Years ago, when I was writing for a military veterans magazine, my editor sent me to San Antonio to cover the National Veterans Wheelchair Games, an annual event sponsored by the Paralyzed Veterans of America.

Frankly, I wasn’t all that excited about the assignment. After all, I had a view from the press box during the St. Louis Cardinals run to the 1982 World Series championship, and I was the Associated Press beat writer for the NBA’s San Antonio Spurs for several years. I had covered the 1986 Pan American Games in Houston and the 1988 Olympics in Seoul.

How could a bunch of vets in wheelchairs top all that? The Old Sarge was an old sports hand.

I changed my mind after meeting some of these athletes in the Alamo City. These guys and gals were for real. Believe me, with heavy, metal chairs banging into each other like reeling, out-of-control NASCAR racers on two wheels, wheelchair basketball is hardly a non-contact sport. The refs didn’t even blow their whistles when players were de-chaired after brutal collisions and left sprawled, sometimes bleeding, on the court. The game raged on until the players could climb into their chairs and careen back to the action.

One evening I had a beer with a former solder left paralyzed after a firing range accident. He was in town to play in his second or third quad rugby competition, and he was champing at the bit to get back into action. (Not for the weak of heart, these hard-charging rugby rowdies make their hardwood counterparts look downright anemic.)

My notes from that meeting are long gone, but I remember this extremely fit GI telling me that he looked forward to the Games every year. “They make me feel alive,” he said. “The competition always makes me feel alive.”

Paralyzed from the waist down from friendly fire, this guy wasn’t looking for pity. He and his jock-buddies just wanted some action.

The Games continue this year from July 13-18 in Tampa, Fla. More than 15 events are scheduled, including bowling, weight lifting, archery, softball, swimming, track and field events and trap shooting.

Click here for more information about the 33^rd annual National Veterans Wheelchair Games.

For more information about Allsup’s veterans disability appeal services, call (888) 372-1190 or visit Veterans.Allsup.com.

By Christina Relacion, communications manager, the Scleroderma Foundation.

Imagine not being able to grab your car’s steering wheel, tie your shoes, or walk up the stairs. For more than 300,000 Americans living with scleroderma, that is an everyday reality. Simple tasks become monumental hurdles.

Scleroderma is a chronic disease in which a person’s immune system attacks the body. One noticeable physical feature of the disease is a thickening and tightening of the skin. For instance, the collagen in a person’s hands hardens, making the fingers curl and making it difficult for a person to complete many everyday chores.

In some cases, a person may experience a hardening of internal organs, such as the lungs, heart, kidneys, esophagus or gastrointestinal tract. This can lead to scarring, or sclerosis, of the organ systems. In turn, this has the potential to cause organ failure or death. The cause of the disease is unknown, and there is no cure.

Chances are you haven’t heard of scleroderma or met someone with the disease. However, this June, you can help spread the word about this mysterious and debilitating disease. June is Scleroderma Awareness Month, and we hope you’ll join us in raising awareness about this chronic, connective tissue disease.

Here’s some ways you can help:

• Show your support online. Visit our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/sclerodermaUS to download an image to use as your profile picture in June. Ask your family and friends to do the same.
• Wear teal gear all month long. Teal is the color for scleroderma awareness. We have teal bracelets, T-shirts, hoodies and more. Get yours online at www.scleroderma.org/shop.
• Find 30 ways to spread Scleroderma Awareness. See this checklist of easy tasks to help spread awareness each day.
• Email your local newspaper or TV station and urge them to highlight a story about scleroderma in June.
• Share your personal scleroderma story, videos or photos.
• Walk or run to find a cure. “Stepping Out To Cure Scleroderma” events take place all around the U.S. Find a walk near you at www.scleroderma.org/walks.
• Allsup Post for a Purpose. The Scleroderma Foundation is an Allsup Post for a Purpose organization in June. This initiative helps improve health literacy and encourages participation in health observances. Allsup will donate $1 for each of the first 1,000 people to “like” the Allsup Facebook page and post a message, “I fight scleroderma by _____” on its wall during June.

