How I Learned to Eat Better with the Mediterranean Diet

One of my new year’s resolutions is to eat a Mediterranean meal for dinner 275 times this year. I know that 275 sounds pretty weird, but that’s about 75 percent of the time, which I think I can do. Anytime I try to go 100 percent on any sort of lifestyle change, I end up failing miserably. So, my best bet is to try to make a good effort in positive improvement in my life, while leaving myself some wiggle room for chicken fingers and cheeseburgers! 

I chose this goal because my doctor recommended the Mediterranean diet to me last year. Of all the different diets out there, this one seems pretty good to me. There are tons of health benefits and I don’t feel super restricted with the food options. Plus, with my iLevel Power Wheelchair, I have fun in the kitchen as I try out new recipes. 

What is the Mediterranean Diet?

The basics of the Mediterranean diet are:

Eat regularly: vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds, legumes, potatoes, whole grains, herbs, spices, seafood, and extra virgin olive oil.

Eat in moderation: poultry, eggs, cheese, and yogurt

Eat rarely: red meat, sugar-sweetened beverages, added sugars, processed meat, refined grains, refined oils, and other highly processed foods.

The hardest part of eating Mediterranean for me is that I hate all seafood and I love sugar and red meat. I am, however, working on trying different types of fish (so far I still hate everything) and cutting back on my sweets and red meats. 

Some Changes I’ve Made So Far

Some of the simple switches I’ve made include switching out white pasta for whole wheat pasta or veggie pasta like zoodles. I also switch out white breads/tortillas with whole grains. It was pretty painless to switch to cooking with olive oil more and cut out the butter. Lastly, you’re going to need to just trust me on this one: cauliflower pizza crust is actually not a bad substitute! I was really skeptical and then pleasantly surprised!

I am feeling confident that I’ll be able to reach my goal of eating 275 Mediterranean dinners this year. I got a head start by learning some of the tricks of the diet and some staple recipes at the end of last year. I learned that always having fruits and veggies in the house makes it a lot easier to stick to the diet. So, regular grocery shopping is a must.

Having Variety Keeps Me on Track

I also learned that it helps to try out different fruits and veggies each week so that I don’t get bored. For example, I thought that the Mediterranean diet meant that I would be eating a ton of salads and that I would be miserable eating the same thing over and over. It turns out that I do eat a lot of salad, but it also turns out that there’s a million different salads out there! As long as I always mix up what fruits and veggies I buy, the salads are always different and I will not get bored. This week I’m having a Greek salad with a chickpea base. Next week, I plan to have a delicious butternut squash salad with spinach, cranberries, goat cheese, and a maple vinaigrette!

Tracking My Progress

In addition to always trying new recipes to keep things exciting, I use a coloring chart to track my progress. It might sound childish, but I find that tracking my goals visually really helps me stay motivated throughout the year and it helps me to see if I am truly meeting my goal. Plus, I get a little satisfaction out of coloring in the box for every day that I meet my goal of eating a Mediterranean meal! 

So, here’s to 2022 and my new Mediterranean eating habits! Wish me luck! 

About Stephanie Woodward: Stephanie is a brand ambassador advisor for Quantum Rehab® and works as a disability rights activist. She has received many awards for helping communities become more accessible, as well as for her actions in fighting for the rights of disabled individuals as it relates to Medicaid and other support services. Click here to learn more about Stephanie.

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My List of Goals for the New Year

In 2022, I am looking forward to accomplishing many personal and professional achievements. In the new year, I want to better myself, and with the help of my Stretto Power Wheelchair with iLevel® technology, I know that anything is possible.

Become a Better Journalist

As an employee of the school-run newspaper on the campus of UNCC, I want to improve as a writer and help my fellow writers become better. At the Niner Times, I am the assistant sports editor. This has given me much-needed experience in journalism. I have become hands-on with the editing process of our articles, allowing me to become a leader. I hope to improve as a writer and leader in 2022.

