Federal agency ignored warnings of Medicare fraud Nov 14, 2009
According to a July indictment, Kate and Oliver Nkuku used their Houston company, KO Medical, to bill Medicare for nearly $1 million worth of power wheelchairs and other items they said had been lost, damaged, or destroyed during hurricanes. The couple allegedly paid another man $400 for each Medicare patient he recruited for the scam. (Boston Globe)
Top 10 Most Dangerous Cities for Pedestrians Nov 12, 2009
Many of the deaths occurred on streets that have few provisions for pedestrians, cyclists or those in wheelchairs. According to the report, of the 9,168 pedestrian fatalities in 2007-2008 where the location of the accident is known, more than 40 percent were killed in a spot where there was no crosswalk. (ABC News)
Taking WWII vets to see memorial Nov 12, 2009
Some get pushed in wheelchairs. A brass band strikes up World War II era tunes. (CNN -- US)
Wheelchair puts spin on 'Brothers' actor's career Nov 12, 2009
The glee club members twirl their wheelchairs to the tune of "Proud Mary" and in joyful solidarity with Artie, the fellow performer who must use his chair even when the music stops. The scene in Wednesday's episode of the hit Fox series "Glee," which regularly celebrates diversity and the underdog, is yet another uplifting moment - except to those in the entertainment industry with disabilities and their advocates. (Fresno Bee)
WW II veteran Roberts survived 118 days in prisoner of war camp Nov 12, 2009
One of the saddest things I saw on my (Honor Flight) trip was a photo of recent veterans, young American soldiers sitting in wheelchairs. All 16 had their legs blown off. (Keokuk Daily Gate City, IO)
Homesick thousands in a state of limbo Nov 12, 2009
I saw several people without legs in basic wheelchairs. Facilities for the disabled are limited. (Sydney Morning Herald -- World)
Home of the Brave Nov 11, 2009
They lie in their beds or they whip up and down the halls in their wheelchairs. Their families are with them, the wives gamely, lovingly attached, the kids looking a bit bewildered, the parents sad but proud. (Human Events Online)
Path to Good Health, Less Pollution, Is Sidewalk Nov 11, 2009
Too often, walkers take their lives into their hands in the United States, where streets are "engineered for speeding cars and make little or no provision for people on foot, in wheelchairs or on a bicycle," the report said. More than 76,000 Americans have been killed while crossing or walking along a street in their community. (Newsmax)
'Glee' wheelchair episode hits bump with disabled Nov 11, 2009
LOS ANGELES (AP) The glee club members twirl their wheelchairs to the tune of and in joyful solidarity with Artie, the fellow performer who must use his chair even when the music stops. The scene in Wednesday's episode of the hit Fox series Glee, which regularly celebrates diversity and the underdog, is yet another uplifting moment except to those in the entertainment industry with disabilities and their advocates. (USA Today -- Life)
Navajo Code Talkers in NYC to highlight secret WWII efforts Nov 11, 2009
But yesterday, 13 of the Code Talkers, some using canes, a few in wheelchairs, arrived in New York City to participate for the first time in the nation s largest Veterans Day parade. The young Navajo Marines, using secret Navajo language-encrypted military terms, helped the United States prevail at Iwo Jima and other World War II Pacific battles, serving in every Marine assault in the South Pacific between 1942 and 1945. (Boston Globe)
In the company of heroes: A tribute to the men of the 324th Nov 10, 2009
They walk ever so slowly, some navigating the long hotel hallways with the use of canes or wheelchairs, some on the arm of likewise graying wives or middle-aged sons and daughters. Perhaps it is their age that makes them stand out in the crowd, but I believe it is much, much more than that. (Princeton Bureau County Republican, IL)
SwCCs Circle K Club raises funds for MDA Nov 10, 2009
In addition, the organization offers support groups for patients and their families, camps for patients, wheelchair ramps and medical equipment such as shower chairs and wheelchairs. Olexi told the students the University of Phoenix has agreed to award the top three fundraising schools cash prizes of $500, $300 and $200. (Terrell Tribune, TX)
Pittsburgh called safe for pedestrians Nov 10, 2009
The group favors a concept called Complete Streets, which are designed not only to accommodate vehicle traffic but pedestrians, bicyclists and users of wheelchairs. Jon Schmitz can be reached at or 412-263-1868. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA)
Trio on 4-day, 135-mile trek for war veterans Nov 9, 2009
