Body Tune Up Checklist
When it comes to the topic of healthy living, it can be filled with mixed messages, contradictory health information, and what seems like a never ending list of “Do’s & Don’ts.” It can be overwhelming and confusing to know what’s best and what will work for you.
What to do? What to remember? Which actions to take?
Dr. Cathy Craven, a Physiatrist with the Spinal Cord Program at Toronto Rehab’s Lyndhurst Centre developed a “Tune-Up Checklist” for individuals living with a spinal cord injury. The checklist includes actions items for a healthy body inside and out!
Craven’s 1, 000, 000 km Tune-Up
Things You Can Do or Orchestrate Yourself:
• See your family doctor and physiatrist at least once a year
• Keep a running list of your surgeries, medications and allergies
• Keep a home library of your images (CT, X-ray, MRI)
• Carry your autonomic dysreflexia (AD) management card in your wallet
• Get an annual kidney and bladder ultrasound, as well as cystoscopy and/or urodynamic study as advised by your urologist
• Prevent pressure sores through routine pressure relief (3-4 times per hour), and regular cushion checks
• Ask your doctor if you require breath stacking, or annual breathing or sleep apnea screening tests
• Get your flu shot each fall and keep your vaccinations (tetanus) current
• Check your bone density every 1-2 years
• Eat 15-30 grams of fibre and drink 1.5-2L of clear fluids each day
• Get routine cancer screening, and do your own monthly self-exams
• Ask your doctor to check your heart rate, blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol every year
• Check your weight and maintain a healthy body mass index
• Minimize your lifestyle risks by not smoking and reducing your caffeine and alcohol intake
• Practice your stress reduction strategies
• Consider volunteering or participating in research
• Routinely service and/or replace your wheelchair and equipment as appropriate