yourself. Give yourself a day of pampering. Eat at your favorite restaurant, get your nails manicured, or if you are really adventurous get a body massage.

Have you thought of getting a cosmetics make over but never had the courage? Find out where you can get a free make over and make an appointment.

You might want to start the day with a luxurious bubble bath and slather on globs of moisturizing cream to give your skin a smooth and glossy feeling.

Take advantage of those Valentine’s Day sales to buy yourself something special.

If you really don’t want to be alone then ask a friend or two to join you for lunch or an early dinner. Discuss topics that are uplifting and positive.

If you have a plan of action for that day where you are the center of attention then your Valentine’s Day will be one of the best days ever.

No one should love you more than you love yourself. Shouldn’t you let yourself know it?

Questions or comments email me at nathasha@audacitymagazine.com .

Get Fit: Suggestions for Getting in Shape

Laura Stinson — Tue, 06 Apr 2004 14:38:05 +0000

Spring is already well under way and that means that summer is just around the corner. And summer means skimpy clothing, swimsuits and lots of skin.

Wait! Before you go into full-on rabbit mode in order to slim down in preparation, consider exercise. Exercise is the most effective way to lose weight, as long as you’re burning more calories than you’re consuming. Unfortunately, exercise can be difficult if you have a disability. There aren’t many programs out there that can incorporate a wheelchair or walker, and the ones that are out there are generally so low-impact, a person can barely work up a sweat. Exercise programs that do make your heart rate jump aren’t made for people who have disabilities or use mobility equipment.
However, there are some programs out there made specifically for people with disabilities and other high-impact programs can be modified to make them easier for you to do. Here are some suggestions, based on my personal experience.

• Seat-A-Robics – Led by a former aerobics instructor who was paralyzed in a car accident, at about 25 minutes long, this video is a great routine for beginners. It can be used by the elderly, people with cerebral palsy or
quadriplegia. However, because the routine works the same muscles repetitively, it can be very tiring.

• Richard Simmons: Sit Tight – If you can get past the cheesiness that is Richard, this is another great one for beginners. Made specifically for people with disabilities, or those who are so overweight that they must sit to exercise, this video can also be used be a variety of people. The one thing that makes this video better than Seat-A-Robics is that it also offers leg exercises. If you can do them, they’re great, but if you can’t, the upper body exercises will still get your heart pounding.

• Tae Bo Ultimate Upper Body – This video is a compilation of the upper body movements from other Tae Bo Advanced videos. Personally, it’s one of my favorites. It not only works your arms and shoulders, but also your abdominals and obliques, which are important muscles for posture. This is good to consider if you have scoliosis or other back problems. At an hour long, this is not the video for you if you are just starting to work out. Even after working out with the beginning Tae Bo video for a few weeks, I couldn’t get all the way through this one. Don’t force it. Even the first 10 minutes are a great beginning!

• Pilates – There are a variety of Pilates videos available, but the ones I use have three videos: beginner, intermediate and advanced. There is a big jump between beginner and intermediate, so don’t rush. These videos are also good only if you have the ability to get on to the floor. The biggest problem I have with Pilates is the bending of the spine that is required. Having had scoliosis surgery, I can’t bend my spine in the same ways as the instructor. However, many of the exercises can still be done with slight modification by working only to your personal limits. These exercises are very good if you are more worried about muscle tone than actually losing weight.

• Rolling – Okay, if you use a manual wheelchair, this one probably seems pretty obvious, but is actually a great way to work out. If you want, you can roll around your neighborhood or around a track. If, like me, you don’t have access to a track or other smooth rolling surface, use your house. We recently replaced the floors in our house with all wood laminate, so now I roll around the kitchen and great room if I don’t feel like doing anything else. The smooth rolling surface makes it great to get and keep momentum. Rolling in your house also prevents struggling up hills—and taking a break while coasting down.

• Be creative! – For variety, do some exercises of your own invention. If you’re in a wheelchair, do in-chair exercises. I do many of these as a way of working my leg and stomach muscles. If your stomach is a problem area, try sitting up straight in your chair and holding in your stomach muscles for as long as you can. Don’t hold your breath—that doesn’t count. Some possible leg exercise include leg lifts, bicycles, scissors or hold your legs out straight in front of you continuously for one minute. All of these will help strengthen those muscles.

Free weights are also a great option and, if you can afford it, there are gym-style machines available that can accommodate a wheelchair. Whatever type of exercise you decide to do, use your imagination. If you think about your body and the style of exercise you have chosen, making modifications won’t be very difficult.

Here’s to a healthier you!

If you have any comments you can email them to nathasha@audacitymagazine.com or post it on the Online Forum where discussions take place everyday.