Category: Health & Wellness

We hope you have been enjoying our list of top 10 most popular and inspirational movies about for physical disability awareness. Read the first part of our list of movies with disabilities.

Continued List of Disability Movies:

Stronger (Rated R)

The movie Stronger is based on the story of real-life Boston Marathon bombing victim Jeff Bauman. The bombing left Jeff an amputee and has thus forced him to deal with accepting his new identity as a symbol of resilience from an act of terrorism. Is he capable of being the hero America needs?  

Soul Surfer (Rated PG)

Soul Surfer is about the true story of the talented teenage surfer Bethany Hamilton, who loses an arm in a shark attack. After seeing the devastation from the 2004 Tsunami in Thailand, Bethany refuses to give up on the sport she loves. She begins to discover a greater purpose: to make a difference in the lives of others.

Crip Camp: A Disability Revolution (Rated R) 

This new Netflix documentary was released in conjunction with the 30th anniversary of the establishment of the Americans with Disabilities Act. In the early 1970s, teenagers with disabilities faced a future shaped by isolation, discrimination, and possible institutionalization.

At Camp Jened, a camp “for the handicapped” in the Catskills, these confines were exploded. The teenagers go on to become important political figures who help make vital changes for the disability community.  

The Intouchables (Rated R)

The Intouchables is a true story about the aristocratic, intellectual, quadriplegic billionaire from France. It tells the story of the newly disabled man interviewing candidates for a caretaker and the subsequent relationship that develops once he finds the person to fill the role.

His unlikely choice is a man from the projects, frustrating his friends and family. The friendship that evolves is endearing and proves to be life-changing for them both.  

Walk. Ride. Rodeo. (Rated PG)

An incredible, heart-wrenching true story of nationally ranked barrel racer Amberley Snyder is as motivational as they get. Amberley, at 19 years old, barely survives an automobile accident.

Now paralyzed from the waist down, Amberley, with the support of her mother, friends, and physical therapist, is determined to earn back her place in the sport she loves. Her relationship with her horse helps her overcome adversity.

At Next Day Access, we understand that living with a physical disability can be challenging. We hope you enjoyed perusing this list of movies and would love to hear if you have any other suggestions. Feel free to contact us for your accessibility and mobility needs.  

Movies can be a powerful tool. They can educate, enlighten, and inspire us. When we watch people overcome hardships and achieve their dreams despite adversities, their courage and determination is empowering.

Whether it is a sports film, a French love story, or a tale of overcoming adversity while physically disabled, certain movies about disabilities can encourage and inspire us to do more and be more.

At Next Day Access, we, like many others, enjoy a good inspirational story. We put together a list of ten films that are about learning to live with a physical disability. The list has an assortment of styles.

Some movies on the list are family-oriented, while others deal with adult topics. Be sure to check the ratings included next to each title. If you get a chance to watch one of the films, let us know what you think.

The 10 Best Movies About Disabilities – Part 1 of 2

The Theory of Everything (Rated PG 13)

At the peak of famed physicist Stephen Hawking’s career, he was diagnosed with ALS, leaving him paralyzed from the neck down. The movie, was told from his wife’s perspective and based on her memoir, “Travelling to Infinity: My Life with Stephen.”

The memoir is a loving tribute to the man who discovered black holes and taught the world about Physics while also battling a debilitating disease.

My Left Foot (Rated R)

Based on a true story, Christy Brown, is an Irish man born with cerebral palsy. Encouraged by his mother’s fortitude and ambition for her son, Mr. Brown becomes a world-renowned artist and writer by using his only working muscle, his left foot.

The Diving Bell and the Butterfly (Rated PG 13)

At only 43 years old, Elle magazine editor Jean-Dominique Bauby suffers a massive stroke leaving him with locked-in syndrome. The condition leaves him paralyzed, including not being able to speak. With the help of his family and therapists, Mr. Bauby learns to communicate using his eye muscles.

Although the communication method is frustrating and slow, he learns to communicate effectively. He decides on the monumental and impossible task to keep to his pre-injury commitment of authoring a book, changing its focus to life in his current state.

Rust and Bone (Rated R)

This film is a beautiful, yet haunting and tender love story set in France. A woman working as a whale trainer has a terrible accident and finds comfort in an unlikely suitor. Her spirit broken by the same tragedy that took her legs, has her wrestling with love. She gradually finds the courage to go on living after transcendent moments spent with him.

The Terry Fox Story (Rated PG) 

Terry Fox lost a leg to cancer. After becoming frustrated with little community support and awareness for amputees, he sets a goal of running across America, with only the use of one leg, to spread awareness, calling it his “Marathon of Hope.”

At Next Day Access, we hope these movies sound interesting and perhaps will be enlightening. You can find some of these movies on Netflix, Hulu, or Amazon Prime. Check out part two of this blog to read more of our movie suggestions.

