WBRC Students Attend Healthy Teaching Kitchen Demo

Photo: WBRC Veterans interact at the Healthy Teaching Kitchen Demo

WBRC Students Attended a Healthy Teaching Kitchen (HTK)cooking demonstration today at the VA Palo Alto Health Care System Wednesday Farmer's Market.  The Healthy Teaching Kitchen is a program run through VAPAHCS by the Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Coordinator and provides live healthy cooking demonstration events.  The Healthy Teaching Kitchen provides demonstrations at the VAPAHCS Wednesday Farmer's Market on the 3rd Wednesday of each month.


During the demonstration the Veterans observed the preparation and cooking of a healthy recipe for 'Mediterranean Beef Burgers', asked questions, and tasted a sample of the completed recipe.  The HTK staff also educated participants about food safety when cooking outdoors.


They reported that the Centers for Disease Control estimates that 1 in 6 Americans get sick from contaminated foods and beverages and about 3,000 die each year. When foods are prepared on the grill or at picnics, it is even more important to practice good food safety.  HTK recommended the following tips for cooking outdoors:


Cook:
Cook foods at the right temperature.  Many people thing they cane tell when food is 'done' by checking it's color and texture.  But there is no way to tell if it is safe without using a food thermometer.  Cooking temperatures vary, for instance chicken should be cooked to 165 degrees F and ground beef to 160 degrees F.  Visit www.foodsafety.gov for more information.


Clean
Wash hands and surfaces often, illness causing bacteria can survive in many places around your cooking area including hands, utensils, cutting boards, and countertops.  Make sure when you are preparing foods you have a working sink or wash station near by.


Chill
Refrigerate foods promptly.  Illness-causing bacteria can grow in many foods within two hours unless you refrigerate them.  During the summer heat, cut that time down to one hour.  Always keep cold items cold by covering them with ice and keeping them in the shade.


Separate
Separate raw meats from other foods.  Raw meat, poultry, seafood, and eggs can spread illness-causing bacteria to ready-to-eat foods - unless you keep them separate.  Use different cutting boards for meat and veggies to limit contamination.


Please see below for the Recipe:

Mediterranean Beef Burgers

Ingredients

1lb Ground Beef (90% Lean/10% Fat)

1 Large Green Onion (Scallion)

¾ cup of Baby Spinach

1/3 cup of crumbled Feta Cheese

1 ½ tsp Fresh Dill

½ tsp Salt

½ tsp Black Pepper

2 cloves of garlic

First, chop green onions, spinach, dill and garlic and set to the immediate side. Next, wash your hands thoroughly, in a large bowl combine ground beef, chopped onions, spinach, dill, garlic, feta, salt and pepper.  Once all is in the bowl, using hands combine all of the items into a large well mixed ball. Separate burgers out into 4 equal sized patties.  Wash your hands again thoroughly.

Next heat a grill pan or frying pan on medium high heat, spray with cooking spray or 1 tsp olive oil and set burgers in pan.  Cook on each side for 6 minutes for medium doneness or until it reaches 160 degrees Fahrenheit.  

Dress your burger on a whole wheat bun with lettuce, tomatoes and other condiments, or enjoy you burger cut up in to strips in a pita or on a bed of lettuce.   

Nutrition

Calories: 313 Cal

Carbs: 2g

Fat: 14g

Protein: 32g

Sodium: 415mg

Sugar: 0g

NCEFT Features Veteran in New Video

Video: NCEFT features Veteran in new video. 

Click on the image above to play

The National Center for Equine Facilitated Therapy (NCEFT) in Woodside, CA has long been a resource for Veterans, including those attending the Western Blind Rehabilitation Center.  Founded in 1971, the NCEFT has worked with children, adults, and Veterans with a variety of disabilities providing a wide range of equine activities.  WBRC Recreation Therapy department has developed a strong relationship with NCEFT, participating with their Veterans Program on a regular basis.

