I have a neighbor who has a teenage daughter. She is a beautiful and talented young lady. Just a couple months ago, she was the star of the musical at the local high school. She is tall and very thin. In fact, she’s too thin. I found out recently that she is suffering from an eating disorder. It is tragic. And I found myself pondering about body image and the strange ways our brains will sometimes become deceived. For my neighbor, I can’t imagine how she looks in the mirror and sees anything other than skin and bones. Yet I know enough about eating disorders to know that she sees something entirely different. But what about those of us confined to life in a wheelchair? What about our body image? Do we struggle to look in the mirror and see reality? Or do we perhaps let our disability deceive our minds. I know that at times I fall into the trap of feeling like certain things are beyond my capabilities when the truth is I’m using my wheelchair as an excuse.

Let’s face it, one of the challenging issues of needing a wheelchair is the time it takes to get places. Whether you’re traveling around the neighborhood just in your chair or scooter or you’re taking the time in a blistering hot parking lot to load and unload your chair.

So do any of you have ideas for how to stay cool while riding in your power wheelchair? Do you carry a water bottle? Have any of you used an umbrella for shade? Do any of you have attachments for your chair that provide shade—I’m not familiar with such a chair—does such a chair exist?

For me, I use loads of sunscreen and a wide-brimmed hat. I might look a little funny, but what’s new about that?

Also, I try to get my errands done early in the morning when it’s cooler. If a store doesn’t open until 10 a.m., I’ll often just try to make my purchase online and pay for delivery rather than be out in the heat of the day.

As a wheelchair user, there are some real safety issues that should always be top of mind. Not the least of these safety issues is the danger of pressure ulcers (also known as bedsores).

The more limited your mobility is, the more you must guard against the danger of pressure ulcers. If you are in your wheelchair for essentially all your mobility needs, you are at greatest risk. Here are some tips to help you avoid this painful condition.

1. A family member or nurse should check every day for the beginning signs of a pressure ulcer. Look for spots of redness that don’t turn white when you press it with your finger. For those with darker skin color, it can be harder to recognize this early stage. The next stage to watch for is the formation of blisters, which then form an open sore.

2. Avoid friction. Be careful not to drag your skin across sheets or out of your seat. Learn to lift properly to avoid creating an abrasion.

3. Control moisture. Too much moisture from excessive perspiration or urine can make the skin soft and more prone to bed sores. Talk to you doctor or nurse about options for those with incontinence.

4. Minimize irritation from chemicals. Avoid irritating antiseptics, hydrogen peroxide, iodine solution or other harsh chemicals to clean or disinfect the skin.

5. Eat healthy and get exercise. A balanced diet that’s high in calcium, vitamins C and E, and zinc will help. Additionally, even the simplest exercises and stretching can increase blood flow and aid in protection.

6. Change positions every hour. When you’re in your wheelchair, be sure to shift your weight and/or position each hour.