#CPChatNow Recap- 4/14/21

Posted on April 20, 2021 by devinaxtman

This past week in #CPChatNow was a happening as always. Members discussed new jobs, their accomplishments for the week, canes, and stretching. This is #CPChatNow co-host, Devin Axtman, taking you along for the ride on this week’s recap. All aboard!

First, I would like to recognize some good news and a strong GIF game from Linds!

linds tweets that she got a job with a gif of spongebob talking on the phone with his eyes up. zach tweets congratulations and asks if it will take her away from #cpchatnow

Linds also tweeted about her cane and feeling accomplished by finishing laundry. I can certainly relate to finishing laundry sometimes feeling like an accomplishment!

zach asks about what members have accomplished in the last seven days, linds tweets she has started to use a cane and has a 31 wpm typing speed, she tweeted she also did another load of laundry, zach asks what her cane looked like and if she multiple so she can treat it like an accessory, linds tweeted her canes are blue scrolling paisley or tropical flowers

We had some new folks join the chat this week! Constance Jamet talked about her various accomplishments this week which including finishing some things for work and walking a bit more.

zach tweeted asking what members had accomplished in the last seven days, constance tweeted she has improved on the kneeling knight position, meeting deadlines on her job, and walking a little more after being immobile for a few weeks

Constance’s tweets led to a further conversation about stretching with Zach and I tweeting about our stretching routines.

zach and i tweet about stretching, i tweeting i can understand the difficulty of learning to stretch something new and that i have done that throughout my life with new muscles, zach tweets he has to stretch consistently, he tweets his body feels like it's being squeezed by a snake if he doesn't stretch

This brings us to our Extend-The-Conversation Question: What is your stretching routine? Please share your answers in the comments and join us each Wednesday at 8 Eastern at #CPChatNow.

Thanks for reading!

-Devin

#CPChatNow Recap- 04-07-2021

Posted on April 14, 2021 by zacharyfenell

Energetic proves a fitting way to describe the conversation which happened during the cerebral palsy Twitter chat #CPChatNow Wednesday, April 7th, 2021. Why you may ask. Let me, chat co-host Zachary Fenell, tell you why via your weekly recap.

The description “energetic” encompasses a buzz and our chat buzzed from topic to topic April 7th.

Early in the night my co-host Devin Axtman and long-time chat regular Jen discussed a common interest multiple people in our community hold, baseball. In-particular Jen mentioned a bench clearing incident involving Devin’s favorite team the Chicago Cubs.

While players on the Chicago Cubs and Milwaukee Brewers jumped off their benches and ran onto the field, participants in our community discussed a different jumping.

Devin discusses being super jumpy at the dentist.

#CPChatNow participants discuss scenarios which make them jumpy.

Both Devin and I brought up situations which can make us jumpy. Devin mentioning being “super jumpy” at the dentist. Meanwhile I shared how my workplace currently has HVAC work getting done. The work causing lots of banging. Neither situation stands ideal alone, but combined? Yikes! A scenario Veronica recalled experiencing while responding to my tweet.

Elsewhere in the conversation Veronica offered a useful tip.

Veronica offers a useful tip dealing with cerebral palsy and cooking.

Regarding cooking, Veronica said whenever she looks at recipes, she doubles the prep time because due to her CP she has to do her prep one-handed. Smart thinking, if you ask me! Would you agree? Comment below and let us know.

Also, while commenting share your own cerebral palsy tip. Consider that your extend-the-conversation question for the week. After commenting, mark your calendars to join us each and every Wednesday on Twitter. The fun always begins at 8pm ET.

Until then, remember. Don’t blend in. Blend out!

-Zachary

#CPChatNow Recap- 3/31/2021

Posted on April 7, 2021 by devinaxtman

This past week in #CPChatNow was hopping as always. Members discussed good things from the pandemic, renewing their handicap parking placard, accessibility issues at a sporting event, and what makes a good doctor. This is #CPChatNow co-host, Devin Axtman, taking you along for the ride on this week’s recap.

