Washington : Indian origin researcher Harsh Grewal and colleagues at Temple University have found that ill-fitting seatbelts increase the risk of serious injury particularly spinal cord injury to children involved in car accidents.

As part of the study, researchers reviewed 10 years’ worth of medical literature on Motor vehicle accidents and children.

The study found that children involved in car accidents who were inappropriately strapped in seatbelts were at higher risk for ‘seat-belt syndrome,’ a complex of injuries to the spine and abdomen. Continue Reading »

Pamela Bell has been disabled for more than three years.

When a spinal cord injury eventually made the Jacksonville resident wheelchair bound a year and a half ago, Bell found herself living in an apartment not properly devised for her new situation.

On a fixed income, Bell said she has had to look everywhere for assistance to help modify her home. When all hope seemed lost, she found help in the city of Jacksonville’s Community Development Division.

But when the division’s extended promises of a free wheelchair access ramp turned into a $4,500 bill, Bell decided to file a complaint against the city. Continue Reading »

Despite challenges, Lindsay Heimkes still making strides

FILER – In 2006, Lindsay Heimkes joined the ranks of the more than 11,000 spinal cord injury cases that hospitals across the country see each year.

But don’t count this former high school and college athlete out of the game just yet. After hours of surgery and grueling therapy, she’s ready to get her life back on track.

When the call about her daughter came into the office, Tammy Heimkes remembers thinking the worst.

“I wouldn’t wish that feeling on anyone,” she said. “But knowing how Lindsay does everything big or go home, I knew if she was in a car accident it wouldn’t be something simple like a broken leg,” Continue Reading »