The Scleroderma Foundation also joins the Federation of European Scleroderma Associations (FESCA), and other international organizations to recognize June 29 as World Scleroderma Awareness Day. On this day, wear teal and help teach others about this devastating disease.

For more information about scleroderma and Scleroderma Awareness Month, visit http://www.sclerodermaawareness.org/.

I’ve served in roles advocating for people with disabilities, including serving on the board of a local center for independent living. I know there’s a lot of movement focused on equality and the rights of people with disabilities, including the right to be treated the same as everyone within our community.

I agree that more people need to understand the vast capabilities of all people, no matter the physical or mental limitations they may experience because of their bodies.

While our country continues to evolve in understanding what it means to have a disability, or live with a disability or thrive with a disability—it’s important to understand that a common quality to all of us is the ability to help each other.

National Disability Professionals Week is this week, June 10-14. It’s a good time to say thank you to the professionals who focus on disability advocacy and disability-related programs, including the Social Security Disability Insurance program.

Thousands of workers at the Social Security Administration, state Disability Determination Services offices, the Office of Disability Adjudication and Review, and other public and private organizations focus on helping people with disabilities to receive needed support to live independent lives.

Hundreds of Allsup professionals also are focused on providing True Help® to our customers.

Advances in technology, medical treatment and understanding mean that more people, who previously faced significant hurdles, can participate in their communities and the national economy.

At the same time, people experience catastrophic disabilities that dramatically alter their lives in ways they don’t expect or anticipate.

These are the times when it makes a difference to have disability professionals, working in a variety of organizations, both public and private, who are there to help.

They want to help individuals and their families reach health, mental and financial stability. They want to make a difference.

So, thank you to all the disability advocates and professionals out there making a difference.

If you’d like to share your thanks during National Disability Professionals Week, please visit Allsup’s Facebook page and share your kudos.

After weeks, months and sometimes years of pleading, many women simply resort to making medical appointments for the important men in their lives, and hope the appointment will be kept.

That’s why this week, National Men’s Health Week, is important in households across the country. It’s a good time to remind men how important their health is to their own future and to their loved ones. They can set a good example for the entire family by maintaining a healthy lifestyle, getting preventive screenings and following treatment they’ve been prescribed.

What Men Can Do

• Establish a healthy lifestyle that includes nutritious foods, exercise and proper medical attention.
• Plan activities that keep you physically active.
• Get annual check-ups and follow preventive screening guidelines for cancer and other diseases for which you may be at risk. Discuss your screening needs with your doctor.

What Everyone Can Do

• Wear blue during June and become part of a national health movement to raise awareness about men’s health, reminding men everywhere about the importance of staying healthy.

To find out the latest on men’s health consider the following online resources.

The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality provides insights in a pamphlet, “Men: Stay Healthy at Any Age.” The site provides a checklist to help men maintain their health. The information is provided by the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services and the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force.

About.com offers a men’s health section with regular news and updates, including answers to common men’s health issues.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention outlines reports and studies, and general health basics in its Men’s Health section. It offers a broad range of information aimed at both consumers and health professionals. There are links to hundreds of articles on topics ranging from alcohol and obesity to reproductive health and workplace safety.

MayoClinic.com provides an online men’s health center. The site offers general health information for men, including preventive care. It also has interactive tools and answers to FAQs from Mayo Clinic specialists.

MedlinePlus offers a selection of resources under Men’s Health. This site is a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine and National Institutes of Health. It offers information on a variety of men’s health topics including circumcision, fertility, prostate disease and testicular cancer. The site is available in Spanish and offers links to PubMed searches on men’s health information. PubMed is a free database of medical resources.

If you’d like to share your favorite resources or tips during Men’s Health Week, visit Allsup’s Forum. For healthy gift ideas for Father’s Day, visit AllsupPlace.com.

