“Let it snow! Let it snow! Let it snow!” Shelley Peterman Schwarz Shelley Peterman Schwarz returns to Mobility Corner with a great new feature on using a mobility device in the winter months. Shelley Peterman Schwarz is an award-winning author, TV personality, self-syndicated columnist, motivational speaker, Internet radio host, and teleclass instructor who offers practical tips and strategies for living well despite chronic illness and disabilities.

Dear Friends,

When you use a wheelchair or other mobility device, snow and ice can be a real challenge. So many times, in the days after a snowfall, I have tried to go out to lunch or to run an errand only to find that the handicapped parking stall is where the snowplow piled all the snow, or the parking lot is clear but no one shoveled out the wheelchair access ramp and I cannot get out of the van. When I can get in and out without climbing a mountain of snow, oftentimes electric door openers either don’t work or are turned off, and I end up waiting outside in the cold for the entry door to be opened or the van to come and pick me up. Brrrrrr! And, then there was the time when I tried to drive through a snowy walk and my three-wheeled Amigo® scooter got stuck, my wheels spinning on the ice and snow, and someone tried to “help” me almost tipping me over in the process. Oh the joys of snowy weather!

Remembering the record breaking snow fall of last year, it is time to think of ways to make getting around in the winter easier, safer, and less physically demanding. Here are some tips that will make your life easier when the cold winds blow.

Keep walks and drives snow and ice free without shoveling by spraying them with liquid de-icer. Spray this biodegradable solution on icy, snowy pavement and watch the snow and ice melt away. You can also spray the pavement before a pending storm to help keep snow and ice from accumulating; the ice melting effect lasts for 10-14 days after application. The all-natural, environmentally safe liquid melts snow and ice at lower temperatures than salt or pellets and can be applied to any surface, including rubber, gutters, roof shingles, slate, wood, brick, or new concrete. Apply it with a battery-powered sprayer, and there's no priming or stooping to activate the applicator. Aerosol versions are made for use on automobile windshields. Check for this product at your local hardware or auto supply store; be sure to ask for the environmentally safe, biodegradable formula. If you cannot find it at your local hardware or home improvement store locally, order from Interstate Products (800-474-7294; www.interstateproducts.com).

If you cannot get out to remove the snow and ice from your front walk, try rolling out an “Ice and Snow Carpet” to give you and your visitors better traction. The latex rubber bottom helps the carpet runner grip slick surfaces, including steps, and creates a dry, 10-foot long, 18 -inch wide path. Ask about this carpet at your local discount or hardware store or order from www.hsn.com. (Sorry no phone number.)

To light your way on dark winter nights, try using The Superlight for hands-free lighting. This high intensity flashlight easily clips on to canes, walkers and wheelchairs without tools. Very light weight it will not disturb your balance. The light beam turns on and off, and adjusts from flood to spotlight with a simple twist. Two AAA batteries included; and a spare bulb is stored inside tail cap. Mfr.'s limited lifetime warranty. Access With Ease, Inc. (800-531-9479; http://stores.ebay.com/Access-With-Ease).

When your balance is unsteady, an adjustable walking stick may help you to navigate slippery sidewalks. Several types of lightweight, collapsible, and durable poles are available that easily adjust to the correct length. They pack easily into a suitcase when traveling too. Look for “walking sticks” or “hiking poles” at outdoor recreation stores or order from REI (800-426-4840; www.REI.com).

If you use a cane in winter and have difficulty gripping the handle while wearing mittens or gloves, knit or crochet a small sleeve to fit snugly over the handle. The woolen glove and the woolen cover will fit together and keep the handle from slipping. As an alternative, you can also attach a strip of self-sticking moleskin (available at drugstores) or Velcro™ (the soft side) to the cane handle for extra gripping power when wearing mittens or gloves. This technique may also work well on walker handles.

When you have to grip a walker or cane for support and regular gloves or mittens do not keep your hands warm enough, try shearling mittens or gloves made of supple, wind-resistant sheepskin suede, a natural insulator against the cold. Inside, the wool fleece wicks away moisture and surrounds the hand with a thick warm layer of "fur". Being oversized, these mittens and gloves are easy to put on even if your hands are weak or contracted in a fist. The cuffs can be worn rolled down or up for extra warmth. Available from The Vermont Country Store (802-362-8460, www.vermontcountrystore.com) in men’s and women’s sizes.

Keep the cold winds from blowing down your neck by wearing a circular scarf that can be worn loosely or, when the cold winds blow, pulled up over your head as a hood, keeping your head dry and your ears warm; it can even be pulled up to cover your nose and mouth. Because it is knit or sewn in a circle, the scarf (about 18” long and 12” high) slips over your head, so there are no loose ends to blow in the wind and no worry that it might fall off. If you cannot find circular scarves at your local discount or department store, two versions are available at www.urbanoutfitters.com. (Sorry no phone number)

If you or a loved one use a cane or crutches to get around, Fetterman's Ice Tips provide effective protection from slipping and falling on icy surfaces. The rubber tips have nylon nibs at the end of hardened steel spikes that work on the same principle as studded snow tires. Easy “pullover” installation allows for the ice tips to be quickly removed when indoors; no tools necessary. Ice tips come in three sizes to fit the majority of crutch or cane tip diameters. From Thomas Fetterman, Inc. (888-582-5544; www.fetterman-crutches.com).

To keep your hands-free when using a cane, walker or wheelchair, carry your wallet, medications, and other small items in a backback, and when you open doors or pick up objects while shopping you will avoid any sudden shifts that may throw you off balance. A backpack might not be as elegant as a purse or pocket book, but many new backpacks, especially when purchased at outdoor recreation stores, are ergonomically designed, nice looking, and very sturdy. Companies like Case Logic (www.CaseLogic.com) make special packs to wear in your lap or that slip over armrests and handlebars that are designed especially for and work well for wheelchair users.

Last but not least, save on clean up chores while protecting your floors and carpet from the residue that can be tracked in from wet, snowy (and salted) sidewalk by investing in a commercial-grade rubberized entry door mat that will attract and absorb outdoor messes. Unlike throw rugs, which I do not recommend, these mats are very flat, with a low nap, and the rubberized backing holds them in place while keeping moisture away from your floor or carpet. If you are in a wheelchair, you might prefer a 6-8-foot runner that is long enough for the chair wheels to turn fully at least once so you can “wipe your feet” as you roll ahead. These mats are readily available at home improvement stores or order from Home Improvements, 800-634-9484; www.improvementscatalog.com.

I hope these suggestions give you some ideas on how to cope with the ice and snow this winter. All together now, let’s sing, “Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!”

If you have additional questions, send an email to Shelley@makingLifeEasier.com and we’ll do our best to help you find the answer.

Visit www.MakingLifeEasier.com to sign up to receive her free inspirational E-zine. While you are there, listen to her weekly Making Life Easier Internet radio program, where Shelley and a guest discuss the lessons learned and wisdom gained living with chronic illness, disability, and age-related limitations.

You’ll also find descriptions of Shelley’s books which you will find at your local bookstore or may order directly from the publisher:

Demos Medical Publishing – www.DemosMedPub.com
Tips for Making Life Easier with Arthritis
Tips for Making Life Easier with Multiple Sclerosis
Tips for Making Life Easier with Parkinson’s Disease

The Attainment Company – www.AttainmentCompany.com
Memory Tips for Making Life Easier
Dressing Tips and Clothing Resources for Making Life Easier
Organizing Your IEPs