Check out Part Two of this Blog

Vitamin D helps our bodies absorb calcium, which is essential for healthy bone mass and strength. If seniors have a deficiency of Vitamin D, they are more likely to be prone to falls, fatigue, and joint pain. Seniors able to receive a healthy amount of Vitamin D are more likely to have an energy boost and overall better quality of life. There are several other ways Vitamin D affects your overall health. A few other benefits from a regular Vitamin D regimen can include: 

• Reduced bone pain and weakness due to improved mobility 
• Less likely to fall since bones are stronger 
• Reduced risk of contracting certain cancers, infections, osteoporosis, or diabetes since Vitamin D regulates cell growth 

How much Vitamin D does your loved one need? 

As your loved one becomes older, the amount of Vitamin D they need can change for several reasons: 

• Their ability to absorb vitamin D can decrease as they age 
• They might not spend as much time outside 
• Their kidneys and digestive system might not work as well as they once did 
• They might not be eating foods rich in Vitamin D 

If your loved one has a vitamin deficiency, it is essential that you speak with their doctor to determine the specific amount of Vitamin D needed. You should be aware that taking too much Vitamin D can be dangerous for older adults.  

Signs that your loved one is getting too much Vitamin D include: 

• Nausea and general weakness 
• High doses can cause calcium levels to increase, and this can lead to confusion and heart problems 

Ways to get more Vitamin D

There are many foods that are naturally packed with vitamin D. Some include: 

• Cheese 
• Egg yolks 
• Fatty fishes such as salmon, mackerel, and tuna 

Additionally, there are many food products that are fortified with other vitamins. These include dairy products such as milk and yogurt, soy milk, cereals, and orange juice.  

Supplements are another way that caregivers can ensure their aging loved one is getting enough Vitamin D. With supplements, you can monitor exactly how much your loved one is getting each day. However, some drugs interfere with vitamin D supplements, so it is crucial that you consult their doctor to find out if they are safe before adding them to their daily vitamin regimen. 

How Can Next Day Access Help Seniors and Caregivers?

At Next Day Access we do all we can to help caregivers and seniors live a happy and active lifestyle. Not only do we provide helpful tips on our blog, but we also have an assortment of mobility and accessibility products to help with living comfortably and safe at home. We also conduct in-home consultations where we walk around your home and provide suggestions for products that can make you or loved one’s lives easier and keep them as safe as possible. If you have any questions or would like to schedule a consultation, contact us today.  

Horse therapy, also known as Equine Assisted Therapy, can be a life-changing experience for people with disabilities. Equine Assisted therapy encompasses a range of treatments that involves activities with horses to encourage physical and mental health. 

According to an article in the International Journal of Clinical Health and Psychology, there are a few reasons horses are a powerful tool in therapeutic programs.

In the article, it discusses the power and mystery of horses. “Horses have a powerful stature and have intrigued people for many years. For decades now, horses have been used for animal therapy for disabled people. Horses are keenly aware of emotional energies; they can sense what we are feeling. We may be able to hide our feelings from other people, but horses cannot be fooled. Horses sense emotions that lurk beneath the surface of our awareness and mirror them back to us.”  

The therapy consists of treatment sessions on horseback by a physical or occupational therapist. If you are permanently disabled and cannot mount, squeeze, or direct the horse, you can still receive help from this therapy.

A horse adjusts itself to accommodate the rider’s weaknesses and strengths. Horses can create movement and connection that is unique to each rider. A horse’s walk is like how humans walk. When people are temporarily disabled and ride a horse, it can help remind them of how it felt when they could walk, which can help them mentally learn to walk again.

If you have a permanent physical disability, your core strengthening, balance, and fine motor skills will all show signs of improvement.

The psychological benefits of horse therapy include improved confidence and self-esteem. Horse therapy holds immense promise of therapeutic benefit when used in conjunction with other therapy techniques.

Although many people believe in the benefits of equine-assisted therapy, the American Medical Association has not confirmed this as a sole treatment. Therefore, it is best to include other treatments plans with equine-assisted therapy.

At Next Day Access, we are happy to offer information on many resources for people with accessibility and mobility issues. We also have a variety of products to make your home as comfortable and safe as possible so you can continue independent living. If you need accessibility devices or mobility equipment, we have you covered. Contact us today to schedule a free in-home evaluation.  

Everyone should be able to enjoy the outdoors. There is a lot to gain by being outside and in nature. However, for people living with a physical disability, outdoor activities when you live with a disability for exercise and enjoying nature can be difficult. It requires plenty of planning.