If you have a long-term, debilitating condition and are no longer able to work, then it’s time to consider applying for your Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits.

Now that you’ve made this decision, the next step is to choose an SSDI representative. There are two major types of paid SSDI representatives—specialized organizations with representatives experienced in SSDI claims, and law firms that may or may not have attorneys solely dedicated to SSDI claims.

Finding the right SSDI representative can help you get through the process with success, but first you need to know what to look for:

• Someone accessible who will take the time to answer your questions throughout the process.
• A representative who understands the complexities of the process and has represented someone with your condition to receive SSDI benefits.
• Someone experienced—check the SSDI representative’s experience level and success rate, including how many customers he or she has helped receive disability benefits.

When you find a representative you’re comfortable with, here are a few questions to ask before making the final decision:

• Will you file the initial application, complete the necessary paperwork and file forms and appeals in a timely manner?
• Do you have experience in representing someone with my specific type of disability?
• How will you keep me informed of the progress on my claim?
• Will you file my claim information electronically with the SSA?
• What are the total costs and expenses I can expect to pay?

An experienced organization also should know how to fast track your claim through various Social Security Administration programs, such as the Compassionate Allowances program. Expert representation should focus on helping you receive your benefits as easily and quickly as possible. This can lower your representation fee.

Find more online to help you compare SSDI representatives.

If you have questions about qualifying for Social Security Disability Insurance benefits, contact (800) 279-4357 for a free SSDI evaluation.

What happens if you’re about to become eligible for Medicare plans—but you already have health insurance through an employer, a spouse’s employer or a retiree plan? Do you need to enroll in Medicare, or can you just keep the coverage you have now?

Medicare’s rules can be confusing. Here are three common situations many Allsup customers face:

• I’m about to turn 65 and still working. I have health insurance through my employer. Do I have to sign up for Medicare?

Most people don’t pay a premium for Medicare Part A, which helps cover hospital stays. There’s usually no reason not to sign up for this coverage as soon as you’re eligible. With Part B, which covers doctor visits and other outpatient care, you’ll pay a monthly premium. If you like your current plan, it may make sense to keep it and wait to sign up for Part B when you retire.

If you decide to delay Part B, contact Social Security to find out how to avoid a late-enrollment penalty. Also, be aware that Medicare’s rules are different if you work for a very small employer. If your employer has fewer than 20 employees, your employer may require you to sign up for Medicare Parts A and B when you’re eligible.

• I receive Social Security Disability Insurance benefits and will soon be eligible for Medicare. I currently have health insurance through my spouse’s employer. Should I sign up for Medicare?

This situation is similar to the first one. In most cases, it makes sense to go ahead and enroll in Part A if you’re not paying a monthly premium. But if your spouse’s insurance provides excellent coverage with low out-of-pocket costs, then you might consider staying on this plan and waiting to enroll in Part B.

One important thing to note, though, is that Medicare defines a “small employer” differently for people who are eligible for Medicare based on disability. If your spouse’s employer has fewer than 100 employees, the employer may require that Medicare pay first on your claims. In this case, you’ll need to take Medicare Parts A and B as your primary insurance.

• I am eligible for a retiree plan with my former employer. Do I need Medicare too?

Retiree plans typically require you to sign up for Medicare plans as soon as you’re eligible. Then, Medicare pays first on your claims, with your retiree plan picking up only those costs that Medicare does not cover.

In any of these situations, be sure to speak with the administrator of your health plan to confirm how your benefits will work with Medicare. If you have questions about Medicare’s rules for delaying coverage or coordinating benefits, you also can contact a Medicare plan expert at the Allsup Medicare Advisor^® at (866) 521-7655.

Researchers at the Moffitt Cancer Center recently reported that even though minorities are more likely than white individuals to develop cancer and die from it, some racial and ethnic minorities don’t believe the facts.

This is important because of cancer’s costs, in terms of decreased quality of life and premature death, as well its financial toll. For example, nearly 300,000 people with cancer receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits because of the debilitating nature of cancer and cancer treatment.

