Experts at Shepherd Center, a nationally ranked rehabilitation hospital in Atlanta, Ga., offer springtime health and wellness tips for people with disabilities.

1. Spring Into
Action
Advice for Springtime
Self-Improvement from
Shepherd Center Experts

2. Let the
Sun Shine In
Pleasant weather can improve
mood, memory and thinking. So get
outside! What you do does not matter
as much as doing it consistently.
 Just go to the mailbox.
 Visit the patio to soak in some rays
and listen to the birds.
 Meditate outside, listening to the
sounds around you rather than
the chatter in your head.
Schedule time on your calendar
to meditate. Leave your cell
phone inside, or at least on the
vibrate setting.
Urszula Klich, Ph.D.
Clinical Psychologist, Shepherd Pain Institute

3. Ideas for Outdoor Fun
 Go to a park.
 Visit a zoo.
 Work in your garden.
 Try a new sport.
 Exercise outdoors.
 Explore a local trail.
 Invite friends for a visit
on the patio.

4. Words to the
WISE
 Wear sunscreen and check
your skin often for sunburn.
 Wear loose clothing.
Layering always helps.
 Drink plenty of water.
 In warmer weather,
exercise outside in the
morning when it’s cooler to
avoid overheating.
 Take breaks during outdoor
exercise to conserve
energy.
 Involve a caregiver, friend
or family member in
outdoor activities to
enhance support and
happiness.

5. For More Information
 Recreation Therapy
 Shepherd Center Sports Teams
 Adventure Skills Workshop
 Wheelchair Division of the Peachtree Road Race
www.shepherd.org/resources/sports-recreation
 ProMotion Fitness Center
www.shepherd.org/about/patient-and-family-
guide/promotion-fitness-center
 Beyond Therapy®
www.beyond-therapy.org