Paralysis research, résumé refresher

By Carol Lindsay, RN
November 13, 2002

The Christopher Reeve Paralysis Foundation [www.christopherreeve.org] provides information about the organization whose goals include working to fund research to develop treatments and cures for spinal cord injury and central nervous system disorders.

The Christopher & Dana Reeve Paralysis and Resource Center [www.paralysis.org] is a comprehensive source of information for people who live with paralysis as well as for those who care for them. The site presents information about rehabilitation, resources, tools and technology. The foundation's specialist will research and answer questions sent in. Visitors to the site are encouraged to register with the resource center. Links to independent living and rehabilitation centers are included.

A Kids' Zone section for children affected by paralysis also is available.

Healing well

A resource for patients, caregivers and families coping with chronic illness and disease, www.healingwell.com features medical news, feature articles, message boards, chat rooms and a list of physician-produced video Webcasts. Visitors can view the videos online or read transcripts. Additional resources include a newsletter, health e-greeting cards, books and reviews.

Résumé builder

Resume Rehab [www.zzpixel.com/resume-rehab/index.htm] presents the latest in résumé technology. This site discusses the sophisticated computerized features of today's résumés and encourages the development of a paper résumé as well as an electronic one. An electronic résumé allows potential employers to store the information in a database for future job "matching." The site offers a tutorial on résumé writing that includes structure, format and style.

A list of pitfalls and instruction on how to use keywords in building your résumé could prove useful. Visitors can benefit from advice on combining the résumé with a well-written cover letter. Finally, the site offers tips for successful job interviews and what should be included in the follow-up thank-you letter.

At your fingertips

The Animas Corp. site [www.animascorp.com] features a free 30-day download of a PDA program called ezManager. The diabetes management program allows patients to combine their logbooks, calculators and food recordings in one location.

The software contains a food log that includes a USDA database, fast foods and manufactured foods. Additional foods can be programmed as well. The software package assists both the patient and the health care team by allowing the patient to calculate carbohydrate intake and insulin boluses, then log meals, blood glucose, activity and insulin. When that information is transferred to a personal computer, the data can be charted and made to calculate trends.

Genetic health

The International Society of Nurses in Genetics [http://nursing.creighton.edu/isong/] is a specialty organization with the mission "to foster the scientific, professional and personal development of members in the management of genetic information." Its Web site provides information about clinical practice, education resources, genetic resources, and nursing research, and features a bulletin board.

It includes a link to the Health Genetic Technology Project at www.ncsl.org/programs/health/genetics.htm that provides details about projects, genetic laws, legislative activities and up-to-date genetic news.