The study findings included:

• Racial and ethnic minorities—African-American, Asian and Hispanic—think they have a lower chance of getting cancer than white individuals think about their own chances.
• Hispanic individuals were less likely than white and black individuals to believe they could be proactive in reducing their incidences of cancer.
• People of all racial and ethic groups said it was difficult to know which cancer recommendations to follow.

But the perceived susceptibility to cancer among minorities doesn’t mirror reality.

The following cancer statistics are from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:

• Cancer is the leading cause of death for Hispanics/Latinos, Asian-Americans and Pacific Islanders.
• Death rates for black/African-American men and women with cancer are higher than any racial or ethnic group.
• Black/African-American men have the highest rate of cancer incidences, more than any racial or ethnic group.
• Cancer is the second-leading cause of death in American Indians and Alaskan Natives.

Moffitt researchers reported that more culturally relevant health messages are needed to better educate minorities about their cancer risks. This could encourage and empower them to be more proactive about getting recommended screenings and taking other preventive measures. 

Several groups provide more resources on this issue:

• The National Cancer Institute’s Center to Reduce Cancer Health Disparities offers Comprehensive Partnerships to Reduce Cancer Health Disparities.
• The CDC provides cancer prevention resources and a section, Health Disparities in Cancer.
• The American Cancer Society also provides information at Minority Cancer Awareness: Everyday Steps to help Lower Your Risk.

If you or someone you know has quit working from cancer, you can learn more about SSDI benefits by calling the Allsup Disability Evaluation Center at (800) 279-4357.

The days are longer, the weather’s warming up…it must be time to take a vacation. Traveling can be a stressful experience for anyone, but for those with disabilities, it requires extra planning, preparation and packing.

Here are a few tips to help you get started.

Before You Leave

Do some research—make sure both your mode of transportation and destination are disability friendly. You may want to consider using a travel agent who specializes in travel for people with disabilities to do the legwork in locating accessible destinations and accommodations, especially if you are traveling with a service dog. When booking arrangements, let providers know of your disability. Also, check in with your treating physicians as you make your plans.

In the Air

The U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) website has many helpful links for passengers with disabilities. The TSA Cares helpline, (855) 787-2227, is available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. EST, and weekends and holidays from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. EST. Travelers with hearing impairments can use a relay service to contact TSA Cares, or email TSA-ContactCenter@dhs.gov. The agency recommends contacting the helpline at least 72 hours before you plan to travel to learn what to expect and to coordinate checkpoint support.

Cruise Control

As cruise lines become more disability friendly, accommodations on some lines include lower beds, roll-in showers, TDD devices, flashing alarms and signage in Braille or raised lettering. Most are wheelchair accessible, but be sure to check in advance. Some travel and cruise-booking websites highlight their best trips for people with disabilities. Some lines even offer lower rates for caregivers or other health attendants. But it’s always wise to call and double-check before booking.

On the Ground

All buses are required to be accessible to people with disabilities. One option is to contact the bus line to ensure that your needs will be met when you book your trip. For example, Greyhound has a Travel Assistance Line (800) 752-4841. If traveling by train, Amtrak offers additional services to customers with disabilities, such as at-seat meal delivery. Find tips about wheelchairs, service animals, use of oxygen equipment and much more at http://www.amtrak.com/accessible-travel-services.   

More Resources

Find other helpful hints from the following groups:

• U.S. State Department – Traveling with Disabilities features a list of several resource websites.
• Society for Accessible Travel & Hospitality, provides a selection of resources and tips online.
• Mobility International USA highlights international travel opportunities and tips.

Many organizations recommend making your arrangements with as much advance notice as possible to benefit from available resources. With some advance planning, there’s a world of opportunity for safe and comfortable travel. Happy trails!

By Jim Allsup

Millions of workers put in a hard day’s work and pay their taxes, year after year. And each year, countless Americans experience an illness, injury or disability that takes them out of the workforce.

