Power to the Protein

By Patty Kunze, RN, BSN and Roberta Palmer, RN

 

Please note: This article was written for those with spinal cord injuries but applies to all those in need of protein for muscle growth and wound healing. 

Let’s face it…. a discussion on protein is not on everyone’s top of their list but it’s a subject which should be at the forefront of our food choices. PROTEIN is a topic for us with spinal cord injury.  It’s a component we cannot live without.  Tissue healing, muscle building, and bone growth cannot occur without that important component.  A bit of protein should be consumed with each meal and high protein, low carbs is the new name of the game. 

What is Protein?

Protein is essential for life. It plays critical roles in:

• Making tissue, including muscle, skin, hair & nails
• Producing enzymes, which control almost all chemical reactions in your body
• Making hormones, which act as chemical messengers in your body
• Making antibodies, which boost your immune system and protect your body from infection
• Converting to glucose to act as an energy source if there is an inadequate supply of carbohydrates

Proteins are made up of building blocks called amino acids. There are 22 different amino acids, all of which are necessary for good health. Foods such as chicken, turkey, beef, pork, fish, eggs, nuts, seeds & legumes (beans & peas) are rich sources of protein.

Strength & Conditioning Training and Fitness Motivation!

By Lucy Lawrence

mobileWOMEN's Cheryl Price using the Vitaglide

Everyone needs exercise, but it's especially important that wheelchair-mobile women get a regular workout because it helps maintain good spinal posture and muscle tone. New research from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggests that only 57% of American adults with limited mobility exercise regularly, while those who do maintain consistent physical activity are 50% less likely to develop a range of diseases and medical problems, including higher rates of stress and mental illness. Fortunately, women who use wheelchairs for mobility, can tap into a range of health and wellness resources for their basic health and help them to focus towards a fitness plan modified to fit their individual needs.