The NCEFT Veteran's program offers Active Duty Service Members and Veterans the opportunity to participate in services at no cost.  The program encourages physical and cognitive rehabilitation, providing Veterans with a safe environment in which to regain their independence, confidence, and strength.  This program is funded entirely by donations. 

Programs including Hippotherapy, a treatment in which equine movement is used as part of a coordinated intervention program to reach functional goals in the areas of physical, occupational, and speech-language therapy.  Adaptive riding, which emphasizes the acquisition of riding and horsemanship skills, in an effort to achieve physical, emotional, and cognitive goals.  And adaptive horsemanship, where students are organized into small groups lessons with other Veterans.

CLICK HERE to learn more about the WBRC Recreation Therapy Program

CLICK HERE to learn more about NCEFT

WBRC Alumnus Update: Terry Kebbel

Photo: WBRC Alumnus Terry (left) with wife (right)

WBRC Recently received a letter and photo from Alumnus Terry Kebbel, which he graciously agreed could be shared here on the WBRC blog.  Thanks Terry!

Thank you Western Blind Rehab Center for the training I received in November.  I was able to navigate the trail at Bandelier National Park using a two cane technique that Summer [My WBRC Orientation and Mobility Specialist] taught me. It was a 1 ½ mile trek with an increased elevation and irregular stone steps. My sighted guide and I were able to travel quite easily.

Photo description: I am on the left side of a wooden ladder that leads to a cave dwelling at Bandelier Park. My wife, Maryellen, is to the right of the ladder.

http://www.nps.gov/band/contacts.htm

Terry also contributes to www.blindnotalone.com

WBRC Group goes White Water Rafting on the American River

Written By: Ann Nguyen, WBRC Recreation Therapy Intern



Photo: The WBRC Group at the ETC Campsite

Water splashing upon the shore near the Environmental Traveling Companions (ETC) campsite, rapids swelling up at every rocky turn, people filled rafts navigating downstream, ice cold water splashing up from all sides of the raft, and the elated cries of excitement were among some of the powerful images lingering in the minds of eight veterans from the WBRC as they came back from a wondrous white water rafting trip.  On August 15, 2014 WBRC recreation therapists, Rachel Smith and Lindsay Conner, teamed up with ETC certified white water rafting volunteer guides, including David Patten—WBRC visual skills supervisor—and Simone Riente—WBRC social worker—, to provide a whole weekend of white water rafting and camping along the South Fork of the American River.

Photo: The WBRC Group enjoys a meal at the ETC Campsite

From the campsite, to the staff, to the food, all the Veterans were very satisfied with what ETC provided.  After spending the night resting under the stars, the group was oriented to the rafts and embarked on a 12 mile white water journey down the American River.  Before this experience many of the Veterans who went on the trip could not fathom how individuals with visual impairments could navigate the American River and all the rapids it had to offer. 

Photo: WBRC rafters on the America River

 

“Troublemaker” and “Fowler’s Rock” were among some of the exciting rapids that the Veterans battled through.  With adaptations made on each raft, each individual was able to enjoy the experience to the fullest.  Ingenious ETC staff took a simple lawn chair and duct tape to create secure seats on the raft itself; any wheelchair users definitely had the best seat.  There was a generous amount of staff support provided by ETC, as well, which all contributed to a trip that gave lasting impressions on all the Veterans who were able to attend.  Here were only a few of the comments made on the trip:

“It was the most fun I’ve had in the last 14 years.”

“The rafting trip itself was the most amazing thing I have ever done-sighted or visually impaired… It helped to boost my confidence, decrease my fears and to socialize with other attendees.”

“This experience is one that I will remember the rest of my life. I don’t know how to put into words.”   

Photo: A rafter holds a paddle with the following inscription written on it:
“Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving SAFELY in a PRETTY and WELL-PRESERVED body, but rather to skid in BROADSIDE in a cloud of smoke, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming ‘WOW! WHAT A RIDE!’” – Hunter S. Thompson.