Zach talked with Blemi about one good thing from the pandemic:

zach asks about a good thing that resulted form the pandemic after blemi talked about online yoga classes, zach discussed finishing his next book, stating he had planned to edit the draft in march, but was sidetracked by instagram posts, blemi tweeted striving for bigger material items is pointless

Next, I asked about something that is a common annoyance to disabled people, having to renew their permanent handicapped parking placard.

i asked how often people have to renew their permanent handicapped parking placard, zach tweeted he is not sure because he always gets a reminder to renew

blemi tweeted it is every five years to renew a placard in alberta, zach tweeted it is a pet peeve to have to renew the placard since the cp doesn't go away, chris tweets she has to do the same with paratransit even though she lives in the same house and her disabilities are permanent

Next, talk turned to the biggest accessibility concerns members had while at sporting events.

zach asked about accessibility issues members face at sporting events, chris tweeted about bleachers without handrails and buses with long routes that take forever, blemi tweeted hand rails that start and stop

veronica tweets bringing food to and from her seat is why she keeps her husban around

Finally, talk turned to a common issue for people with CP and other disabilities, finding a good doctor. Zach asked about the traits that make a doctor a good doctor:

zach asks what makes a doctor a good doctor, he tweets a crucial trait of a good doctor is the willingness to listen, blemi tweeted listening as well but also not just assuming something is CP related

Chris also tweeted about the traits that made someone a good doctor and the importance of building trust by being open about what the doctor doesn’t know.

chris tweeted about her experiences at valley healthcare's residency program, she tweets she appreciates people they saying they don't know, but they would consult and she tweeted she feels doctors care more if you are open about your health.

This brings us to our Extend-The-Conversation Question: What made your favorite doctor so great?

Please join us each Wednesday at 8 Eastern on Twitter at #CPChatNow. Thanks for reading!

-Devin

#CPChatNow Recap- “Family Reunion” Focus Chat

Posted on March 31, 2021 by zacharyfenell

Participants in the weekly cerebral palsy Twitter chat #CPChatNow enjoyed a familial and festive atmosphere Wednesday, March 24th, 2021. The night representing our community’s first “family reunion.” To tell you more I am chat co-host Zachary Fenell. All aboard this special recap.

As my co-host Devin Axtman and I hoped, the “family reunion” themed focus chat brought back familiar faces.

Devin happily greets Hannah during the #CPChatNow family reunion.

Beloved community member Hannah joined in on the reunion fun. Such a welcomed presence! After everyone exchanged their hellos, we started into the night’s designated questions.

The list of questions for #CPChatNow's family reunion focus chat.

Answers to the different questions brought up some commonalities. For example, with question two “How has your life changed since you participated in #CPChatNow?”

Long-time chat regular Jen answered the question, saying she has virtually gotten to know more people with CP. I responded, noting virtual connections can lead to real impact. A sentiment Hannah expressed with me in 2019 while recording a Youtube video “The Positives of Social Media.”

Devin further illustrated this fact when answering question three “How has your experience of disability changed (or not) since you started participating?”

#CPChatNow participants discuss how participating in the weekly Twitter chat has changed their experience of disability.

In his answer Devin noted that our community has helped him become more confident in his disability. Other benefits our community has provided members arose when people answered question five, “How have the relationships you developed in #CPChatNow been of a benefit to you?”

#CPChatNow members share how their connections in the group has benefited them.

Both Jen and our “Positivity Princess” Linds responded to the inquiry. Linds saying the chat helps to boost her energy levels. Meanwhile Jen indicated our chat gives her a place to connect with others who can relate with her struggles.

What about you? Answer for the week’s extend-the-conversation question “How have the relationships you developed in #CPChatNow been of a benefit to you?” Leave your response in the “Comments” section.

After you reply, set a reminder to join us on Twitter each and every Wednesday, The good times begin at 8pm ET.

Until then, remember. Don’t blend in. Blend out!

-Zachary

The week's extend-the-conversation question asks "How have the relationships you developed in #CPChatNow been of a benefit to you?" — Answer below!

#CPChatNow Recap- 3/17/2021

Posted on March 23, 2021 by devinaxtman

This past week in #CPChatNow was happening as always. Members discussed positives that were occurring in their life and how their disability has helped them stand out. We are also proud to announce our Family Reunion Focus Chat! This is #CPChatNow co-host, Devin Axtman, taking you along for the ride on this week’s recap.

