Book review by Tim Gilmer

According to the authors, Eat Well, Live Well with Spinal Cord Injury is the first nutrition book to address the unique needs of people with SCI. Happily, Joanne Smith and Kylie James have accomplished what they set out to do — write “a practical guide to help address secondary health conditions in SCI through nutrition.” The attractive, well-illustrated book presents much-needed information in an easy-to-read format.

Each of the book’s 16 chapters focuses on a secondary health condition specific to spinal cord injury, most of which are well-known to NEW MOBILITY readers: digestion, bowel problems, neurogenic bladder, cardiovascular health, weight management, respiratory health, pressure sores, osteoporosis, liver function, pain, sleep problems, fatigue, stress, depression, anxiety, and overall health. Each chapter explains why the condition may develop after SCI and provides information on how proper nutrition can help with management and prevention through specific nutrients (foods, supplements and herbs). There are also easy-to-prepare nutrient-rich recipes and reference charts of specific nutrients and supplements recommended for each health condition.

“It is our hope,” write the authors in their promotional material, “that Eat Well, Live Well with Spinal Cord Injury will focus attention on the important, therapeutic role nutrition plays in the lives of individuals with SCI and inspire future research in the area of nutrition and SCI. Most importantly however, we hope this book will help empower you to have greater control over your health and enhance your independence in an easy, practical and cost effective way.”

Smith and James may be the perfect duo to co-author a book that is so focused and comprehensive in its approach to understanding the role of nutrition in secondary conditions of SCI. Besides living with SCI for over 25 years, Smith, a quad, is a practicing nutritionist who specializes in treating neurological conditions. She is a graduate of the Institute of Holistic Health in Toronto and holds a degree in psychology from NYU. James is an occupational therapist with over 15 years experience working with neurological conditions and a certified nutritional practitioner. Both authors recognized the need for a focused book on nutrition and SCI from their personal experience and professional training.

As someone who has been disappointed by the dearth of authoritative information on spinal cord injury and nutrition, I am excited and pleased to have such a useful and important resource in my library.

Resources:
• To buy hard copies or PDF formats: www.eatwelllivewellwithsci.com
• Joanne Smith: www.fruitfulelements.com
• Kylie James: www.korunutrition.com