 

This experience was made possible by a donation from a Veteran who wishes to not be named.  Nevertheless, his selfless act brought life changing joy to many of the Veterans who were able to experience white water rafting for the first time.  Each and everyone one of the Veterans expressed gratitude for the staff, ETC, and the grateful retired US Army Officer for providing an opportunity for this trip.  WBRC to anticipate. 

Click here for more information on ETC

A Walk In the Redwoods to Remember

Photo: The group of WBRC Veterans at Muir Woods

By: Mr. Huy B Diep, WBRC Recreation Therapy Intern

 

On Wednesday, September 19^th 2013, the Western Blind Rehabilitation Center (WBRC) students and the Polytrauma programs were treated to a day in the woods.   Christa Lyons and her husband John Lyons, who is also a Veteran, reached out and connected with Recreation Therapy staff at the VA Palo Alto Health Care System (VAPAHCS) to set up a visit to the Muir Woods National Monument in Mill Valley, CA. 

As Mr. Lyons stated, “it’s simply therapeutic,” when asked what inspired him to share this location with our Veterans at the VA.  As a Veteran who was dealing with mental wounds post-military, the Lyons' spoke highly about how frequent visits to Muir Woods, amongst the redwood trees, was helpful to John with recovering from his trauma.  Several years later they were able to come back and share this experience with fellow service members.    

Community reintegration outings are a big part of helping people with adjustment to their disability in an inclusive setting.  It’s where people receiving treatment in rehab can show off the fruits of their labor, and all of that hard work learning/implementing new strategies get put on display. Recreation Therapists have the pleasure of seeing how people function outside of a hospital setting and can provide feedback to their treatment team about what strategies are working well or could use fine tuning.   

Whether people came out to become educated about the redwoods, enjoy the scenery, go on a trail walk, or just get out of the hospital setting,  the consensus was that everyone enjoyed themselves, as evident by the big smiles and comments about how relaxing the day was.    

   

CLICK HERE to learn more about Muir Woods National Monument

CLICK HERE to learn more about How to Receive a FREE National Park Service (and more) Annual Pass

Adaptive Fishing Tips & Strategies

Written by Andrew Dadd, WBRC Visual Skills Instructor

 

Andrew Dadd coaches a veteran on a WBRC fishing trip

Fishing for a person with a visual impairment can be more fun and productive with the incorporation of adaptive strategies and devices.  If you have been to the WBRC or another blind rehabilitation program, use the skills that you learned. These might include incorporation of visual aids and techniques, orientation and mobility skills, and your ability to use your sense of touch. These skills can be used at home during preparation for fishing and also when you have arrived at your fishing spot.

At Home:

• Familiarize yourself with the equipment you will be using.
• Tie set-ups that you will be using in advance.
• Practice putting on the bait that you will be using.
• Keep the tackle for your trip minimal and well organized. 
• Pack devices such as your magnification and your glare control.

At Your Fishing Spot:

• Pick a spot that has lighting that is best for you.
• Wear a hat and the proper eyewear and sunglasses
• Assess the environment and plan how to move about safely.
• Keep gear organized in a central location at the fishing spot.
• Use a low vision or audible bite indicator.
• When casting your line ask others for information if necessary, so you can cast to the correct location.
• Take your time getting to your rod when you hook a fish.
• Be careful when handling fish with spines. Use gloves or a fish gripper.
• Use adaptive devices and techniques as needed.
• Always know where your hook is.

If you are a person who is legally blind, you are entitled to a free fishing  license. This will take some time and is not available ‘on-the-spot’ at stores that sell fishing licenses.  You may request an application through the Department of Fish and Game which will require a signature from your eye doctor.  

