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From: Stephen.White@p1.f853.n681.z3.fidonet.org (Stephen White)
Newsgroups: misc.handicap
Subject: Am I handicapped?
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Date: 18 Oct 90 03:44:38 GMT
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 MT> In short, I don't feel that I "deserve" being included in the
 MT> handicapped "box".

Yes, you are handicapped. For the moment.

However, you have to realise that being categorised into the
"handicapped box" means absolutely nothing. It is just a simple
entry on a piece of paper, and does not change anything about you.

Some people are unable to make a loop with their tounges. They
would be considered handicapped in societies that make loops with
their tounges all the time.

Can you think of anyone that is perfectly normal? Can they do a
standing jump of at least 6 feet, run 5 miles without working up a
sweat, and other such things? TV, which molds the ideals of most
people, would have you believe that this is what the average
desirable person can do.

This is advertising bullshit.

Everyone has problems - yours is just more noticable because it
relates to physical aspects of everyday life, namely ease of
manouvering. Most peoples main handicaps are in their minds. They
have lost the ability to think. Stereotyping is a perfect way of
not thinking. If they can look at someone, see black skin, and
think "That dood is mean shit, man", they are not having to use
their brains.

I would suggest that you try and find a cure for your back problem.
What is causing it? Don't take garbage from the doctors - there is
something causing it and you should know what it is.

Poor posture? That is an incredibly common cause for back pain. Is
your back straight when you sit down? Do you catch yourself sitting
slumped? Are you getting enough calcium?

Find out what it is and do something about it! Americans have the
awful habit of taking more and more pills to cover up problems with
their bodies. That pill sure as hell won't do anything for you - it
can only temporarily cover up.

Have you ever done a spinal twist? This relines all your vertebrae
to its correct positions, and promotes flexibility. Yet it only
takes 30 seconds. Take up Yoga. I do Karate exercises - there are
no fundemental differences between Karate and Yoga exercises,
except Yoga is much more gentle.

There is more to exercise than just running and playing sports. The
key is flexibility - can you touch your toes? Can you lay your
hands flat on the floor besides your feet without bending your
legs? Can you put your legs behind your neck?

--
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