Last week while the APTA was in New Orleans, leaders had the opportunity to participate in a service project working with Habitat for Humanity in the 9^th Ward.  APTA put together a video of the project and two of our wonderful SA leaders – Katherine Baucom and Alison Seger of Sheltering Arms – are interviewed in the video.

Dozens of golfers hit the links yesterday for a good cause, as Sheltering Arms held its 18th annual Different Strokes Golf Extravaganza. This year’s tourney was held at Windy Hill Sports Complex in Midlothian. Foursomes were comprised of one disabled golfer and three non-disabled golfers. The goal was fun … and funds!

This year’s tournament raised money to go toward the purchase of a Paragolfer® to be kept at Windy Hill for use by disabled golfers. The Paragolfer® is a unique device that allows golfers with lower and upper body disabilities to not only easily get around the golf course, but also rise to a standing position to strike the ball.  It was developed by pro golfer and paraplegic Anthony Netto.

Below are some images from yesterday’s event. Click on each to view a larger version!

Anthony Netto chats with two tournament participants who got to try out the Paragolfer®

Anthony demonstrates his one-armed swing and the Paragolfer®

Anthony poses with Sheltering Arms staff volunteers after the tourney.

The registration deadline for the 18th annual Different Strokes Golf Extravaganza is today, but we’re still looking for more golfers!  The tourney is October 17 at the Windy Hill Golf and Sports Complex.  Proceeds will go toward the purchase of a unique tool for Sheltering Arms’ Adaptive Golf Program.

You can find more information about the tourney here.

If you’re interested, call (804) 764-5275.  The registration form for the tournament can be found here: http://www.shelteringarms.com/pdfs/golftourney-2010-brochure.pdf.

UPDATE: If you read this on the 14th or 15th and want to play, give us a call!  We may still have slots open!

The benefits of golf for the physically challenged are too numerous to count, and Central Virginia’s premier physical therapy healthcare provider is bringing the sport to more individuals who are working to overcome disability. On October 17, 2010, Sheltering Arms will hold its 18^th annual Different Strokes Golf Extravaganza to raise money for the purchase of an innovative new tool for its Adaptive Golf Program.

The Sheltering Arms Adaptive Golf Program has a goal of educating the community, golf professionals, and individuals with disabilities about the benefits of golf as a leisure activity. All proceeds from this year’s Different Strokes Golf Extravaganza, held at the Windy Hill Golf and Sports Complex, will be used toward purchasing a Paragolfer® for use by those involved in the program. The Paragolfer® is a unique mobility aid that not only gives disabled golfers an easy way to get around the course, it also brings them to a standing position to strike the ball.

“Golf is a fun and healthy activity that promotes increased flexibility, mobility in the joints, and higher metabolism,” said Alison Clarke, Director of Community Recreation Services for Sheltering Arms. “It’s an outstanding sport for physically challenged individuals.”

The 2010 Different Strokes Golf Extravaganza will feature foursomes of three non-disabled golfers and one physically challenged golfer. Check-in for the nine-hole tournament starts at noon, with play beginning at 1 p.m. The event isn’t just for golfers, though! Post event activities begin at 4:00 p.m. and include miniature golf, go kart rides, music, a raffle, BBQ dinner, and a demonstration of the Paragolfer® by pro golfer Anthony Netto (pictured above). Post tournament event tickets are $25 for adults and $15 for children. The entry fee for golfers is $50 and includes post-tournament festivities Full teams are accepted, or pairings can be made on the day of the event.

The registration deadline is October 13. For more information on the tournament please visit http://www.shelteringarms.com/pdfs/golftourney-2010-brochure.pdf or call (804) 764-5275. For more information on the Paragolfer®, please visit http://www.stand-up-and-play.com/.

Enjoy pictures of our favorite moments at the 2010 P2O – Power To Overcome Celebration on our Facebook page!

May is National Stroke Awareness Month! Sheltering Arms still has a few exciting educational events planned for the remainder of the month. Check them out below and make sure to call and reserve your space today!

Do you have a Stroke Plan?

Thursday, May 13, 2010
9:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. – lunch provided
Science Museum of Virginia

Join Sheltering Arms and Bon Secours for this community education seminar. Physicians and other healthcare professionals will share important information about primary and secondary stroke prevention and tips for developing an individual stroke plan. Health screenings and one-on-one stroke risk counseling with Registered Nurses are included!

Seating is limited. Call (804) 764-5275 to register.

