The Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to improving quality of life for people living with paralysis, has created four new videos that feature informative information on different aspects of health and real-life situations while living with paralysis.
The videos can be found on the Foundation’s YouTube channel, which also features personal stories, wheelchair reviews, new technology available, and many more.
The newest videos include:
- Bowel Maintenance: A significant part of living a healthy life after paralysis is having a proper bowel management program, which reduces the risk of incontinence, constipation and other GI problems. It is important to start a bowel management program immediately after being injured. This video will show you what steps to take to establish a routine and equipment to use for a healthier, more independent lifestyle.
- Autonomic Dysreflexia: Caused by a harmful stimulus below the point of injury, Autonomic Dysreflexia (AD) is a hyperactive reflex. Symptoms include but are not limited to muscle spasticity, bowel impaction, blood pressure spike, stuffy nose and/or having a flushed face. These symptoms can arise quick and are important to watch for. This video points out potential causes and prevention of AD.
- Emergency Preparedness: Disaster could strike at any time without warning. In order to get through it efficiently, you need to have a plan. An escape plan should include exits to your house, supplies to survive if trapped inside or on the road, clear communication with caregiver and response teams of your needs, and knowledge of the shelters you could take refuge in. Learn about what supplies you would want to have at the ready, and what to keep in a packed bag.
- Bladder Management: Catheter care is an important part of living a healthy life. There are three main types of catheterization: Intermittent, Indwelling, and the Condom option for men. Watch the video to learn how these types of catheters work and how to prevent UTIs and other health issues.
