A Practical Guide to Health Promotion After Spinal Cord Injury.

The purpose of A Practical Guide to Health Promotion After Spinal Cord Injury is to provide tools for health professionals to address both disability-related issues and general health Issues as they relate to people with spinal cord injury (SCI). The authors, all from Craig Hospital in Colorado, expressed their hope that this information will be integrated Into the programs of other rehabilitation facilities that serve this population. When educated about healthy lifestyles, individuals with SCI can assume responsibility for wellness-oriented health practices specific to their chronic disability. Numerous figures, tables, and photographs are included to help illustrate concepts, summarize facts, and demonstrate use of equipment for activity and exercises.

The book is divided into three main sections. The first section discusses historical and medical health promotion models, general principles of patient education, and recommended interdisciplinary assessments. Emphasis is placed on efforts to promote behavioral and psychological adaptation to disability. Guidelines for successful education practices are reviewed. Individualization, specificity, and reinforcement techniques are detailed along with other principles based on extensive literature reviews. Appendixes following these chapters Include a comprehensive outcome survey and an instrument to screen for alcohol abuse.

The second portion of the book covers emotional, social, and intellectual issues as related to a wellness-oriented lifestyle after a SCI. Information on encouraging successful coping skills, such as stress management techniques and promotion of self-esteem, is well detailed. Practical advice for challenges in dealing with issues related to attendant care, family dynamics, and sexuality is thoroughly reviewed. One chapter covers all aspects of sexual health, including bladder considerations. motor skills, and contraception. Resources Include lists of videotapes, suggested readings, and electroejaculation clinics.

The last section addresses the Issues of proper nutrition and activity options. By following recommended dietary principles, individuals with SCI can reduce the risk of excessive weight gain, slow, wound healing, and neurogenic bowel-related difficulties. The goal of physical fitness strategies for people with SCI is to maximize functional capacities. Inadequate perspiration and thermoregulatory problems create additional concerns for those with higher levels of injuries. Especially relevant to physical therapy practitioners is the section that outlines types of fitness programs and areas for potential improvement according to level of injury. Discussion of functional electrical stimulation, its benefits and limitations, is included in a section on exercise equipment and adaptation. Photographs of individuals with SCI illustrate various strengthening exercises using muscle balance and safety straps for additional trunk control.

This book provides a comprehensive guide to all aspects of health as related to people with SCI. Educational handouts and perspectives written by individuals with SCI are tools to help all physical therapy practitioners counsel individuals with SCI. Anyone working with this population, especially in rehabilitation or home health setting, would benefit form purchasing, this book to further their own and their clients' knowledge.