JOIN IN, GET MOTIVATED, AND CHANGE YOUR LIFE
By
Donna J. Flanery
• Physical activity is beneficial to the health and welfare of an individual.
• This statement has more significance to the population of individuals with disabilities due to a higher level of health needs.
• Individuals with disabilities generally have high medical needs due to chronic medical conditions and spend more time in the emergency rooms than individuals without disabilities.
• Over the years, many studies have shown that increased physical activity can result in …….
• Improved Health
• Mental Well-Being
• Sense of Worth or Purpose
Improved Health
• Fewer trips to the doctor
• Taking less medication
• More energy
Mental Well-Being
• Happier
• Fewer Behaviors
• A sense of belonging
Sense of Worth or Purpose
• I can attitude
• Learning new skills
• Developing relationships
Making a Choice
• It is important that an individual is involved in helping choose which activities he or she participates in.
• This allows the individual to take ownership in the activity and increases the chance of following through with the activity.
Challenges
• Transportation
• Lower incomes (physical activities are not a priority)
• Obesity (due to lack of physical activity)
• Medical Issues
How do we turn it around?
• Build relationships within the community (offer someone a ride)
• Find activities that the individual can JOIN IN for little or no cost
• Say “Yes, I can”
• Choose movement (exercise)
ARC of Bell County
What do we offer?
• Special Olympics Activities
• Dances
• Bingo
• Zumba
• Camp Funshine
• Demonstrations
What can you do in your neighborhood to get motivated?
• ZUMBA Demonstration
Change Your Life
• Don’t sit on the sidelines
• Find an activity that you like to do
• You don’t have to be perfect, participate as much as you can (Modify)
• Make a plan, follow it an see where you are in 6 months
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