“Health Promotion: Spinal Cord Injury”

The National Center on Physical Activity and Disability

Format             Fact Sheet

This fact sheet provides simple guidelines for people with spinal cord injury on how to maintain their weight; ways to gain weight, lose weight and increase fiber; the importance of drinking water; and how to prevent calcium stones.

Contact URL    http://www.ncpad.org/nutrition/fact_sheet.php?sheet=196&view=all#2

Contact Agency      

National Center on Physical Activity and Disability
1640 W. Roosevelt Road

Chicago, IL 60608-6904

(800) 900-8086          

“SCI (Spinal Cord Injury) Forum Reports:  Nutrition Guidelines for Individuals with SCI”

This is a report of a presentation of the SCI Forum of the University of Washington Medical Center, given on June 13, 2006, by Vickeri Barton, RD, CD, Dietitian, Harborview Medical Center.

Format           Report on presentation, also available on the website as streaming video

The report includes a discussion on why nutrition and weight management are important after SCI, what is a desirable weight, estimating calorie needs, protein needs, weight control tips, different diets, the importance of knowing about ones lipids, osteoporosis in people with SCI, and how to find a dietician.

Contact URL    http://sci.washington.edu/info/forums/reports/nutrition.asp

Contact Agency      

Northwest Regional Spinal Cord Injury System
University of Washington
Rehabilitation Medicine, Box 356490
Seattle, WA 98195

(206) 616-2183, 800-366-5643 (toll free)

“Weight Gain”

Craig Hospital

Format             Fact Sheet

This fact sheet describes the risks involved when people with disabilities gain weight, such as increased risk of injury, more pressure and moisture on the skin due to excess weight, and problems finding attendants to help.  It also discusses: the changes the body’s metabolism undergoes following spinal cord injury; why ideal body weight should be different in people with spinal cord injury, compared to people without disabilities; the importance of moving past denial and using the two standard components of responsible weight management, which are exercise and diet; and finding motivation.  Diet tips are provided.

Contact URL    http://www.craighospital.org/SCI/METS/weightGain.asp

Contact Agency      

Craig Hospital

3425 South Clarkson Street

Englewood, CO 80113

(303) 789-8000                      

“Weight Management following SCI – SCI InfoSheet #8”

University of Alabama–Birmingham Spinal Cord Injury Model System (UAB-SCIMS)

Format             Fact Sheet

This fact sheet, geared toward people with spinal cord injury (SCI), lists benefits from following a healthy weight management program; it also states that since there are presently no national guidelines on weight management for individuals with SCI, it is essential to talk to one’s doctor before changing diet and exercise regimens so that the doctor can make suggestions regarding the individual situation and specific medical conditions.  General changes in weight after SCI are described, as well as: the importance of choosing healthy foods to eat; nutritional needs; and suggested behavior changes when planning meals, shopping, cooking, and dining out.  Re-learning and improving self-talk and working with a diet partner are suggested forms of support.  Other suggestions include reducing stress, setting realistic goals, and participating in physical activities.

Contact URL    http://www.spinalcord.uab.edu/show.asp?durki=21481&site=1021&return=21583

Contact Agency      

University of Alabama–Birmingham Spinal Cord Injury Model System (UAB-SCIMS)

UAB Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation,

PHYSICAL ADDRESS:

529 Spain Rehab Center
1717 6th Avenue South
Birmingham, AL 35233

MAILING ADDRESS:
619 19th Street South – SRC 529
Birmingham, AL 35249-7330

(205) 934-3283