Advocating for People with Disabilities

I am interested in advocating for disabled rights and working as an ambassador for Quantum has fueled this desire. I want to continue to fight for mobility and accessibility for wheelchair users by telling my story. I want to work with local leaders to find ways to make our community more accessible and welcoming for everybody. I will push myself to do this.

Finding an Internship

Finding an internship is another goal that I have for 2022. It is my dream to work in sports broadcasting or journalism, so finding an internship is the next step in that process. I want to set myself up for the future. I have already started by updating my LinkedIn profile through the help of my school’s career center. I am excited to see what will happen in this aspect of my life.

Doing More Volunteer Work

My Stretto with iLevel has opened a world of volunteering opportunities for me because I can now do many things I was unable to before. In 2021, I started to work on my spirituality by digging further into my faith. This has driven me to do more with my church in 2022 by giving back to the community.

I am excited for the new year and want to reach my potential by working on myself. I want to do everything I can to be the best person possible. Here is to a prosperous 2022 for everybody.

About Bryson Foster: Bryson is a Friend of Quantum and lives in North Carolina. He advocates and raises funds for the development of treatments for muscular dystrophy. He loves sports and cheers for his favorite basketball team, the North Carolina Tar Heels. Click here to learn more about Bryson.

For more great blogs from our brand ambassadors and Q Roll Models, visit lifeatilevel.com today!

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Why I Love Benefits Counseling

Many people geek out about their favorite tv show or book. As for me, I geek out about Social Security work incentives. I am a certified work incentives practitioner. Part of my job is to perform benefits counseling, helping people understand how work will impact their Social Security benefits.

Work incentives encourage those who are receiving SSI/SSDI to work. SSI/SSDI benefits are social security benefits available to people with disabilities whose disability impacts their ability to work. I help individuals understand how much they can earn and maintain their benefits. I also explain how much they need to make to work their way off benefits.

Understanding Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) pays benefits to you and certain members of your family if you are “insured.” This means that you worked long enough and paid Social Security taxes. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) pays benefits based on financial need and pays benefits to those who have low income/resources and a limited work record.

SSDI/SSI often comes with a cash benefit and Medicaid or Medicare health insurance. Medicaid is vital for many people with disabilities because it is one of the only health insurances that covers personal care attendants. Personal care attendants help those with disabilities complete activities of daily living. The need for Medicaid causes people to not want to lose their SSI/SSDI benefits.

The Problems with Misinformation

Due to misinformation and the complexity of work incentives, there are many myths about the impact that working has on SSI/SSDI benefits. These misinformation and myths cause many people who receive benefits to fear losing their benefits. This leads them to work less than they may be able to or not work at all.

These myths are why I love benefits counseling and think that it is a vital resource for any person receiving SSI/SSDI benefits. Having the correct information about Social Security work incentives allows people to make an informed decision about working. Whether someone decides to maintain or work off their benefits and/or work part-time or full-time, working gives people more financial independence. It is my job to provide correct and accurate information. This ensures that beneficiaries can make an informed decisions about their employment goals.

About Isabella Bullock: Isabella, or Izzie for short, is an employment specialist for the Center of Independent Living. She is an iced coffee enthusiast who enjoys getting lost in a good book. Click here to learn more about Isabella.

For more great blogs from our brand ambassadors and Q Roll Models, visit lifeatilevel.com today!

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Looking Towards a Better 2022

I am so excited to have left 2021 behind and work towards a better 2022 for myself! I want to share with you what some of my big plans are! First off, as it’s by far the one I am most excited about, I will finally start working on my accessible sewing room at the end of January. Sewing has been an integral part of my being for nearly six years now. It’s something that I use as a coping skill quite frequently.

My New Accessible Sewing Room

Before I started using a wheelchair full time, I had a big sewing room on the second story of my house. When I switched to a power chair last year, I moved most of my sewing supplies and machines into my kitchen so I could still access this skill. However, having all my sewing supplies in my kitchen made the room feel very cluttered and look out of place. It really turned me off from sewing for a bit. Having a dedicated space that is completely wheelchair accessible will be such a big help to me this year. It will encourage me to get back into the swing of my craft!

