I get great medical care through the University of Washington Medical
Center (hospital) and its peripheral system such as the UW Physicians medical
clinics and Harborview. One way for me
to reciprocate in the benefits of a teaching hospital is to participate in
medical research studies. I have been in
about 8 studies in the last 15 years.
Some of the studies have turned into longitudinal studies over
time. The ones I have done dealt with
spinal cord injury issues and pain or physical fitness. I definitely got more than money out of the
studies with enhanced knowledge of pain management or being more motivated to exercise.
I recently started a “clinical trial” (a more advanced version of the
usual study). Today I did an exercise
stress test with a VO2 breathing mask and a lot of electrodes while
using a hand crank ergometer (stationary hand bike). It felt good to get some more vigorous
exercise. I have an older noisier verson
of the ergometer. Swimming is not
working out for me this year. I will set
up my hand bike and use it…sometime soon!
I am grateful for some exercise and for great medical care that I get
through UW medical system.
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