Prevention Activities for People with Physical Disabilities
Unfortunately,
persons with disabilities tend to be less physically active because in
addition to their physical limitations, they face additional
environmental barriers, such as access to accessible exercise equipment
and accessible and affordable transportation. Low levels of physical
activity and exercise may increase the chance that individuals with
physical disabilities may develop certain secondary conditions, such as
decubitus ulcers, diabetes, coronary heart disease and osteoporosis.
According
to the "Rehabilitation
Research and Training Center (RRTC) on Spinal Cord Injury: Promoting
Health and Preventing Complications through Exercise" optimal health may be achieved through a
balance of satisfying intellectual, emotional, spiritual and social
activities, along with practices that contribute to good physical
health. These healthy physical habits can include:
-
Regular
medical care, including preventive and follow-up care
-
Not
smoking
-
Limiting
your alcohol and caffeine intake
-
Eating
a balanced diet
-
Maintaining
an appropriate body weight for your height and age
-
Getting
regular physical exercise as allowed by your disability.
For
more information on prevention activities for people with physical
disabilities, please contact the following resources:
Last Revised:
April 18, 2013 |