First, we are excited to announce our Family Reunion Focus Chat. Please join us Wednesday (3/24) on Twitter to reconnect (or connect!) with #CPChatNow community members, both longtime and new!

zach tweets announcing the #cpchatnow family reunion for march 24th. there is a graphic announcing the reunion and inviting people too join

Next, I would like to recognize Dick Hoyt’s death. Dick and his son Rick who has CP have inspired many by their participation in marathons and triathlons.

i recognize the death of dick hoyt and share a link to his obituary, there is a picture of him pushing his son rick.

zach tweets dick hoyt's death made him think of ultimate warrior's promo before his death. dick hoyt helped others believe and made their blood pulse through their body.

Zach also asked members about a positive in their week. Tonia shared a blog post she wrote in the past week about 10 things no one tells you about aging with CP. I can definitely agree with number 3!

zach asked what about a positive thing from member's past week's. tonia shares a new blog post about 10 things no one tells you about aging with cp.

Finally, Zach asked members how their disability has helped them standout.

zach asks how member's disabilities have helped them standout and excel. i tweeted it has given me an opportunity to share my story with others and build relationships. zach tweets he can say the same thing and his cp gave him a purpose, more than clocking in and out of a job. — Chris also shared her favorite quote about disability regarding being open to differences and fighting for social justice as the ways she tries to standout.

chris tweets about her favorite quote from an activist and social worker with CP, there is an image of the quote, zach tweets he feels he is a better friend to others because he is more open minded and willing to listen, chris tweets she likes the quote because she feels the memoir is the first time she is reading about herself or her experiences

This brings us to our Extend-The-Conversation Question: How has your disability helped you excel? Please share your answers in the comments and join us next Wednesday, March 24th for our Family Reunion Focus Chat on Twitter at 8 PM Eastern.

-Devin

#CPChatNow Recap- 03-10-2021

Posted on March 17, 2021 by zacharyfenell

An excited energy buzzed about Wednesday, March 10th, 2021 during the weekly cerebral palsy Twitter chat #CPChatNow. Here to tell you more, I am chat co-host Zachary Fenell. A task I will pursue the best way I know how, your weekly recap.

The excitement began early in the evening. Sparked by a returning participant.

Yes! Royalty entered our presence when our “Positivity Princess” Linds made her return. Quickly Linds started catching up with others.

Linds and Jen catch up, talking about pets and more.

Fellow long-time regular Jen happily greeted Linds. The two discussed Linds’ current living arrangements, plus Linds’ pets. Similar conversation will likely occur Wednesday, March 24th, 2021.

#CPChatNow will host their first reunion focus chat on Wednesday, March 24th, 2021.

As I announced, on Wednesday, March 24th, 2021 we will host a reunion focus chat. Mark your calendars! I, along with my co-host Devin Axtman, hope you can make the reunion. The night promises to include friendly dialogue, nostalgic reminiscing, and more.

For now though, let us continue recapping the March 10th chat. Discussion turned to the pandemic and vaccinations.

#CPChatNow participants discuss how vaccinations are going in their respective areas.

Admittedly, I raised the subject asking participants how they feel communication in their respective areas about vaccinations is going. Both Devin and I seemed satisfied with the vaccination progress in our different states. Meanwhile Heather appeared less impressed. Calling the situation in Ontario “a mess.”

What about you and your area? Keep the discussion going by answering as the week’s extend-the-conversation question, “How do you feel the communication about vaccinations is going in your state?” Answer below!

Afterwards, double check you marked your calendar for the reunion focus chat Wednesday, March 24th, 2021. The evening aims to rekindle old connections and who knows? Maybe create a few new ones.

#CPChatNow will be having a family reunion focus chat Wednesday, March 24th, 2021.

If you cannot make the reunion, no worries. Join us any week that you can. Our chat begins each Wednesday at 8pm ET.

Until then, remember. Don’t blend in. Blend out!

-Zachary

#CPChatNow Recap- 3/03/2021

Posted on March 9, 2021 by devinaxtman

This past week in #CPChatNow recap was rambunctious as always. Members discussed spiked cane tips and creatively completing routine tasks. This is #CPChatNow co-host, Devin Axtman, taking you along for the ride on this week’s recap. All aboard!

First, members discussed a way to deal with winter, spiked cane tips.

zach tweets about a blog he wrote with tips for getting through winter with cp and mentions he uses spiked cane tips after being recommended them by chris, blemi tweets she used them before she moved to her trip tip so she 2 canes ready in winter, zach tweets he had to replace his cane tip after doing two marathons in in 2018.