Goals for Sewing More Garments

Secondly, I want to start making more costumes and garments this year, particularly ones that involve more labor-intensive methods and skills. In 2021, I spent the least amount of time sewing due to my health and lack of inspiration. Anime conventions were rightfully on hold. I didn’t watch many new anime or cartoon series, so there was a lack of motivation there. With the new year, there is a new hope that this year will be better overall pandemic wise. Events that allow me to wear my work will become safe to attend again. Regardless of whether I attend a convention or not, I want to work on my sewing skills more. My current goals include learning hand embroidery, furthering my hobby of lace making and learning how to do fancier appliques on my work!

Accessible Gardening

green plant on brown clay pot
Photo by cottonbro on Pexels.com

Another big plan that I have for this year is to make an accessible herb garden. Year after year, I have tried growing various things at my house. In recent years, it hasn’t been as easy as sticking a potted plant on the inaccessible porch outside and calling it a day. I plan to work with a good friend of mine and make some wonderfully raised planters that I can reach from seated height! This will make our yard look wonderful and make me feel happy at having the ability to do my own thing with my plants by myself!

Studying Herbalism

I recently have started studying herbalism again! While I understand the importance of modern medicine, (heck, I am hooked up to a feeding pump 24/7) I’ve always been interested in how to utilize the natural properties of plants and apply them in smaller home remedies. In 2015, I had the opportunity to work at a local shade plant nursery here in Maine. My boss was well versed in this subject and began teaching me a few basic things. This is where my initial interest came from! Then, I began taking some online courses to learn more about this subject. after a long hiatus, my goal is to enroll in a few more well-structured courses. This will help to give my days a bit more structure and enrichment, which I feel will benefit me!

Create More Digital Content

Finally, I want to start making more digital content again. I had a rough few months at the end of last year, and the content on my social media pages dropped off a bit. Having an accessible sewing room to function as my mini studio will be very helpful to me in this avenue. I will have a dedicated space in which I will feel comfortable with setting up my tripod and recording the progress on my sewing/lace work again. I look forward to making some vlogs of both the process on my sewing space and working on my garden!

About Chrysanthemum: Chrysanthemum is an award-winning cosplayer and Quantum brand ambassador. She enjoys fashion, cosplay and music and has a TikTok channel with over 380,000 followers. Click here to learn more about Chrysanthemum.

For more great blogs from our brand ambassadors and Q Roll Models, visit lifeatilevel.com today!

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Why I Love My New Power Chair

It was time for me to get a new power wheelchair. My dad and I traveled three hours to Duryea, Pennsylvania, which is where Quantum’s headquarters is located. There waiting for us was my new Edge® 3 Power Wheelchair with iLevel® technology.

The Color of My New Power Wheelchair

My new Edge 3 Power Wheelchair has a Red Corvette shroud. I chose that color because I wanted to change it up a bit. I usually go either for the pink or the purple shroud because those are my two favorite colors.

Features on My Edge 3 Motorized Wheelchair

There are a ton of great features on my Edge 3. First of all, the wheelchair has upgraded SRS (Smooth Ride Suspension). This provides a smooth, comfortable ride, even when I am driving across uneven terrain. The wheelchair comes with front and rear LED fender lights, which help me see and be seen when I am driving in low-light areas or after dark. My Edge 3 Motorized Wheelchair also comes with a USB charger, which means I can charge my cell phone while I’m operating my wheelchair. My power chair also has drive wheel color accents in Red Corvette to match the shroud of my chair.

Using iLevel on My Power Wheelchair

One of the best features on my new power chair is iLevel. Although I had iLevel on my previous chair, there are some differences. On my new Edge 3, I can drive up to 4.5 mph while elevated up to 12 inches. The Extra Stability Technology® also enhances safety for when I do daily living activities while elevated, such as cooking, grooming and reaching.

I am excited to share my experiences with the power chair through my social media platforms. I want to show people how my Edge 3 helps me live my life independently.

