#CPChatNow Recap- 1/18/23

This past week’s #CPChatNow had members bouncing all over the place with discussions of different topics such as hiking, podcasts, and how CP impacts their decision making. 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 celebrate Zach progressing in his career at the library.

zach tweets he finished his branch service assistant training and he can now substitute at the reference desk

Next, talk turned to Timmy’s hobby of hiking and his essentials when he goes on a hike.

zach asks timmy what equipment he takes on his hikes. timmy says he has a 24 pound backpack with micro spikes, trekking poles, satellite personal locator device along with gummy bears

Next, Stephen asked what podcasts others listened to.

Stephen asks if people are fans of podcasts, i tweet i am fans of way too many with my favorite small town murder and wrestling and sports ones. Stephen tweets he likes on air with ryan seacrest and the ellen k morning show and zach tweets he listens to one or two, but he is a visual person so he mainly falls asleep to them.

Finally, Zach asks members how CP impacts their decision making.

zach asks how cp impacts members decision making. i tweeted about transportation or if i'm going somewhere and need to walk a lot. zach tweets about cp helping determine priorities with the first one being to take care of himself physically and prioritizing that guides decision making on what to do first.

This brings us to our Extend-The-Conversation Question: What are your favorite outdoor activities? Please share your answers in the comments and join us tomorrow at 8 Eastern on Twitter at #CPChatNow!

the extend-the-conversation question graphic with the question of what are your favorite outdoor activities with a a brown sign and an illustration of two figures hiking.

Advertisement

#CPChatNow Recap- 01-11-2023

Various topics came and went during the weekly cerebral palsy Twitter chat #CPChatNow Wednesday, January 11th, 2023. To tell you more, I am chat co-host Zachary Fenell. Please join me for your weekly recap.

Early on in the evening, communal vibes strongly emanated.

Hannah stops by #CPChatNow to say hi.

Long-time participant Hannah stopped in to say she missed us all, but physically she did not feel up to participating. I know I am not alone in looking forward to the next time Hannah joins us.

In the meantime, the chat went on.

Zachary asks #CPChatNow how frequently they stretch and what muscles they stretch the most.

To prompt discussion, I asked our community, “How often do you stretch? What muscles do you have to stretch the most?” My co-host Devin Axtman responded, “Not enough that’s for sure!” Admitting, “When I’m feeling tight.” Regarding what muscles he has to stretch the most, Devin said “hamstrings and Achilles mostly.”

Personally, I resonated with Devin’s experiences. Also admitting, “I know I should stretch daily but I also end up stretching when I get tight.” In retrospect stretching daily sounds like a good goal to set. Appropriate, because January 11th, 2023, talk turned to goal setting.

#CPChatNow participants offer advice on setting goals.

The goal setting subject arose after I asked our community, “Has anyone set goals for 2023 to help you be healthier?” Devin replied, “I feel like I’m not good at this. Anyone have tips for setting goals you stick with?”

Timmy and I offered similar advice. I recommended setting measurable goals. For example, in 2023 I am striving to drink two bottles of water for every cup of coffee I consume. Additionally, I suggested making your goal into a habit, noting, “Say you want to read more. Even reading 10 pages of a book a day will eventually add up.”

Simultaneously, Timmy advised, “Make it a habit or use the SMART approach.” Besides making a goal measurable, the SMART approach involves setting goals that are specific, achievable, realistic, and timely.

Another helpful tidbit emerged as the goal setting discussion progressed.

Zachary and Devin discus another key component to goal setting.

Through the dialogue, Devin revealed, “I will slip for a day and feel guilty and then not get back to it.” A temptation I know all too well. However, over time I learned, “The key is not beating yourself up over yesterday’s failures but rather focusing on righting the track today.” Put that wisdom on display and answer for the week’s extend-the-conversation question, “What will you accomplish today?”

Share below! Then before going to work away on your goal, set a reminder to join us for #CPChatNow each and every Wednesday on Twitter. The fun begins at 8pm ET.

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

-Zachary

Answer for the extend-the-conversation question, "What will you accomplish today?"

Answer below!

#CPChatNow Recap- 1/4/23

This past week in #CPChatNow sparked some interesting conversation about member’s relationship with CP and their hopes for 2023. This is #CPChatNow co-host, Devin Axtman, taking you along for the ride on this week’s recap.

First, Zach tweeted about a dream where he avoided a common nemesis for people with CP, escalators.

zach tweets about a dream where he was at the mall and avoided taking an escalator. I tweeted I usually realize I should've done something different but it's too late

Next, Zach asked what members are looking forward to in 2023.

zach asked what members are looking forward to in 2023. zach tweeted he is starting to train as a substitute at the reference desk and writing wise he has different events coming up.
veronica tweeted she is not sure she is looking forward to it, but she is turning 50 in November. chris tweeted she is hoping to finish her masters.

Finally, Zach asked about member’s relationships with CP. The question sparked an interesting discussion.

zach asks members to describe their relationship with CP. i tweeted adaptable with some days taking pride in my CP, some days annoyed by it and some days indifferent. chris tweeted mostly ok learning to adapt well with the only impacts coming from post impairment syndrome aging things.
timmy tweets accepted. he accepts it to the point he can push himself physically but it in reality it's really about how far mentally

This brings us to our Extend-The-Conversation Question: Have you ever had a dream related to CP? Please share your answers in the comments.

Thanks for reading!

-Devin

#CPChatNow Recap- 12-28-2022

Participants in the cerebral palsy Twitter chat #CPChatNow gathered Wednesday, December 28th, 2022 for one last 2022 chat. Allow me, chat co-founder and co-host Zachary Fenell, tell you more. Welcome to your weekly recap.

Discussion for the night included favorite presents received during the 2022 holiday season.

Participants in #CPChatNow discuss favorite presents they received for the 2022 holiday season.

As you can see in the above screenshot, I introduced this topic. Replying to my question, Jen showed us a stuffed Gamer Stich. Meanwhile my co-host Devin Axtman mentioned his wife gave him a really cool Cubs shirt. Responding to Devin, I noted one of my brothers gave me a Guardians 2022 postseason shirt.

Additionally, Timmy answered the question, showcasing the Garmin InReach given to him by his grandparents. Eventually though, like the holidays themselves, time passed and we moved on to others topics.

Stephen asks #CPChatNow if they prefer wheelchairs or walkers.

Stephen sparked insightful conversation by asking people if they prefer wheelchairs or walkers. Devin explained his preference, saying, “Wheelchair, it is way faster and I feel more stable. I don’t have to worry as much about terrain.”

On the contrary, Stephen voiced his preference for walkers, detailing, “I like walkers more because people do not have to push you.” Stephen’s comments led to further dialogue.

#CPChatNow participants discuss the pros and cons of wheelchairs and walkers.

Devin expressed understanding for Stephen’s preference, stating, “There’s definitely pluses and minuses and it also depends on the situation.” I seconded Devin’s thoughts, and added, “Another factor is how long a given activity is. If you have a full day ahead of you, something requiring less energy might be preferable.”

What do you think? Keep the conversation going and answer for the week’s extend-the-conversation question, “What is your preferred mobility device? Why?” Leave your answer in the comments section.

Afterwards, mark your calendar to join us each and every Wednesday on Twitter. The fun begins at 8pm ET. Until then, remember. Don’t blend in. Blend out!

-Zachary

Answer for the week's extend-the-conversation question, "What is your preferred mobility device? Why?"

Answer below!