When that happens, some workers can turn to private long-term disability coverage. But only one-third of U.S. workers have this type of coverage.

During Disability Insurance Awareness Month in May, it’s important to remember that tens of millions of people pay for insurance coverage through the Social Security Disability Insurance program.

This mandatory, federal insurance program helps people under retirement age who can’t work any longer because of a severe disability. It is administered by the Social Security Administration, and about 8.8 million people receive SSDI benefits.

The following are just a few reasons to file for SSDI:

You paid for it. A portion of every paycheck you earned went to FICA taxes that are set aside for SSDI, Social Security retirement and Medicare. You paid for these benefits while you worked.

It’s a bridge to Social Security retirement. SSDI is a guaranteed income stream to help people stay afloat financially after a life-altering disability. The average age of SSDI recipients is 53, which means a dozen or more years until reaching Social Security retirement age. For many who experience a disability, including at age 60 or 61, it’s simply impossible to continue working until full retirement age.

You have a genuine need. This program only pays for total disability; partial and short-term disability are not part of this benefit. The federal program is based on medical evidence, which is absolutely required to receive disability insurance benefits. People who receive SSDI benefits truly need them.

Safeguard your retirement benefits. SSA doesn’t count the years you receive SSDI benefits when calculating your future retirement income. Your Social Security retirement benefits may be higher because your earnings are averaged over fewer years.

Retain long-term disability coverage. Private long-term disability policies typically are designed to integrate with the SSDI program. Applying and receiving SSDI benefits allows you to maintain both benefits, and you can protect your long-term disability income going forward.

Receive additional benefits. Once someone receives SSDI income, other benefits become available. These include eventual eligibility for Medicare, which provides healthcare and prescription drug coverage; dependent benefits for those under 18; and COBRA extension, which may be your primary source of healthcare coverage.

Allsup’s claimant representatives have helped tens of thousands of people to obtain their Social Security Disability Insurance benefits. Our SSDI experts have on average 21 years experience with the disability insurance program.

If you or someone you know has questions, receive a free SSDI evaluation from Allsup by calling (800) 279-4357.

Tobacco use is the leading preventable cause of death in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The CDC also reported that arthritis is the leading cause of U.S. disability.

Imagine these two at your next barbecue.

Tobacco: “Hello. Let’s hang out, and I’ll try my best to kill you.”

Arthritis: “Nice to meet you. I want to ravage your body, decrease your quality of life and steal your job.”

It’s not surprising they enjoy each other’s company. Numerous studies have shown that smoking is associated with an increased risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis—an autoimmune disease that causes pain, swelling, stiffness and loss of function in the joints, and can also affect other body organs. This can mean lost work, lost income and the need for Social Security Disability Insurance benefits.

A study of women published last month found that a person who smokes just one to seven cigarettes each day has double the risk for developing the disease.

May is Arthritis Action Month. Perhaps the best action anyone can take against arthritis is to quit smoking and encourage the smokers they know to quit as well.

Current rates of cigarette smoking are significantly higher among adults with a disability (25.4 percent) compared to adults without a disability (17.3 percent), according to the 2011 National Health Interview Survey. Find a state-by-state comparison online.

No matter where you live, the higher prevalence of smoking among adults with disabilities means that this population is at increased risk of death and diseases such as arthritis.

Combat Smoking For Better Health

Some programs, such as the CDC’s state-based Disability and Health Programs, target smoking within the disability community.

In Allsup’s home state, Illinois, the CDC supports the Tobacco Quitline at the Illinois Department of Public Health with a focus on smoking cessation for people with disabilities. They provide quit-smoking materials for people with specific disabilities. For example, there are video logs for people with hearing impairments.

There are numerous smoking cessation resources online. You can get free help—including free coaching, a free quit plan, free educational materials and referrals to local resources, by calling:

•(800) QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669)

•(855) DÉJALO-YA (1-855-335-3569) (en Español)

Consider taking action this month against arthritis by helping others understand arthritis’ connection to smoking. One more good reason to quit.