If you use a wheelchair, the next time you need to head out to the library or grocery store, consider wheeling your way there. Why?
Better health
In 1996, the Surgeon General’s Report on Physical Activity and Health documented research that indicated men and women of all ages and abilities can improve their quality of life through regular moderate physical activity. The National Center on Physical Activity and Disability sites several studies showing that physical activity for people of all ability levels offers:
- Enhanced functioning and health of heart, lungs, muscles, and bone
- Improved flexibility, mobility, and coordination
- Increased stamina and strength
- Enhanced ability to maintain weight
- Improved balance and agility
- Improved self-image and self-confidence
- Improved relaxation and stress relief
- Prevention of secondary conditions associated with disability
Increased self-reliance and accessibility
When you can wheel yourself there you don’t have to depend on a driver being available or a working car in the driveway to get where you want to go. You are able to get where you want when you want to without the aid of anyone. You also don’t have to go through the process of getting in and out of a vehicle.
Environmental Choice
It’s no secret that cars are bad for the environment. Greenhouse gasses, runoff from leaky engines, and the cost of manufacture and maintenance really make for a bad environmental situation. When you wheel, you decrease the environment impact by having one less car on the road.
Social Community
Where would you rather be? Outside in the sun and fresh air, greeting neighbors and friends as you pass by, stopping to smell the flowers or to pet a passing dog. Or behind the glass of a car window, cut off from the rest of the world around you. Wheeling gets you out in the community, actively taking part in life.
Save Money
Driving a car costs money. A lot of money. In 2008 the US government declared that the true cost of driving a car is 58.5 cents per mile. That includes gas, oil changes, tires, maintenance, etc. If your daily commute is 4 miles each way that comes out to:
- $4.68 per day
- $23.40 per week
- $93.60 per month
- $1123.20 per year!
And that’s just for driving to work and back!
When you add in the cost of buying a car and depreciation it really comes out to about $7000 per year.
It does not matter whether you are in a powered or manual wheelchair, wheeling to your destinations is the way to go!