" There are a lot of veterans who served our country and returned home in wheelchairs. We're going to walk for them and try to raise awareness of the issues that this particular group goes through.". Mika and Tuimalealiifano were childhood friends. (Honolulu Advertiser)
Fantasy football giving these residents a kick Sundays Nov 9, 2009
The facility, which recently hosted a Halloween Fear Factor party for families, prides itself on creative programming for frail elders, especially during the winter when it s harder to get wheelchairs and walkers out for field trip destinations like Lowell s Restaurant and Southwick s Zoo, both in Mendon. Keeping spirits high and residents engaged has become more important since Beaumont reluctantly put its most beloved activity - frequent visits between seniors and preschool children at the... (Boston Globe)
Dick Morris: Obama 'Bribed' Pelosi Bill to Victory Nov 9, 2009
So the Senate Finance Committee retaliated by imposing a tax on medical devices such as automated wheelchairs, pacemakers, arterial stents, prosthetic limbs, artificial knees and hips and other necessary accoutrements of healthcare. So these endorsements are not freely given, but bought and paid for by an administration that is intent on passing its program at any cost. (Newsmax)
LETTER: Ask lawmakers not to cut senior service funds Nov 8, 2009
Mama says wrote on Nov 7, 2009 1:33 AM:" Gel toppers are $600. Manual wheelchairs are $1000 and walgreens have them for $199. Gel toppers on overstock.com are $49 and up. Bedsheets from hospital supply $99 just for a single fitted. Walmart has them with deep pockets for $12.88 fitted, flat, and the pillowxases. People shop around and Medicare should shop from these other vendors and save money on the overtaxed and burdened population. Of couse if a covered item that is why people do that rather... (Mattoon Journal-Gazette, IL)
Parents cite problems at new St. Matthews K-8 School Nov 8, 2009
She also complained there was no covered shelter for the children to get from the buses to the school building, which she said was especially difficult for those in wheelchairs. In addition, Shuler-Guinyard said benches that were supposed to be moved from the John Ford School to the new school had not been moved. (Orangeburg Times and Democrat, SC)
Officials search for motivation behind massacre at Army base Nov 8, 2009
In a vigil last night, husbands wrapped their arms around their wives, babies cried and old men in wheelchairs bowed their heads as several hundred people gathered at a stadium on the sprawling Army post, the country's largest. It was the first gathering of the community since the killings. (Honolulu Advertiser)
Fort Hood, community mourn shooting victims Nov 7, 2009
At the vigil, husbands wrapped their arms around their wives, babies cried and old men in wheelchairs bowed their heads during the service at a post stadium. The Army's chief chaplain, Douglas Carver, offered prayers and encouragement to those in attendance. (USA Today)
'Kick in the Gut' Nov 7, 2009
God Bless America and Amazing Grace were sung as husbands wrapped their arms around their wives, babies cried and old men in wheelchairs bowed their heads. It was the first community gathering since the killings. (Fox News)
The Real Key to the Yankees' Win? A Bunch of Old Guys. Nov 6, 2009
Even with guys playing longer these days and keeping themselves in better shape, gambling $84 millionmore than the on the fortunes of players due, in baseball years, for canes and wheelchairs was insane. The Yankees were the best team in baseball this year, and they played like it when it counted, which is good for them and perhaps especially good for the psyche and legend of Alex Rodriguez. (Slate)
cbm's Holiday gifts transform lives with JOY! Nov 6, 2009
STOUFFVILLE, ON, Nov. 6 /CNW/ - How can the gift of a goat this holiday season transform the life of a child in Africa (Canada Newswire)
Koo defies odds to win council race Nov 6, 2009
As a philanthropist, Koo has helped the cash-strapped Prince Street Senior Center, donated wheelchairs to Elmhurst Hospital s Emergency Department and gives turkeys to residents of Latimer Houses and a Christmas tree to their community center every holiday season. He also donated $100,000 to LaGuardia Community College to establish a scholarship fund in memory of his father. (Queens Chronicle, NY)
Mozambique: Help for Landmine Victims Hard to Come By Nov 6, 2009
Emmanuel Mounier, seconded to RAVIM from Handicap International (HI), which works with landmine victims, told IRIN the harsh environment shortened the lifespan of crutches, wheelchairs and other aids used by the disabled, but spare parts were hard to come by and there were few specialized workshops, so repairs were expensive. No assistance for victims. (allAfrica.com)
Fishing, hunting help injured veterans heal Nov 5, 2009