Stroke Recovery: Before During and After the Rehabilitation Process

Thursday, May 13, 2010
6:00-8:00 p.m. – dinner provided
Sheltering Arms Administrative Offices
140 East Shore Drive
Glen Allen, VA

This seminar is designed for healthcare professionals who are interested in an in-depth look at their patients’ journey through physical rehabilitation.

Call (804) 764-5738 or e-mail cgroseclose@shelteringarms.com to reserve your seat!

Bioness Technology Seminar and Screenings

Tuesday, May 25, 2010
6:30-8:30 p.m.
Sheltering Arms Administrative Offices
140 East Shore Drive
Glen Allen, VA

People who experience foot drop or decreased hand function related to Stroke, MS, Brain Injury or Spinal Cord Injury are invited to learn about the latest Bioness® technologies and take advantage of personal screenings with physical and occupational therapists.

For more information, or to register, call (804) 342-4199.

Get 2010 started off on the right foot with a $40.00 fitness evaluation for FREE!

During your personalized evaluation, a Sheltering Arms personal trainer will measure your flexibility, aerobic endurance, weight, body fat percentage/BMI, strength and balance.

Once your evaluation is complete, your personal trainer will review your scores with you and help you set and determine how to meet your goals! Fitness evaluations will be conducted every Thursday in January at the following locations and times:

Sheltering Arms Bon Air
(just off Midlothian Turnpike)
206 Twinridge Lane
Richmond 23235
7:00 a.m. – 7:30 p.m.

Sheltering Arms Maple
(St. Mary’s Hospital campus)
1501 Maple Avenue, Suite 100
Richmond 23226
6:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Simply call (804) 764-5275 and schedule your personal appointment for a FREE fitness evaluation! Don’t delay – this unique offer is only good on Thursdays throughout the month of January.

We have pictures!  Below is a slideshow from the third annual 2009 Power to Overcome Gala, held on September 23 at the Jefferson Hotel in Richmond.  The gala is held as a fundraiser for Club Rec, and marks National Rehabilitation Awareness Week.  Enjoy!

Sheltering Arms is once again collaborating with Governor Timothy M. Kaine to declare the third week in September Rehabilitation Awareness Week in the Commonwealth of Virginia. In addition to the governor’s signed proclamation, Sheltering Arms will honor the hard work and triumphs of all physical rehabilitation patients during this week with the third annual Celebration of the Power to Overcome. This event will take place on Wednesday, September 23 in the Grand Ballroom of The Jefferson Hotel.

The keynote speaker for this year is Mr. Scott Burton, an award-winning comedian, world-class juggler, and cancer survivor who travels across the country providing inspirational entertainment.  He will share with us the story of his strenuous yet inspirational path of rehabilitation.

Many state representatives have already committed to attending, and the audience will be comprised of former patients, supporters of Sheltering Arms, and many important decision-makers in the healthcare field.  Any donations from the event will subsidize our mission to deliver services to all those in need, regardless of ability to pay.

This will be a truly inspirational event not only for individuals currently facing health challenges, but for all of us who face an uncertain future. Please take some time during the Rehabilitation Awareness week to renew your commitment to the 52 million Americans living with disabilities who, with the help of physical rehabilitation, are able to regain function and enjoy life!

On May 28th, 2009, Sheltering Arms welcomed former patients and community members to a free seminar to learn about the Bioness® devices and therapy programs offered at several Sheltering Arms locations. Over sixty people registered for the educational session held at the Science Museum of Virginia.

Sheltering Arms was the first health care provider in the state of Virginia to offer the award-winning, user-friendly Bioness® medical devices, which use electrical stimulation to help patients recovering from neurological conditions regain mobility and independence.

The NESS H200 improves hand function and facilitates muscle re-education. Even years after a neurological injury, this advanced electrical device can help patients gain independence by making functional tasks easier, such as drinking from a glass, grasping objects and writing.

For individuals experiencing foot drop, the NESS L300 helps to lift the foot with mild electrical stimulation. Through ongoing therapy, the NESS L300 can help patients walk more safely and easily.

Two Sheltering Arms therapists and a physical therapist and national speaker from the Bioness® company educated the group about these exciting new technologies, which were recently featured on the Today Show and Good Morning America. Following these educational presentations, seven Sheltering Arms clinicians were on hand to provide free screenings and one-on-one consultations to answer questions and help individuals determine whether or not they were candidates for the devices and therapy programs. Ten people will be scheduling follow-up appointments as a result of these screenings!

This seminar was the final event held by Sheltering Arms in honor of National Stroke Awareness Month 2009. Check back at this blog and on the Sheltering Arms home page often to find out about upcoming educational opportunities offered by Sheltering Arms.