Pushin' On: UAB Spinal Cord Injury Model System Digital Newsletter Volume 33 | Number 1

Pushin’ON VOL 33 | NUM 1 2015 UAB Spinal Cord Injury Model System Digital Newsletter Headline News The University of Alabama at Birmingham Spinal Cord Injury Model System (UAB-SCIMS) provides Pushin’ On twice annually as an informational resource for people with spinal cord injury (SCI). UAB-SCIMS Program Director: Amie B McLain, MD Editor: Phil Klebine, MA 529 Spain Rehabilitation Center 1717 6th Avenue South Birmingham, AL 35233-7330 Phone: [phone] TDD: 205-934-4642 Fax: [phone] WWW.UAB.EDU/SCI [email protected] /UABSCIMS /UABSCIMS /UABSCIMS The contents of this publication were developed under a grant from the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR grant number H133N110008). NIDILRR is a Center within the Administration for Community Living (ACL), Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The contents of this publication do not necessarily represent the policy of NIDILRR, ACL, HHS, and you should not assume endorsement by the Federal Government. ©2015 University of Alabama Board of Trustees. The University of Alabama at Birmingham provides equal opportunity in education and employment. The University of Alabama at Birmingham Spinal Cord Injury Model System (UAB-SCIMS) has launched a new website to help doctors, nurse practitioners and other community-based primary care providers manage their patients with spinal cord injury (SCI). This free website offers primary care providers considerations for managing secondary medical complications of SCI along with situational advice for referrals. Current areas of focus include Autonomic Dysreflexia, Bladder, Bowel, Pressure Ulcer, Pain, Spasticity, Depression, Weight, Pulmonary, Deep Venous Thrombosis, Coronary Heart Disease, Orthostatic Hypotension, and Wheelchair & Seating. www.uab.edu/sciprimarycare. In a previous issue of Pushin’ On, we reported on the breakthrough discovery that enabled four men with spinal cord injury (two with complete injuries) to voluntarily move their legs. They regained their ability to move after being implanted with an epidural stimulator, which works by providing a continuous electrical current to specific locations on the lower part of the spinal cord. When the stimulator is turned on, simple commands, such as “move my right leg,” cause movement. Watch this video to see how it works. It is now being reported that the men have gained dramatic improvements in their autonomic functions. This includes bladder and bowel control, sexual function, temperature regulation, and improved cardiovascular and respiratory capabilities. The Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation have launched The Big Idea website to follow ongoing developments and promote future research. The website offers information on the research team and personal stories by the four men who are experiencing the results of this research. You can also make a donation to fund epidural stimulation research. Go to Website The Kessler Foundation, in partnership with the University of New Hampshire is conducting a national survey focusing on employment issues for working age adults with disabilities. The primary purpose of this survey is to understand the mechanisms by which individuals with disabilities strive to work and the challenges they face in doing so. We anticipate that the findings from this survey will inform research and advocacy efforts to develop innovative and sustainable approaches (for individuals, families, service providers, and employers) to maximize the employment opportunities of people with disabilities. This survey is open to individuals or family members of individuals who are employed or seeking employment. Take the Survey The Northwest Regional Spinal Cord Injury System has released a new video, The ABCs of Parenting with an SCI. Three individuals with SCI and one spouse share their experiences, insights and practical tips for parenting with a spinal cord injury. Presented on April 8, 2014 at the University of Washington Medical Center. Watch this video