Special equipment, such as hydraulic hunting stands that move up and down and accommodate wheelchairs, helps hunters overcome physical limitations. "These guys start out very glum. They think, 'I can't do this. I'm not the way I used to be,' " Driscoll says. (USA Today -- News)
Antiwar demonstrators cut fence at Bangor sub base Nov 4, 2009
UW Squirrels wrote on Nov 3, 2009 5:52 PM:" They probably weren't shot because the security officers were laughing too hard to keep their guns steady. The sight of five people in walkers and wheelchairs breaking into the base was probably pretty funny. ". COLUMBIAN wrote on Nov 3, 2009 6:34 PM:" SHOT, YES THE AMERICAN WAY.ITS WORKING ALL OVER THE WORLD.85,000 IRAQIES IN IRAQ ALONE. ". (Longview Daily News, WA)
Auxiliary highlights accomplishments at annual meeting Nov 4, 2009
The funds donated will contribute to a variety of programs at Emerson, including Bethke Cancer Center services, the pediatric intervention team, cardiac rehabilitation, transport wheelchairs, and caregiver scholarships. Haartz also honored the many Auxiliary members who gave their time in 2009 to support patients at Emerson. (Lincoln Journal, MA)
* From Motown to misery: the bitter fate of Detroit Nov 3, 2009
In the end police had to control the crowd, which included the sick and the elderly, some in wheelchairs. At the same time national headlines were created after bodies began piling up at the citys mortuary. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
IRS rules for medical deductions are sickening Nov 1, 2009
Mitigation, in particular, covers a lot of expensive territory, The IRS has said that false teeth, prescription eyeglasses or contact lenses, laser eye surgery, hearing aids, crutches, wheelchairs and guide dogs for the blind or deaf are all deductible medical expenses. You can also deduct premiums you pay for nursing home and health insurance. (MSNBC -- Business)
Aliens invade, disguised as Larry David! Nov 1, 2009
We're supposed to laugh uproariously as two women in wheelchairs chase Larry around a big house at a fancy party. We're supposed to chuckle when Larry confronts Christian Slater for hogging all the caviar at a party, a lame rehash of the classic "Seinfeld" episode where George is caught double-dipping his chip. (Salon)
Granny-Helping Robot Nov 1, 2009
The robots prototypes of which are already being tested will be able to dispense pills, act as stair-climbing wheelchairs, monitor vital signs, provide live video monitoring, and call for an ambulance in case of an emergency. Just don t expect much in the way of conversation or bingo skills, for that matter. (Fox News)
Obamacare's Medical-Device Tax: Higher Prices, Lower R&D Oct 31, 2009
Manufacturers of pacemakers, stents, heart valves, artificial hips, motorized wheelchairs, and other therapeutic instruments may have lobbied this tax in half. But whether they endure the $40 billion now in the Finance Committee s bill or a $20 billion backroom bargain, ObamaCare foolishly would hike taxes on companies that generate health-advancing, life-saving mechanisms. (Human Events Online)
House Healthcare 'Reform' Tops 1900 pages Oct 31, 2009
There s a new tax on hearing aids, wheelchairs and heart valves and other medical devices that certainly is going to hit people with incomes under $250,000, Camp said. People of all income levels need medical devices. (Human Events Online)
In Boston race, an agelesstruth: senior voters key Oct 31, 2009
Menino yesterday offered assistance from the elderly commission to any senior who feels lonely, while Flaherty pledged to pay close attention to fixing sidewalks and plowing snow to make the city more accessible to those in wheelchairs. We re very respectful of our seniors, those who have paid their dues, Flaherty told seniors yesterday. (Boston Globe)
Service keeps Freedom Mobility Aids rolling Oct 30, 2009
That s when he met Buzzy Kreeger, who had owned Kreeger Mobility Aids in Winston-Salem since 1987, a company that provides chair lifts, vehicle lifts and other products for people in wheelchairs or with other mobility limitations. May purchased the business seven years ago and changed the name to Freedom Mobility Aids. (Business Journal of the Greater Triad Area)
Eco-Friendly Inn Marin Hotel Near S... Oct 30, 2009
Seven of the Inn Marin's guest rooms are purpose-designed for guests who have special requirements, including the visually-impaired, the hearing-impaired and guests using wheelchairs. These rooms have features such as room numbers in Braille, a flashing light for hearing-impaired visitors to alert them to someone at the door, wider entry doors, and more spacious bathrooms with nothing impeding wheelchair access to the sinks. (Suite101.com)
The rise of fattism Oct 30, 2009