About Zoe Hernandez: Zoe lives in Meriden, Connecticut. A Quantum® brand ambassador, Zoe attends Abilities Expos and speaks with people about her disability. She is currently enrolled in college and hopes to work in a community one day with people who are just like her. Click here to learn more about Zoe.

For more great blogs from our brand ambassadors and Q Roll Models, visit lifeatilevel.com today!

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Great Winter Clothing Tips for Wheelchair Users

As a wheelchair user who is cold all year round, winter is the season that I dread the most. Throughout the years, I have discovered various articles of clothing and products that make those cold winter months a little more bearable. This “from the waist up” guide is sure to keep you a little warmer this winter.

Hats and Scarves

Approximately ten percent of your body heat escapes through your head. There are so many cute hats and toboggans on the market that it is not hard to find something that matches your style. You will be amazed at how much warmer you are when you wear a hat.

If you have short hair that leaves your neck exposed, there are a variety of scarves that you can use to cover that skin up. Scarves are also a great way to add a little flair to your outfit.

Different Types of Sleeves

Bell sleeves, three-quarter-length sleeves and ruffle sleeves on dresses and shirts are sometimes too cute to pass up even on a cold day. The extra material on bell and ruffle sleeves will cause a bunched-up look under the sleeve of a cardigan or jacket. Three-quarter length sleeves create skin exposure on your forearm. What’s a girl to do?! Well, don’t forego that cute outfit because of the sleeves. Just add a pair of fingerless arm warmers! They are like cute socks but for your arms instead of your feet. These can be found in a wide variety of lengths, fabrics and colors. 

Try a Poncho

Coats and jackets are great to keep your upper body warm, however, I always feel like the range of motion in my arms is restricted when wearing a coat or jacket. Instead, I have transitioned to wearing ponchos and wraps. These can be found in various colors, fabrics and styles. 

Layers are another great way to keep warm but can also restrict movement. To keep my clothing from being too bulky, I pair a sleeveless dress with a cardigan. If I must go outdoors, I add a poncho and still maintain good range of motion in my arms. 

Gloves and Hand Warmers

If you are going to be out in the cold for a long period of time, then consider a pair of gloves. Just like many of the items mentioned above, gloves come in a variety of colors, lengths and fabrics. Many gloves now come with several touch screen fingers so your gloves don’t have to come off to use your cell phone. And the best news is that some gloves are heated with a USB plug! So, I don’t ever have to worry about my hands getting cold, thanks to the standard USB charger on my Stretto Power Wheelchair! 

Several years ago, I discovered rechargeable hand warmers. The hand warmers are lightweight with an oval design that fits in the palm of your hand. These small hand warmers have several heat settings and double as a charger. Be careful though! Some hand warmers can get as hot as 130 degrees on the highest setting. 

About Bliss Welch: Bliss is a Quantum® brand ambassador and Ms. Wheelchair Tennessee 2013. Bliss is actively involved in the disability community. She enjoys traveling and spending time with her daughter. Click here to learn more about Bliss.

For more great blogs from our brand ambassadors and Q Roll Models, visit lifeatilevel.com today!

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A Reflection on One of My Mentors: Yoshiko Dart

January is National Mentoring Month! Every year, I like to take time to reflect on a woman who has helped shape my life. This year, the person who immediately came to my mind was Yoshiko Dart. Yoshiko is a Disability Rights activist who was instrumental in the passage of the ADA. Now, she is committed to supporting and mentoring young people with disabilities.

The Life of Yoshiko Dart

After graduating at the top of her class in 1963 from Aoyama Gakuin University in Tokyo, Japan, Yoshiko began looking for a job. When she saw a newspaper ad seeking positive women to sell Tupperware, she decided to learn more. When she went to the interview, she was interviewed by Justin Dart, Jr., the president of Tupperware Japan. He was the first person she’d ever seen who used a wheelchair. Yoshiko was hired and because of her hard work, she eventually became a regional manager, and then oversaw half of Japan. She eventually became Justin Dart’s executive assistant. Later, Yoshiko married Justin. They lived together in Japan and later moved to the United States.

