Friday, August 21, 2009
VA patients stay active with Wii
Have you heard?
JoAnne Poindexter
'Have you heard?'
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Veterans at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Salem are playing Wii games to help stay mobile and entertained.
The center recently received the popular gaming system from Roanoke Valley trial lawyers Dan Frith and Lauren Ellerman of the Frith Law Firm in conjunction with InjuryBoard, a trial lawyers group that represents victims of serious accidents.
According to an e-mail news release from InjuryBoard, Wii systems were selected for veterans because of a recent trend in rehabilitation known as "Wiihab." Wiihab makes use of the gaming system's live motion play to offer patients a fun and less painful exercise medium.
"For our veterans who are used to being active, it is so very important to encourage and aid in their rehabilitation process," Frith said in the news release. "This includes veterans of every age. It is our sincere hope that the Wii will provide a little bit of joy during their rehabilitation process. We are grateful for their service and want to say thank you."
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The Food Lion Charitable Foundation has given the Roanoke Rescue Mission $2,500 to feed hungry men, women and children at the 398-bed facility in Southeast Roanoke.
"Food Lion's gift will help to provide more than 13,000 meals," said Joy Sylvester-Johnson, CEO of the Rescue Mission.
The Rescue Mission is a nonprofit organization that provides comprehensive crisis intervention for Southwest Virginia. Organized in 1948, the mission is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Established in 2001, the Food Lion Charitable Foundation provides financial support for programs and organizations dedicated to feeding the hungry in the communities it serves.
