Wellness for Women With Polio

• Published in: Journal of the American Dietetic Association 1999-09, Vol.99 (9), p.A56-A56
• Main Authors: Jacobson, R., Tate, D., Roller, S., Forchheimer, M., Kerestes-Smith, J.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 0002-8223; 1878-3570
• DOI: 10.1016/S0002-8223(99)00596-9

Researchers from a large, tertiary care, teaching institution recently completed a three-year clinical study to test the effectiveness of a comprehensive and integrated wellness program for approximately 200 women with various levels of disability from polio. The program, taught by a registered dietitian, physical therapist and rehabilitation counselor, addressed three wellness topics: nutrition, exercise and stress management Half of the participants were randomly selected to attend four, three-hour wellness workshop sessions. The remaining participants received no intervention and served as the control group. For the nutrition portion, a registered dietitian created nutrition modules which emotional heahh as well as dairy diet and exercise practices. Session #1, “Healthy Nutrition,”highlighted the Food Gmde Pyramid Session #2, “Heart Healthy Nutrition,” outlined the American Heart Asscdation recommendations and evaluated food labels. Session #3, “Women's Issues and Healthy Nutrition,” discussed sodium restrictions and encouraged adequate calcium, iron and fiber intake. Session #4, “Weight Management” reviewed non-diet approaches to weight loss and healthy eating. At the end of each session, participants completed a personal log documenting positive nutrition changes that they would coirarut to making throughout the program and for life. Upon completion of the workshop sessions, workshop participants attend an individualized personal coaching session wki each workshop leader to strengthen their wellness plans. Outcome nutrition data revealed that 79% of participants have reduced their fat intake, compared to 48% of control subjects. A nutrition based wellness program, which incorporates exercise and stress management, can make a difference in the lives of people with a wide range of disabilities.