Living a Healthy Life -- Wellness and Physical Fitness
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Introduction > Take the Test > Nutrition and Meal Preparation > Exercise and Physical Fitness > Prevention and Regular Check-Ups > Special Considerations > Conclusion
Special Considerations > Disabilities > Illnesses and Medications
Disabilities
Studies show that almost 80% of the population does not get enough regular exercise. These numbers increase for older people, people with chronic illnesses, and people with disabilities (be they mental or physical).
Two of the main reasons people with disabilities are less likely to be active are:
- Social Barriers - Specifically, negative societal and individual attitudes (For example, "A person with a disability can't be an athlete/athletic" or "I can't do that because I have a hard time walking/have other health problems")
- Physical Barriers - For example, a lack of resources and opportunities (such as inaccessible fitness centers and gyms or centers and gyms that lack modified equipment or activities for people with disabilities)
Although it is difficult to overcome the above barriers, it's very important, because people with disabilities are often at a greater risk of diseases such as hypertension, heart disease, and osteoporosis. (Often because their disability has already placed a physical strain on their body that is negatively affecting their health.) But regular physical activity can help reduce or even reverse many of the effects of disability and aging.
If you are nervous about starting a fitness program, you may want to take your first steps toward improved physical fitness by increasing whatever activity you do in your regular day. For example, if you are able to walk, add an extra 10-minute walk to each day to build your muscles and increase your energy. If you need assistance walking or are in a wheelchair, try to increase upper body strength and mobility by adding 10 minutes of arm exercises. If you have a limited range of motion, try adding a 10-minute stretching routine to improve muscle tone and flexibility. Whatever you do, look at it as a positive step toward improving your physical fitness and feel good about and focus on what you can do (not what you can't).
Another way to feel good about your accomplishments and overcome both societal and physical barriers is to learn a new sport or hobby that requires some physical activity or join a local recreation center that has accessible classes or equipment. If you aren't sure where to find teams, recreation centers, and/or fitness clubs that suit you, you may want to contact local gyms, fitness or recreation centers, universities, or hospitals to see if they offer classes or modified exercise programs that meet your needs. Or contact your doctor, healthcare provider, nutritionist, physical therapist, or staff members from MTSTCIL for more information on sports or recreation centers that might be of interest to you.
Taking that first step toward increasing your physical activity may seem hard, but just like exercise, the more you practice, the easier it will become and the better you will feel. Improving your physical fitness can be even easier if you enjoy it. Find a friend to exercise with you or join an athletic team or fitness center and make new friends. For more resources and information on physical activity and disabilities, try visiting the National Center on Physical Activity and Disability.
Next: Illnesses and Medications