I checked in with Zach on the progress on his book about the process of becoming a marathoner.

i ask zach how his book is coming, zach tweeted he has not touched it in the past week, but he is planning on getting to the editing process tomorrow morning

Next, talk turned to the process of completing routine tasks and the frustrations that can sometimes come with asking for help.

i tweet that it is a bit annoying to ask for help with routine things, blemi tweeted asking for help with routine tasks makes her feel like less of a grownup, heather tweeted it is hard when living alone during a pandemic, zach asked if heather has a time she got creative with a routine task

Next, talk turned to getting creative to solve routine tasks in ways that may not be routine.

zach asks heather if she has an example of time she got creative with a routine task, heather tweets she thinks bench vises should be standard in kitchens because they make kitchen tasks doable one handed and that she often uses tools in ways they are not intended, blemi tweets she is often creative

This brings us to our Extend-The-Conversation Question: What is an example of when you got creative with tools to complete a routine task?

Thank you for reading and make sure to join us each Wednesday at 8 Eastern on Twitter at #CPChatNow!

-Devin

#CPChatNow Recap- 02-24-2021

Posted on March 2, 2021 by zacharyfenell

Conversation during the cerebral palsy Twitter chat #CPChatNow Wednesday, February 24th, 2021 covered many different subjects. To tell you more, I am chat co-host Zachary Fenell. Welcome to your weekly recap.

A familiar face dropped in the chat and prompted dialogue.

Jorge asks #CPChatNow participants about any exciting or surprising happenings which occurred over the past week.

Jorge Oteiza asked about exciting or surprising developments in participants’ life over the past week. Blemi responded saying she had thundersnow Tuesday night. A weather condition she had never heard about before. Honestly, neither had I. Fitting, given according to Treehugger.com the occurrence where thunder booms during a snowstorm, remains quite rare. Hence thundersnow certainly qualifies as a surprising development.

Meanwhile my answer to Jorge belonged under the excitement category.

Zachary shares an exciting accomplishment from his past week.

As you may or may not know, I am working on another book. In an exciting development, I completed my manuscript. Admittedly, I still possess much editing to do. Nevertheless, completing a draft remains an accomplishment. One which deserves recognition.

Recognizing accomplishment emerged as a topic we discussed further.

#CPChatNow participants discuss recognizing achievements.

The achievement dialogue stemmed from me reminiscing back to my childhood when my physical therapist presented me trophies for PT. An idea which came to her after she heard me express envy for my brothers’ Little League trophies. While cool, Veronica reminded us achievements come in forms beyond physical feats. She did this by sharing that her child recently earned a varsity letter for academic achievement. Pretty cool!

Let us continue spotlighting different achievements via the extend-the-conversation question. Keep the conversation going and answer “What is an accomplishment of yours that you are proud of?” Leave your response in the “Comments.”

Moving on with recapping the February 24th chat, we literally discussed moving. As in maneuvering and walking.

Blemi sparks conversation about walking by mentioning how she hates seeing herself walk on camera.

Devin adds to the conversation about seeing yourself walk.

In-particular we commiserated over how we feel when we see ourselves walk, either on camera or through catching our reflection in a window. I described the sensation as jarring, explaining “In my head I move just like everyone else. Although, I know that’s not the truth.” A sentiment Blemi enthusiastically concurred with, replying “YES! SO MUCH THIS.”

Adding to the chatter, my co-host Devin Axtman said he feels this way too. However, he reminds himself “I put a lot of work into that walk.” You could consider the walk an accomplishment, which brings us back to the extend-the-conversation question for the week. “What is an accomplishment of yours that you are proud of?”

Remember to answer the week's extend-the-conversation question- "What is an accomplishment of yours that you are proud of?"

Tell us in the “Comments” below. Then set yourself a reminder to join us each and every Wednesday on Twitter, starting at 8pm ET. Tweet you soon.

Until then, remember. Don’t blend in. Blend out!

Zachary

#CPChatNow Recap- 02-17-2021

Posted on February 23, 2021 by devinaxtman

To quote Gorilla Monsoon, this past week in #CPChatNow was a happening as always. Members discussed various topics such as obtaining Assistive Technology, maintaining motivation, publishing a book, and learning to fall. This is #CPChatNow co-host, Devin Axtman, taking you along for the ride on this week’s recap. All aboard!