CLICK HERE for more information about the Free Fishing License Criteria 

CLICK HERE to download a copy of the Free Fishing License Application

WBRC Veterans Get Creative

Photo: A WBRC veteran being instructed in the art of knitting

Several WBRC veterans participated in the VAPAHCS Creative Arts Fair held at the Menlo Park hospital campus last week.  The Creative Arts Fair, hosted by the VAPAHCS Recreation Therapy Service, was in preparation for the Nationwide Veteran's Creative Arts Competition. 


Photo: Another WBRC veteran learns the art of Collage

The event introduced veterans to different types of arts with the hopes that some might be inspired to submit a piece for the nationwide competition.  Art stations included watercolors, collage, cartoon drawing, knitting, and fly fishing lure tying, among many others.  Staff and volunteers were available at each of the stations along with materials to promote veteran knowledge and participation. 



Photo: A WBRC veteran works on a watercolor painting



Many of the WBRC veterans completed art projects during the fair including watercolors, collages, and wooden boxes.  The positive response of our veterans to the arts fair has continued to influence WBRC with the start of a weekly arts group run by the WBRC Recreation Therapy department.  Since the fair the group has met twice and has focused on art projects and adaptive methods including use of low vision prosthetics and tactile techniques. 

CLICK HERE to learn more about the Nationwide Veteran's Creative Arts Competition

Double Vision Tandem Program

Photo: View from the 'Stoker' position of
a tandem bike, looking over the 'Captain'
and ahead at the bike lane and
a quad side by side bike.

Written by: Liz Jessen, VIST Coordinator

The WBRC Recreation Therapy program has a weekly tandem bicycling program for current WBRC Students and WBRC Alumni.  This 'Double Vision' Tandem program works with community volunteers and educates veterans in bicycle safety and maintenance as well as orienting them to the sport of tandem cycling.  Weekly rides are typically contained on the VA Palo Alto Hospital grounds, but occasionally there are longer tandem rides in the nearby community. 

On Saturday July 9th, 2011 the WBRC's Double Vision tandem program set out on a long community group ride. We had seven tandem teams, including one team on Wilma (our side-by-side quad) on the road heading to a local park called Rancho San Antonio.  It was a lovely summer day and everyone was excited to be out.  All went well and we all safely made it for lunch at Rancho San Antonio.  Most of the riders completed 16 miles of hilly terrain and had a great time. 

What is Tandem Cycling?

The tandem bicycle is a form of bicycle designed to be ridden by more than one person.  The term tandem refers to the seating arrangement, with the riders seated front and rear.  On conventional tandem bicycles the front rider is known as the ‘Captain’ and is responsible for steering as well as pedaling, shifting gears, and balance.  The rear rider is known as the ‘Stoker’ and is responsible for adding pedal power to the team.  Tandem cycling can not only increase health and well being, but also can improve teamwork, build trust, and add a sense of community, among many other benefits.

Getting Started with Tandem Cycling:

-   Be sure to be medically cleared by your health care professional prior to beginning any new physical activity.

-   Locate a tandem organization; checking with local bicycle shops and/or your parks and recreation organization could be a good start.

-   Get familiar with bicycle safety, equipment inspection, and rules of the road.

-   Make sure to make adjustments to equipment to meet your needs such as to helmet straps and your seat height, and check for loose clothing, pant cuffs, or shoe laces prior to starting to ride.

-   Connect with experienced riders and start practicing in a safe area, such as an empty parking lot.

-   Communicate with your captain; plan, discuss, and share the ride.  Good communication can make a world of difference.

Community Resources:

Learn more about Bay Area Adaptive Bicycling at:

BAY AREA OUTREACH & RECREATION PROGRAM

Learn more about Tandem Cycling, Clubs, and Locating a Captain at:

U.S. BLIND TANDEM CYCLING CONNECTION

WBRC Veterans Attend San Jose Giants Game

Written by Matthew Collins, WBRC O&M Specialist

Image of a base, baseball, glove and bat

On July 30^th, some of the veterans of the WBRC attended a minor league baseball game between the San Jose Giants and the Lancaster JetHawks.  Kettlecorn, Ice Cream, and Churros were just a few of the snacks consumed during the mid-season match-up at the San Jose Municipal Stadium.  The family friendly event had fans of all ages cheering for their teams, and Rick Worlitz, a WBRC GPS student commented “It’s great to see the kids here have so much fun.” 

