Back when I was participating in my rehabilitation in 1968 I was told very simply, "The biggest killers of people who have a spinal cord in are, urinary tract infections (UTI), pressure sores and pneumonia." People with SCI can behave in ways which minimize the above threats. Drink water, drink lots of water for urinary health. Perform absolutely regular pressure relief and pressure redistribution actions to prevent pressure sores. Never "space it out" or simply forget. One day of not staying absolutely on top of skin pressure might result in weeks or months of hospitalization and possible surgery. Don't smoke cigarettes. Get your flu shot every year. The initial rehabilitation period should be long enough to allow enough information to be conveyed to the newly injured person to allow that person to have sufficient knowledge to take care of themselves in a healthy manner.