" Being obese is not healthy. The health risks associated with being obese are already costing the NHS a tremendous amount of money and this amount is going to continue to rise. Adding to this is the amount of additional money the NHS has to spend on accommodating obese people (such as: "bariatric" ambulances, widening doors, strengthening trolleys and hoists, reinforced beds, extra-wide electric wheelchairs, etc). I condemn any abuse or violence that the obese receive but obese people cannot... (BBC News -- UK)
Bray: Limiting Flexible Spending Accounts Is Not Effective Health Care Reform Oct 30, 2009
FSA account funds are used to pay for items as diverse as medical office co-payments, wheelchairs, some diabetic supplies and hearing aids reducing out-of-pocket costs because the FSA funds are not part of the account-holder s taxable income. According to the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, individuals and families battling chronic illnesses have an average of $4,398 per year in out-of-pocket expenses, even if they have health insurance. (Roll Call)
People Brave Long Lines On First Day For H1N1 Vaccine Oct 29, 2009
"We have people on wheelchairs, on canes, and everything. It is moving so slow," said Mavine Mendenhall from Northeast El Paso. Not just slow, but poorly organized according to some clients. (KFOXTV.com, TX)
Click to read:Vet: U.S. Presence Fuels Afghan Insurgents Oct 28, 2009
The Red Cross orthopedic center in Kabul provides new limbs, wheelchairs and physical therapy for the victims of war and conflict. Stories. (CBS News)
Suit calls for Jackson compliance Oct 27, 2009
Public areas called impassable for people with wheelchairs ... That's mainly because the city's decrepit sidewalks are impassable for people in wheelchairs, he said ... The Jackson City Council last week passed an ordinance requiring wheelchairs to be outfitted with reflectors or a blinking light if disabled residents intend to ride them in the street after dark. (The Clarion-Ledger)
Woburn hospital launches program to reuse prosthetic limbs Oct 25, 2009
We ll take walkers, power wheelchairs, really any kind of medical equipment that can be of help to someone who has a disability or rehabilitative need, said Tim Sullivan, a spokesman for Shaughnessy-Kaplan. If we can t use it, we work with people in developing countries and community organizations that can. (Boston Globe)
Obama Taxes Pacemakers, Heart Valves Oct 25, 2009
This tax includes such frivolous luxuries as pacemakers, stents, artificial heart valves, defibrillators, automated wheelchairs, mechanized artificial limbs, replacement hips and knees, surgical gurneys, laparoscopic equipment and the like. President Obama is planning to reduce the cost of medical care by taxing it. (Townhall.com)
School bus operators earn certification Oct 24, 2009
We learned how to take care of wheelchairs and wheelchair ramps, how to install tire chains, and things like that, Liller explained. And if you didn't get something right. (Keyser Mineral Daily News Tribune, WV)
Turnaway crowd for swine flu vaccine in Butler Co. Oct 24, 2009
CINCINNATI (AP) - Hundreds of people waited in pouring rains Friday for swine flu vaccinations - some in wheelchairs, lawn chairs or baby strollers - but health officials turned many away an hour after the free clinic opened. "Overwhelming response," said Butler county Health Department director Pat Burg in a statement that no more people could be accepted at the clinic at the county fairgrounds in Hamilton. (FOX19.com, OH)
Ambulances Charging More For Obese Patients Oct 24, 2009
Some hospitals already offer specially designed beds, wheelchairs, walkers and even commodes. Ambulance companies say it's time for insurance providers, Medicaid and Medicare, or patients themselves to begin paying the added costs, which are cutting into their razor-thin profit margins. (Click2Houston, TX)
Medicare Fraud: A $60 Billion Crime Oct 24, 2009
The real patients, Medicare beneficiaries whose names and identities have been stolen, get quarterly statements listing medical supplies - from gauze to top-end wheelchairs - they were supposedly given ... "Artificial arms, electric arms, electric wheelchairsa regular patient, you can put them on two artificial legs and an artificial arm and they'll pay for it," "Tony" says. (CBS News)
Tips that would help those in wheelchairs Oct 23, 2009
The last two Saturday editions of the Herald and News have featured stories showcasing lists of fun things to do around the Basin. Click here to predict the winners of 20 high school, college and NFL football games for a chance to win $10. (Klamath Falls Herald & News, OR)
Organized crime's new target: Medicare Oct 23, 2009
One doctor had his ID stolen, learned it was used to bill $800,000 for wheelchairs ... Two Nigerians, Christopher Iruke and his wife, Connie Ikpoh, were charged October 15 with bilking Medicare of $6 million dollars by fraudulently billing the government for electric wheelchairs and other expensive medical equipment ... Agents questioned Burdi, a psychiatrist, about whether he had prescribed $800,000 worth of electric wheelchairs for Medicare patients. (CNN -- Law)