While the JetHawks put up a fight, the Giants won 4-3 in just a mere two hours.  The San Jose Giants, a farm team of the San Francisco Giants, have had many eventual big leaguers, including Buster Posey, Tim Lincecum, and Pablo Sandoval play for the team.  Reserved seating, friendly parking staff, and plenty of volunteer help made for yet another successful event.  Go Giants!  

A few tips for baseball fans with vision loss:

• Bring your glare control to the game, a hat with a minimum 3" brim and a good pair of sunglasses may help you follow the game more comfortably.
• Bring your long cane or other mobility device, you never know when you may want to head to the restroom or concession stand on your own.
• Bring your magnification devices: a monocular telescope could help you spot the batter and check the scoreboard independently, and a hand held magnifier or other device could help you access score sheet and prices in the souvenir shop.
• Bring a small handheld radio and earphones: Many games are broadcast over the air so a radio and earphones can help you follow the action at the game without having to ask others what is going on. 

CLICK HERE for a LINK to learn more about the SAN JOSE GIANTS

Are you a baseball fan with vision loss?  MLB.com has made it's website more accessible for users with vision impairments.  Learn more by CLICKING HERE for a LINK to the press release.

WBRC Vets Get the Red Carpet Treatment at American Legion Blues Festival

Article by: Matthew Collins, WBRC Orientation and Mobility Specialist

Close-up image of a saxophone laying on some sheet music

On July 10^th, the Half Moon Bay American Legion held their fourth annual blues festival.  The American Legion Post 474, which has been around since 1934, holds fundraisers throughout the year to help local charities and is a non-profit organization. 

WBRC Vets were treated to a number of blues acts and lunch in the chilly coastal air of the pacific.  VIP seating, an abundance of assistance, and all the hot dogs and hamburgers they could handle were just a small part of the outing.  One vet stated “It’s like we are all stars” in regards to the hospitality of the Legion Post 474.  The WBRC would like to thank all of the members of the Half Moon Bay American Legion for the great tunes and for hosting such a positive event.

WBRC TAKES A SWING AT BEEP BASEBALL

By: Daniel Penrod, WBRC Manual Skills Instructor

A WBRC student gets ready to swing at the beeping

baseball while learning to play the game with the

Stockton Stingray Beep Baseball team

A recent WBRC outing had veterans and staff swinging. They were learning to play the game of Beep Baseball with the Stockton Stingray Beep Baseball team. The team joined the WBRC to demonstrate and teach the game. Beep Baseball uses a standard softball bat, a modified softball with audible signals, and two upright bases with audible signals. All of the players except the pitcher wear blindfolds to occlude their vision and level the playing field. The pitcher announces to the batter when he pitches the ball and also when the ball is passing over the home plate. If the batter makes contact with the ball, one of the 2 audible bases is randomly turned on, and the batter must take off to locate the base. If the batter makes it to the base before the fielders locate the beeping ball they score a point.

After a demonstration game, veterans and staff had an opportunity to put on a blindfold and go up to bat. There were varying levels of success, but everyone was impressed with how far some batters could hit the ball and how quickly the players could field the ball or find the base. As someone who struggled at the plate, I can personally say that it was challenging, exciting, and educational to feel for a brief period what it was like to solely use hearing to locate a pitch, a ball, or a base. I have never felt a thrill from any other sport like that of trying to run without sight towards a base while the opposing team scrambles to find the ball and get you out.

To learn more about Beep Baseball CLICK HERE

or

To read an article or watch a news clip from the Wall Street Journal about Beep Baseball CLICK HERE