Adaptive kayakers on their way….
Volume 16, No. 3, Summer 2008
Adaptive kayakers on their way….
The Rehabilitation Hospital of the Cape and Islands (RHCI) has established the Center for Parkinson’s at its Sandwich facility. The purpose of the outpatient center is to promote the highest level of function and independence for people with Parkinson’s disease by improving their symptoms plus any related disorders. The new center is directed by Dr. David M. Lowell, RHCI’s medical director and a behavioral neurologist.
Commonly recognized by a disturbance in walking pattern, Parkinson’s also may impair speech, writing, thinking, emotional expression and behavior. To enable the person with Parkinson’s to live as fully and independently as possible, the center takes a trans-disciplinary approach to diagnosis, symptom management, medication interventions and the emotional and behavioral effects of the disease.
The Center for Parkinson’s conducts assessments at the hospital on Fridays. The evaluation includes a neurological exam, medication review, and screenings for mobility and independence with activities of daily living. The presence of a behavioral neurologist, therapists and a health psychologist, plus the availability of specialty services such as driver assessment and audiology, allow an assessment of each patient’s safety across a broad range of functional abilities.
Following the evaluation, treatment options may include outpatient therapy, a short inpatient stay for intensive rehabilitation, or referral to RHCI’s community-based Parkinson’s Disease Wellness Program, a collaborative effort between RHCI and Boston University specialists.
Appointments can be made by calling RHCI Physician Services at 508-833-4160. Information also is available at www.rhci.org.
Individuals who drink, drive, and operate their cars dangerously on Cape Cod and the Islands are thinking twice about their behavior after attending the “Brains At Risk”, a prevention program of the Brain Injury Association of Massachusetts (BIA-MA).
The program, presented at the Rehabilitation Hospital of the Cape and Islands (RHCI) in East Sandwich for the past year, combines film and discussion to bring to life the consequences of drunk and irresponsible driving. A powerful and compelling component of the program is the first-person testimony of survivors.
“Too frequently we admit people with devastating brain injuries as a result of accidents where excessive alcohol use was a factor,” says Dr. David M. Lowell, medical director at RHCI and head of the hospital’s Brain Injury Program. “Our staff has seen both the short-term and lifelong effects of these injuries on patients, their families and their employers. Partnering with the ‘Brains At Risk’ program is an excellent way to reduce the tragedy caused by preventable brain injury.”
Geared to individuals 17 years and older, “Brains At Risk” links dangerous driving behaviors to the devastating effects of traumatic brain injury (TBI).
In many cases, the program can be mandated as a condition for probation or as an alternative to formal court sentencing for individuals charged with driving under the influence, operating to endanger, or other driving-related violations.
Cape and Islands District Attorney Michael O’Keefe insists that young people participating in his diversion programs attend the “Brains At Risk” prevention program.
The Brain Injury Association of Massachusetts (BIA-MA), a private, non-profit organization, provides support services to brain injury survivors and their families, offers programs to prevent brain injuries, and educates the public on the risks of irresponsible behavior and the impact of brain injury. The association’s Southeastern Regional Office, located in East Wareham, offers support groups, activities, and resource information to survivors and their families.
For further information about the program and its monthly sessions, contact Pam Bush at 508-475-0032 or pbush@biama.org.
The Rehabilitation Hospital of the Cape and Islands (RHCI) has joined with CAPEable Adventures of Sandwich to provide a full adaptive outdoor sports and recreation program for disabled residents on the Cape. Throughout the summer, CAPEable Adventures will offer a wide range of activities, culminating in Adventure Week 2008 during the first week in August.
“Rehabilitation involves more than helping people go home or back to work. It’s also about reconnecting people with their passions,” says Carol Sim, RHCI President and CEO. “RHCI’s Adaptive Sports Program empowers people with disabilities to enjoy the Cape’s spectacular resources for sports and leisure activities. In CAPEable Adventures, we found a great partner to develop this program.”
“We’re excited to work with RHCI,” says CAPEable founder Craig Bautz, who created the non-profit organization last summer. “Our goal is to bring the Cape’s disabled community together and help them expand their horizons.”
A lifelong athlete, Mr. Bautz severed his spinal cord in an auto accident on Route 6 in 1985. “The accident changed everything,” he says. He faced months of surgery and rehabilitation–and no way to get back into the game. As he healed, he heard about a wheelchair basketball program in Boston. He joined, and “that really got things going.”
Today he’s a certified disabled ski instructor and adaptive paddling instructor. He enjoys scuba diving, kayaking, tennis, golf and cycling.
“Adaptive sports and recreational programs help people move beyond their illness or injury,” Mr. Bautz says. “It’s an important way for those with disabilities to meet new people. They realize they aren’t alone. You socialize, you learn to do new things and you regain your confidence.”
RHCI’s Adaptive Sports Program is funded by proceeds from prior RHCI golf tournaments.
CAPEable Adventures is seeking potential volunteers to assist with events. Anyone intereted should contact 508-566-3298 or www.capeableadventures.org.
A full schedule of upcoming events is listed in our Calendar section.