The cogs of my MacGyver brain started turning. Surely there must be a way to create a system with a clamp or an articulating arm where a small SPF Chapstick could be attached to self-apply during the summer months when the sun is extra hot. Especially since I have a service dog, I am out and about in the sunshine daily for 30 to 40 minutes, plenty of time to cause sunburn. My dermatologist encourages sun prevention techniques every visit, yet these practices are specific for someone that can utilize their hands and arms to apply sunscreen and lip balm, something I do not have the pleasure of doing. I understand the dangers of prolonged sun exposure as I have been in the hot seat of a Moh’s surgeon, having a basal cell removed from my upper lip and on the top of my head. I have had multiple moles removed from various parts of my body over many years, starting at the age of 16. I am now 44. This will only get worse as I get older.
Being a quadriplegic, craftiness and creativity with gadgets and gizmos is essential. Most ideas are trial and error; you win some, and you lose some. After a quick search on Amazon for articulating armatures and clamps, I found something very simple and inexpensive to attach to my office table conveniently located at mouth level so that a sun-protecting Chapstick might attach. Within a couple of days, my new sun-protecting gadget arrived and, within minutes, was appropriated in the right spot for my wheelchair and me to self-apply. I found an inexpensive 30 SPF lip balm from the natural grocery store, and for less than 40 dollars for the Chapstick and armature clamp system, I now have a successful barrier against the harmful rays of the summer sun. Not only that, during the winter months, my chapped lips will be no more.
Sometimes it is necessary to think out of the box, especially in my situation as a quadriplegic living alone, sometimes for hours without any caregiver or aide to assist. Something as simple as applying Chapstick, which might seem like a simple task to many, is something that I must become creative and thoughtful on how to attain my own independence. Every time I roll up to my office table and apply my own sunscreen with the clamp jutting out over my computer, I give a little smile and an imaginary pat on the back, congratulating yet another fun, innovative and new way to help myself.
Anything is possible, keep on keeping on!
