UAB has developed a weight management program for overweight individuals with spinal cord injury or disease (SCI/D), who often have limited physical abilities and unique nutritional needs. "For example, low-carb/high-protein diets can cause kidney problems, and improper exercise techniques can cause chronic pain," Yuying Chen, MD, PhD, assistant professor in the Department of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine, says.

In response, the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation is collaborating with the Department of Nutrition Sciences to create the EatRight® Home-based Weight Management Program for individuals with spinal cord impairments.

Funded by the Paralyzed Veterans of America Educational Foundation, the project utilizes video lessons and workbook assignments to teach consumers 12 proven elements of effective weight management and how to maintain long-term success.

This SCI program is the heart of a new column, "Weight Matters," in a national consumer magazine, PN, (previously known as Paraplegia News). The monthly column is written by Dr. Chen or project collaborators, including Phil Klebine, assistant director of research services in the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, and Assistant Professor of Nutrition Sciences Suzanne Henson, MS, RD, coordinator of the UAB EatRight Weight Management Program.

The SCI program is a modified version of the successful EatRight program originally developed at UAB in 1976 for the general population. In a 4-year study funded by the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research, the unique program was shown to be safe and effective at helping reduce medical risks and improving quality of life for persons with SCI.

Go to www.spinalcord.uab.edu and click on "What's New?" to order the SCI program. Visit www.pn-magazine.com for the "Weight Matters" column. Go to www.uab.edu/eatright for information on UAB's EatRight program.