The Birth of the ADA

In the U.S., Yoshiko and Justin traveled to every state multiple times and hosted gatherings where people with disabilities would tell their stories of discrimination, segregation, and inequality. These stories, called The ADA Diaries, were used to help convince legislators that a national law to protect the rights of people with disabilities was necessary. From this, the text of the Americans with Disabilities Act was born.

Since the passage of the ADA, Yoshiko had zealously fought for enforcement and expansion of Disability Rights in the U.S. and abroad. She has also served as a mentor and friend to so many people in the Disability Rights movement, with an emphasis on helping young people with disabilities to become leaders.

How Yoshiko Shaped My Life

I count myself very lucky to be one of the many people that she has mentored throughout the years. I first met Yoshiko in 2009 when I was a young college student interning with Senator Tom Harkin in Washington, D.C. I asked Yoshiko if we could go to lunch so that I could learn more from her. Since then, she has been a guiding force in my life. She has gone beyond mentoring me and has truly sponsored me. By that I mean that Yoshiko does not just provide feedback and advice like a traditional sponsor, but she believes in my talents and skills, she lifts me up in her network, and she actively includes me in opportunities that she thinks will help me advance in my career and in my goals. I am so thankful to have Yoshiko in my life and am blessed to call her my mentor and my friend. 

About Stephanie Woodward: Stephanie is a brand ambassador advisor for Quantum Rehab® and works as a disability rights activist. She has received many awards for helping communities become more accessible, as well as for her actions in fighting for the rights of disabled individuals as it relates to Medicaid and other support services. Click here to learn more about Stephanie.

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The Benefits of Technology When Transferring to a Medical Exam Table

Many of us who use wheelchairs find it very difficult to transfer in a medical setting, such as transferring to an exam table or MRI table. Quite often, these medical tables or equipment are too high for transferring from a manual or power wheelchair. This is where iLevel® technology comes in handy.

How iLevel Aids in Transferring

Last month, I needed to have an MRI. I am so thankful that my power wheelchair has power adjustable seat height. iLevel’s Extra Stability Technology® enhances safety for many daily activities, including reaching, cooking, grooming and transferring. I elevated my power chair 12 inches and safely transferred from my power chair to the MRI table. It would have been a difficult task for me to do this if I did not have iLevel.

The Need for Accessible Medical Equipment

People with disabilities experience a higher prevalence of preventable disease and poorer health outcomes compared to the general population. Yet, adults with disabilities continue to face significant physical barriers. These physical impediments prevent access to health care, which results in healthcare needs being unfulfilled. One of the most significant barriers is the absence of accessible diagnostic equipment.

Although some physicians and medical facilities have accessible exam tables, many in rural areas where I live do not. Quite honestly, the MRI table is one of the least accessible pieces of medical equipment you could transfer onto. I was fortunate to have seat elevation to aid me in transferring.

Advocating for Power Adjustable Seat Height

To me, seat elevation should be on everyone’s power chair. It is used in many ways in our homes and in our communities.  One of the things that we’re working on continuously at Quantum is to educate the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid on the importance of power adjustable seat height, like iLevel. This crucial piece of technology helps so many people with disabilities complete daily activities, including accessing medical equipment.

About Madonna Long: Madonna works as a disability advocate to educate policymakers and congressional leaders on disability issues. She uses an Edge 3 Power Wheelchair for mobility. She is a mother to four children and lives life on her terms, despite a spinal cord injury. Click here to learn more about Madonna.

For more great blogs from our brand ambassadors and Q Roll Models, visit lifeatilevel.com today!

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She’s at the Head of the Class with iLevel Technology

She is a mother, a professor and a strong disabled woman. These are just some of the roles that Dr. Kara Ayers has embraced. Although she has many interests, Kara is most passionate about disability advocacy. She believes that all individuals with disabilities must have access to healthcare and the equipment they need to live their lives fully.

Born with osteogenesis imperfecta, Kara’s bones break easily. Previously, she used a manual wheelchair for mobility. As she got older, Kara discovered the benefits of different types of mobility equipment, including power wheelchairs. Today, Kara uses a Stretto Power Chair with iLevel® technology.