Chris shared something I thought was cool that you might want to look into in your area and state. Chris discussed the concept of lending libraries for Assistive Technology that she used to obtain products.

zach retweets heather's tweet about her swedish cutting board being her favorite assistive product, chris tweeted she has seen that and the state of washington has an AT lending lab that brought her things to check out

Zach talked about the difficulties he has experienced maintaining motivation and stated he goes through streaks of low motivation. Other members chimed in with their experiences and how they remain motivated.

zach asks if anyone went through streaks with motivation, i tweeted that i do and especially so with work being canceled for the week, zach tweets he was frustrated when his hours were cut in half, but it gave him more time to finish his book, but it took him a few weeks

zach tweets he asks himself what he will regret if he dies tomorrow, blemi tweets that is an ok way to motivate himself, zach tweets he feels it is a good attitude as long as the person does not overdo it

I would like to recognize that Zach has finished his manuscript and it is now in the editing phase. Zach is planning to write a book about the process of his training for a marathon.

zach tweets about the topics of his book, anxieties and falls he experienced, learning to refocus, how to stay motivated during training, he tweets he only did races that mentioned walking at first, chris tweets that she understands zach's anxiety towards running and shared experiences from high school

Finally, members discussed a common thing that is surprising to many able bodied people, learning to fall either in therapy or other areas.

i tweeted i learned how to fall in physical therapy, blemi tweeted her brother taught her after second judo class and it has saved her from many injuries, zach tweeted it is amazing he has never hurt himself despite the falls he has taken

blemi tweeted she bent her pinky finger this year and it is her most significant injury from a fall,

This brings us to our Extend-The-Conversation Question: What is the oddest thing you have learned how to do related to your disability?

Thanks for reading and please join us each Wednesday on Twitter at 8 Eastern at #CPChatNow!

-Devin

#CPChatNow Recap- 02-10-2021

Posted on February 17, 2021 by zacharyfenell

Cold weather made an impact on the live cerebral palsy Twitter chat #CPChatNow Wednesday, February 10th, 2021. To tell you more, I am chat co-host Zachary Fenell. Time to fix yourself a hot beverage or situate yourself around the fire place so you can warmly enjoy your weekly recap.

Early dialogue in the evening related to unusually cold temperatures.

#CPChatNow participants from Texas discuss their unusually cold winter.

In Texas where my co-host Devin Axtman and long-time chat regular Jen lives, temperatures remained in the 20s (Fahrenheit). Quite cold for them! This led me to ask a question.

Participants in #CPChatNow discuss how they get by when temperatures are cold.

Curious, I asked others how they manage in the cold. Devin answered he “just wear layers and complain haha.” Similar to my own response.

Zachary talks about how he manages to get by when the temperatures are cold.

Like Devin, I mentioned wearing layers. In-particular noting I wear two pairs of socks. Additionally, I find myself using my heating pad (Cure Choice electric heating pad) a lot more. As we continued to discuss the impact cold weather has on cerebral palsy, Devin and I discovered another similarity.

#CPChatNow participants discuss needing to stretch more due to colder weather.

Through chat regular Chris, the havoc cold weather can cause on spastic muscles arose as a subject. Devin and I both noting we need to stretch our hamstrings more in the winter. Our specific stretches possessing some resemblance with both involving reaching for our toes. A stretch I do in a standing position. Meanwhile Devin sits on the floor and tries to touch his toes.

What about you? Answer for the week’s extend-the-conversation question, “How do you stay stretched out?” Leave your answer down below in the “Comments.”

On a related matter, the extend-the-conversation question Devin posed in the February 3rd, 2021 recap also surfaced during our Twitter chat February 10th.

#CPChatNow participants discuss their favorite assistive products.

As a reminder, Devin asked in the February 3rd recap, what people’s favorite assistive products are. Heather responded, linking to her Swedish cutting board. The cutting board making cutting with one hand a lot easier!

Please remember to keep the conversation going by answering this week’s extend-the-conversation question. “How do you stay stretched out?”

This week's extend-the-conversation question asks, "How do you stay stretched out?" — Answer in the “Comments” section.

Afterwards, write yourself a reminder to join our Twitter chat each and every Wednesday. The fun begins at 8pm ET.

Until then, remember. Don’t blend in. Blend out!

-Zachary

Online community for those with cerebral palsy!