People with disabilities need to seek out an accessible place or invest in adaptive accessibility equipment. Fortunately, there is accessible outdoor equipment that helps make going outside easier.  Here are a few suggestions on outdoor activities:

3 Outdoor Activities When You Live with a Disability

Swimming

At Next Day Access, we offer a wide range of pool lifts. Our pool lifts help you enjoy a day at the pool if you have a disability or limited mobility. However, if you prefer the beach, we also offer underwater walkers, cycle attachments, and a beach access wheelchair. The beach access wheelchair has balloon-style tires that make going over sand and into the water a breeze. 

Hiking

Hiking might seem an unlikely suggestion, but it is possible with some planning. Traillink.com is a platform you can use to find wheelchair-accessible trails by state. The trails are at a lower incline and have smoother and wider pathways. Next Day Access also supplies all-terrain wheelchairs that are perfect for maneuvering over rocky roads while maintaining stability.  

Camping

The National Parks Service offers a free Access Pass that gives a lifetime entrance to more than 2,000 federal recreation sites. The pass covers your entrance fees at national wildlife refuges and national parks. It is available to any U.S. citizen with a permanent disability. Campsites are also now accessible for wheelchair users by providing accessible shower and toilet facilities with proper access and level pathways.  

Many other outdoor activities have made it possible for people living with a disability to enjoy. We stay up to date on any new equipment designs that will help you better enjoy outdoor activities. From customized products to fit your needs, we got you covered. Contact us today to receive a free quote and learn more about the products we offer. 

Mindfulness is the state of being aware of your feelings, thoughts, and emotions without judgement. It’s important because it can help relieve stress, decrease depression and anxiety, and overall, improve mental health. It’s a practice you have to participate in regularly, especially when striving for independent living. Here’s what you need to know about mindfulness and why it’s beneficial to practice regularly.

Mindfulness for Independent Living

By cultivating a state of non-judgmental awareness, individuals can alleviate stress, reduce anxiety, and find inner peace. This section explores the significance of mindfulness in the context of independent living and provides insights into incorporating mindfulness practices into daily life. Discover how mindfulness can empower seniors to thrive in their independent living journey, unlocking a deeper connection with themselves and the world around them.

Give Yourself Some Time To Practice Mindfulness

The first thing you should do is set aside time to practice mindfulness. Find a quiet room, free from distractions and time. If you need a lot of work becoming mindful, then give yourself plenty of time. As you continue practicing it, you might realize you don’t have to spend as much time to get the same result.

Focus On The Moment You’re In

Once you make time to be mindful, begin focusing on the moment you’re in and pushing aside your other thoughts. Embrace the moment for what it is and observe what you’re feeling. The goal is to understand your mind and the thoughts you have about different things. Without practicing mindfulness, you might react adversely to these thoughts, leading to unnecessary stress and anxiety.

Don’t React Adversely To Your Thoughts

It is nature for your mind to wander or become judgemental while practicing mindfulness. Remember to understand how those thoughts make you feel, adapt to them, and then return to the moment you’re in. Your mind will likely wander as you’re sitting peacefully with no distractions. So when it does, recognize it and bring it back to the present moment.

Part of independent living might be practicing mindfulness exercises daily. It’s important for seniors to be in tune with their minds and bodies to have a thriving independent living experience. Next Day Access can help by providing accessibility aids designed to keep seniors safe at home. When you don’t have to worry about mobility obstacles that might have challenged you for years, you can focus more on your mental health and being mindful of circumstances around you. If there’s anything we can do to help with either of these aspects, feel free to reach out to us today.

If you’ve recently suffered an injury or underwent surgery that has you in a wheelchair, it’s important to stay as active as possible. Regardless of your situation, there are many  different ways to boost your mood, help relieve stress, and overall, improve the quality of your life. Whether relying on a wheelchair for mobility is a temporary or permanent situation for you, here are some tips for remaining active and healthy.

Look Into Wheelchair Activities

Basketball is one of the most popular sports to play in a wheelchair. But along with basketball, there is swimming, netball, and badminton. so explore some of the recreational leagues in your area to find out what they offer. You can join a league if you have a competitive spirit or are looking to make some new friends.

Stay Sharp Mentally

It’s just as important to be mentally active as it is to be physically active. Some activities that help with stimulating your brain are reading  books, completing puzzles, writing, or playing cards. Exercising your brain is one of the most important healthy habits you can have, so find what works for you.

Eat A Healthy Diet

It’s easy to overeat or not eat the right things when you’re in a wheelchair. However, it’s still important to manage your diet and eat a good mix of fruits and vegetables, as well as lean protein. Eating poorly can lead to several health issues, especially when it’s combined with not being active. On the positive side, when you eat healthy, you’ll feel better and have more motivation to be active in your wheelchair.

Next Day Access is here to help people become more mobile. If you need a wheelchair ramp installed at your home, we can make one that looks great and is easy to navigate. We also offer various wheelchairs, mobility scooters, and an abundance of other mobility products to encourage people to be more active. We are here to help in any way we can, so don’t hesitate to contact us to schedule a free consultation and learn more about our products.