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Astra Tech, in partnership with the Spinal Injuries Association, hosted a roadshow in the North East of England on 18th July at the Gateshead Hilton. Most of the speakers were from the Middlesbrough Spinal Injuries Centre. We would like to thank the Middlesbrough Unit and all the speakers for their invaluable contribution and support.
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| The Healthy Living Roadshow Team at Gateshead |
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Paul Smith, the SIA’s Executive Director chaired the day and spoke about the SIA’s vision for taking new information out to spinal cord injured people living in the community. This was endorsed by Rachael Chapple of Astra Tech when she explained to the delegates how Astra Tech shares that vision and likes to work closely with, and support the SIA in delivering roadshows.
Lively talks were given on subjects most dear to a SCI person’s heart! Bowel Management was presented by Arlene Brown, Bladder Management by Kathy Rogstad, Pressure Sore Prevention by Ruth Clements and Spasticity by Pam Thirlwell. The SIA is very grateful to these staff members who gave so much time and energy to make the day a success.
In the afternoon Clarence Adoo, a high level tetraplegic and professional musician spoke on ‘How I manage my skin care’ and SIA member Simon Berry, representing the British Sledge Hockey Association, spoke about how he keeps himself fit through a specialist sporting activity.
The SIA received this letter from SIA member and Trustee, Mike Tennison.
"I would like to say how much my wife and I enjoyed the Healthy Living Roadshow at Gateshead and would commend it to all ages of spinal cord injured people.
A bit long in the tooth and having long passed those who might be described as newly injured, passed through the working wheelchair user stage and all the ups and downs of office life, I have now joined the retired and ageing category. I am lucky to have maintained my health, my skin is intact, so I have had little contact with the healthy living market. Anyway, after 30+ years in a wheelchair life has a routine which I was frightened to change because it has worked.
I am not saying I have been suddenly reformed by the ideas muted by the Middlesbrough team but I must admit I have since sat back and looked at my lifestyle and changed some of our long-standing habits to some of the new ideas voiced. This of course would not work for everyone, but it was good for me to be brought up short and made to look at my lifestyle. Equipment out there, which is now standard issue for new injuries, is easier to use, economical and lightweight. These items I had not seen or used before.
The long relaxed lunch hour was a most useful occasion for exchanging hints and experiences, as well as developments in holiday and sporting activities.
It was a good day and I would congratulate the organisers for making even the inevitable bowel and bladder content interesting!".
Mike Tennison C3/4 complete.
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