Nutrition plays a powerful role in health and recovery after a spinal cord injury (SCI). The body undergoes major physical changes following an injury, and many individuals face ongoing challenges such as muscle loss, digestive issues, pressure sores, and nutrient deficiencies. Eat Well, Live Well with a Spinal Cord Injury by Joanne Smith and Kylie...Continue Reading

By Kim Anderson, PhD How many times has your doctor told you that you need to increase your physical activity?  Has he/she ever told you how much or what kinds of physical activity you need to do each week?  Has he/she told you what the benefits are, for people living with spinal cord injury (SCI),...Continue Reading

In a world where access to essential medical equipment can be life-changing, the Donated Items Program, powered by the United Spinal Association Northeast Ohio Chapter, is making a real difference—one wheelchair, catheter pack, and mobility aid at a time. This program was created with a simple but powerful mission: to provide free medical equipment and...Continue Reading

Chris Wynn has been an inspiring and active member of our community for many years. Many will remember him as the driving force behind Buckeye Wellness, an adaptive fitness center that provided individuals with spinal cord injuries (SCIs) access to specialized equipment and, just as importantly, a supportive peer network. Unfortunately, Buckeye Wellness closed in...Continue Reading

The MSKTC works closely with researchers in the 14 Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) Model System Centers to develop resources for people living with spinal cord injury and their supporters. They have several user-friendly resources that are grounded in evidence and available in a variety of formats such as printable PDF documents, videos, and slideshows.  Adjustment...Continue Reading

By Dr. Felicia Fraser Individuals who acquire spinal cord injuries face major challenges that impact functioning in a variety of settings, including at home and in the community. Researchers estimate that the prevalence of psychiatric disorders among individuals with spinal cord injury ranges from approximately 25 to 30 percent, though some studies have found rates...Continue Reading

MetroHealth is thrilled to announce the return of its annual Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) Forum, an educational and empowering event designed specifically for individuals living with spinal cord injuries and related disorders. The 2025 SCI Forum has been postponed until Spring 2026 due to unforseen circumstances. About the SCI Forum The SCI Forum provides an...Continue Reading

The Model System Knowledge and Translation Center (MSKTC) is a national center that helps facilitate the knowledge translation process to make research meaningful to those with Spinal Cord Injury, Traumatic Brain Injury, and Burn Injury. In previous articles, we have featured the Factsheets on Autonomic Dysreflexia, Managing Pain, Wheelchair Information, and more.  While it is...Continue Reading

By Kim Anderson, PhD Living with a spinal cord injury (SCI) is a challenge, no doubt about it.  Just taking care of your daily needs can consume a lot of energy, much less thinking about adding on any other activities.  But it is important to engage in physical activity for your health.   Why by active? ...Continue Reading

Why Heat Is a Bigger Issue After SCI Injuries at or above the mid-thoracic level interrupt sympathetic pathways that normally trigger sweating and skin-blood-flow changes; below the injury, sweat glands stay almost “switched off.” This loss of autonomic control means core temperature can climb quickly, while early warning sensations (feeling flushed or drenched in sweat)...Continue Reading