| VOLUME 1 # 15 | NOVEMBER 27, 1995 |
IN THIS ISSUE
1.) NOTES FROM John & Joyce
ADAPTATION
by Joyce and John Meyer
© J. Meyer November 1995
One of the most significant characteristics of the human species has been its adaptability. Species that lack this ability to adapt or modify are candidates for extinction. Yes, there are other contributing factors to extinction, but adaptability is one thing that makes mankind unique. Whether you are an "evolutionist" or a "creationist," man's ability to adapt is paramount to survival.
Humankind not only modifies his own self and behavior, but he modifies his environment. A simple example presents itself every winter. To protect ourselves from discomfort, even frostbite, those of us in colder climates don heavy coats, hats, gloves, warm woolly socks. Early man wore skins. Now we provide ourselves with the "fur" that we are no longer born with, or only conceals several square inches of body real estate. We have modified ourselves and our behavior and expanded our domain on the planet. Without these changes we would be migratory or occupy fewer places on the planet. When winter blows down from the North, we spend more time in the shelters we've created, heating these shelters with wood and oil, gas and electric. We have modified our environment, adapting it to suit ourselves.
Necessity and survival have indeed been the mothers or our inventions. ((Occasionally the ways we modify our environment have gone "haywire," but THAT is a topic for a different discussion [grin.]))
As amputees, we modify so many things in our lives, some unconsciously, easily; some consciously and with difficulty--perhaps even resentment.
Do we make these modifications for the totality of the species? Not usually. Altruistically, it is wonderful when something comes about that helps everyone, realistically these changes initiate with the "self." If others benefit, learn from it, adapt with us, so much the better.
All changes begin with the "self" and radiate outward. The adaptations that are beneficial to the largest number of the species, without adverse effects, spread and "catch on" the fastest. With so many variables in the world, there are many things that are not universally beneficial. We don't live in a right handed world...we don't even live in a two handed, two footed, one language, one-size-fits-all world. Tall people struggle with low kitchen counters and short pants or sleeve length; short people stand on chairs and step stools, sit on booster seats to drive. Diabetics eat a different diet or use a synthesized insulin to compensate for what is not produced by the body. Out of these variations it becomes necessary to adapt for the sake of ourselves first and the sake of others' second.
From that other human trait, creativity, springs the modus operandi of adaptation. With so many variables in the world it is uncommon for one-adaptation-to-fit-all. But, given the numbers, an adaptation that benefits one is likely to work for others.
Adaptation is not exclusive to amputees. Our creative solutions need not be exclusive either--network, network, network!
2.) "LETTERS TO THE EDITOR"
We had some email problems this week, along with a few online friends, and some new mail expired. Send or resend you email, we love to hear from you!
THE ADVICE (DISCLAIMER)
Please be sure to read the information at this link at least once.
4.) HINTS AND TIPS
TIPS
For Lower Extremity
Consider phoning ahead to stores to reserve a mobility cart for shopping.
For Upper Extremity
Body powered users may want to consider covering the straps with a softer material such as lambswool.
Regarding a previous tip about the installation of eye bolts to make better handle grasps on tools and cabinet drawers, "Bill" adds that Marine Supply stores sell chromed eye bolts. These may be more attractive for use in the home for kitchen and bath cabinets and drawers.
(Sorry Bill, I had to paraphrase a bit from memory. AOL "expired" several pieces of our email before I had a chance to get home and Flash Session them. AND thanks for adding that info!)
Have a hint, tip, or suggestion? Please email us and we will consider it for use in the newsletter.
5.) QUOTE/THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
"Do you need a handicapped permit if you have a bad attitude?"
© Copyright November 27, 1995 J. Meyer. All rights reserved.