Sandy Trombetta, chief of Recreation Therapy for the Grand Junction VAMC, in Grand Junction, Colorado, thinks that skiing is a “powerful way to build your self-confidence” after a spinal cord injury (SCI)-or for any person for that matter. “You look up at that mountain,” he says, “and you think, ‘How do I get down that?’ It’s the same problem for everybody-with or without a disability-the first time out. And everyone finds out the same thing: Gravity works. Tremendously!”
No matter what your spinal cord disability (SCD), we hope that after reading this issue, you will be inspired to give winter sports a try some time. But before you go, take these words of advice from Trombetta to make sure your first experience is a good one.
• Be sure to be cleared by your physician. “If you’re generally healthy, and your doctor is not overly cautious,” Trombetta says, “you should have no problem getting a clean bill of health.” Secondary conditions like smoking, being overweight, or having upper respiratory problems are more likely to sideline you than your SCD. But you should be sure to have an overall evaluation from your doctor before you try any activity like skiing.
• Wear proper dress. Make sure the skin on your lower extremities is covered. “Someone with SCI may have difficulty sensing ambient temperature,” says Trombetta. “This can make it difficult to feel frost bite if it develops; so you want to make sure you have on properly warm and waterproof clothing, especially from the waist down.” Ski boots are not recommended because of their unnatural fit. Instead, wear warm, waterproof boots or shoes. And wear a helmet.
• Have someone with you. “Skiing is a risk sport,” says Trombetta. “Things happen, and you shouldn’t be caught alone when they do.”
• Don’t overdo it. “I’ve seen a lot of people who are overcome by their enthusiasm on their first day out,” Trombetta says. “You have to be realistic. Half a day can work very, very well for most people.”
Remember, you don’t have to be an expert to enjoy skiing or any of the other winter sports we highlight in this issue. You don’t have to aspire to Paralympian glory (though you might surprise yourself and uncover hidden talents, like some of the Paralympians we highlight in this issue). But we hope you’ll be inspired to have fun, conquer winter and don’t let winter conquer you.
Christofer Pierson
Managing Editor