Surprise officials confident center will spur growth Oct 22, 2009
The barrier-free environment makes for easy maneuvering of wheelchairs and walkers. The park has sites for baseball, soccer and football. (AZCentral -- Business)
Medicare opens DME bidding process Oct 22, 2009
Standard power wheelchairs, scooters, and related accessories. Complex rehabilitative power wheelchairs and related accessories. (South Florida Business Journal, FL)
Communities across North Iowa schedule Halloween activities (62) Oct 22, 2009
A majority of the hike will be held on the hard-surface Easy Access Trail, but the final segment will occur on a trail inaccessible to wheelchairs and strollers. Refreshments will be served following the hike. (Mason City Globe-Gazette, IO)
Dozens arrested for Medicare fraud Oct 22, 2009
Wednesday s busts target scams that ordered power wheelchairs, hospital beds and other expensive equipment that many patients never received. It was unclear how many suspects were arrested Wednesday. (KHOU.com, TX)
Wheelchair maker building new plant in Lebanon Oct 21, 2009
an international manufacturer of custom-made powered wheelchairs, announced plans Tuesday to build a $12 million North American operations center on a 17-acre site in Lebanon. The 120,000-square-foot center will include a manufacturing plant and corporate offices in Lebanon s Park 840. (Nashville Business Journal, TN)
Brain-damaged children often have cold feet Oct 20, 2009
The thesis shows that skin temperature in brain-damaged preschool children in wheelchairs was several degrees lower than in children without neurological disorders. The temperature of their feet was three degrees lower and their hands two degrees lower than children without brain damage. (EurekAlert!)
Can a snake be a service animal? Yes, but rules are getting a new review Oct 20, 2009
But when the use of dogs for other types of help for the disabled -- such as alerting deaf people to sounds, pulling wheelchairs and helping with mobility issues -- became common after enactment of the 1990 Americans with Disabilities Act, controversy over access came with it. The controversy intensified as other species entered the service-animal ring, and as emotional-support animals, those designated to help someone suffering from some form of mental illness, have become common. (Longview Daily News, WA)
Lebanon's 'Paths of Faith' Oct 19, 2009
Article By: Rana Moussaoui Mon, 19 Oct 2009 07:44 Abandoned wheelchairs and crutches are propped up against the walls in the entry hall, left there for good by believers who say she healed them when no medicine could. Our Lady of Beshwat, a Christian shrine in eastern Lebanon, has become a popular tourist attraction in the multi-confessional Mediterranean country which plans to boost religious tourism after a bumper tourist season in 2009. (iAfrica.com)
At Perkins School for the Blind, new building reflects new vision Oct 18, 2009
Now the campus is filled with students in wheelchairs, students pushing walkers, students who are developmentally disabled ... And so as a result, there are kids with more complex issues: cognitive issues, physical limitations, wheelchairs, walkers, with blindness ... The $30 million facility will accommodate wheelchairs and allow students to be more independent, moving more easily through the hallways rather than crossing the campus, accompanied by an aide, for some classes. (Boston Globe)
Yamhill sheriff critical of August escape Oct 14, 2009
Inmates will also be placed in leg irons, even those in wheelchairs. Comment Blog - Note: All Comments Subject To Approval. (Ontario Argus Observer, OR)
More news reports... Oct 14, 2009
Brad Blauser, Class of '92, is nominated as a CNN Hero for his work providing wheelchairs for disabled Iraqi children. Students, faculty and staff provide equality support. (The Battalion, TX)
20 years of sharing medical cast-offs Oct 14, 2009
"Most hospitals [in poor nations] don't have crutches, walkers, wheelchairs and nebulizers," Ms. Hower said. "There are never enough gloves. They often are washed and reused.". (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA)
The girl doesnt know how to stop Oct 13, 2009
Ive broken a few wheelchairs in the process. . (Gillette News-Record, WY)
Portraying Damien Oct 12, 2009
Kalaupapa's Hansen's disease patients had been brought to the hall in wheelchairs and, in some cases, their own beds. Afterward, he was surrounded by the patients. (Honolulu Advertiser)
World embraces caring soul Oct 12, 2009
Patients from Kalaupapa, some in wheelchairs, were ushered to the front of the basilica ... Patients from Kalaupapa, some in wheelchairs, were ushered to the front of the basilica. (Honolulu Star-Bulletin)