Why She Loves Her Power Wheelchair

“I love the iLevel option for reaching things and the chance to change my height according to what I’m doing,” Kara said. “I like that I can hold or pull things while I drive my power chair.”

With iLevel on her power wheelchair, Kara has been able to organize things around her home. She can access many areas of her kitchen, including the top of the refrigerator and the stove.  

“I’m seeing things I’ve never seen in my own home,” Kara said. “It’s so cool!”

iLevel has provided Kara with many social benefits as well. She can participate in conversations and look family and friends in the eye. Best of all, Kara loves hugging her daughter while she is standing next to her.

Making a Difference for People with Disabilities

As an associate professor at the Cincinnati Children’s Hospital and Medical Center, Kara appreciates how her job is different every day. In her role, Kara analyzes disability policy, teaches and mentors students and conducts research. Kara is very proud of her professional accomplishments, which include presenting a Tedx Talk in December of 2019. In 2021, Kara spoke to the Biden-Harris COVID-19 Equity Taskforce about the need for people with disabilities to access the COVID-19 vaccine.

As for her personal life, Kara is most proud of her family.

“My greatest accomplishments are my three kids and the life my husband and I have built and are building for them,” Kara said.

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My Wonderful Trip to the Accessible Florida Keys

With the insane number of COVID-19 cases rising, especially in New Jersey, I’m sure everybody is feeling the same way about traveling. When can we go on a vacation again safely? It seemed impossible. After some careful consideration, however, my parents decided to pack up our stuff, get into our minivan and drive as far south as possible. We knew getting on a plane was risky, yet the thought of staying home during winter break felt suffocating. We decided to drive someplace warm and quiet. Surprisingly, we made it all the way to Florida and ended up in the Keys. The Florida Keys are at the southernmost point of the state. It was absolutely beautiful! It felt like we had just gotten off the plane were in the Caribbean. I have been to Orlando before, but this was a completely different island vibe!

Being that it was such a last-minute trip, we were nervous about how well I woud get around in my Quantum® Edge 3 Stretto® Power Wheelchair. We assumed that because the Florida Keys was an older area and developed so long ago, there wouldn’t be many accessible options. We were pleasantly surprised!

Accessible Hotel Rooms

There were ramps everywhere and the resort and hotel made it so that I had the best time possible. Every single pool in the area had a transfer chair to help disabled people get into the pool with ease. The restaurants all had proper accommodations and there was accessible parking everywhere. The hotel we stayed at gave us a room that had shower chair so I could easily shower. Normally, it is very difficult to shower when I’m on vacation because there’s no room for my shower chair. The hotel that we stayed at however gave us everything we needed to have a comfortable visit. Surprisingly there weren’t many people around. Since we could stay outdoors for most of the day, it was a very safe way for me to take a vacation.

Going to the Beach with My Stretto Motorized Wheelchair

I quickly discovered that because the sand on the beach was so tightly compact, my Stretto Power Wheelchair, which is quite heavy, could roam the entire beach without getting stuck. I spent days going from one end of the beach to the other. It was such a surreal feeling. This is something that I’ve never been able to do before. We also visited Anne’s Beach, which had a mat from the boardwalk running to the very edge of the ocean. I could practically put my feet into the ocean from my power wheelchair. Although I didn’t get to experience it, there are accessible boat charters where you can actually take your motorized wheelchair onto a boat and go visit the smaller islands.

Overall, I think the Florida Keys are an overlooked vacation spot. For those of us with disabilities, it truly is a game changer. I’m so glad we made the decision to take the drive and enjoy the great weather, beautiful scenery and easy access to everywhere I wanted to go. 

About Sakina Shamsi: Sakina lives in New Jersey with her parents and brother. Although she has spinal muscular atrophy type II, Sakina lives a full and independent lifestyle. She is active in the disability community and enjoys horseback riding, baking and crafting. Click here to learn more about Sakina.

For more great blogs from our brand ambassadors and Q Roll Models, visit lifeatilevel.com today!

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