MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN THE HEALTH & HAPPINESS OF NJ FAMILIES

Our Mission Get FIT is dedicated to promoting full, happy, healthy, fit lives for people with intellectual/developmental disabilities and their caregivers.

Fitness-Integration-Training

Why Get FIT? Childhood obesity issue in NJ (ranked 27) Obesity rates for children with disabilities are 38% higher than for children without

Why Get FIT? Obesity rates for adults with disabilities are 58% higher than for adults without Lack of accessibility  Physical/attitudinal barriers  Stigma/stereotypes  Chronic lack of opportunity

But, WHY? Differences in body composition (muscle mass vs. fat mass) Lack of physical activity Medications that increase appetite Parents may be over-permissive or over-restrictive regarding food and exercise Parents may be afraid to allow their child to do things for him/herself because of seizures, asthma etc. Parents may be confused about how and when to set limits for a child with physical or mental disabilities U.S. lifestyle—media messages telling us to increase consumption of calorie dense foods, labor saving devices

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Did you know!?!? Children with special needs may have fewer opportunities for physical activity because of a need for constant supervision or for adaptive equipment. 20% of children 10 through 17 years of age who have special health care needs are obese compared with 15% of children of the same ages without special health care needs. Children who walk with braces and crutches or walkers actually burn more calories than children without during actual periods of walking.

It’s more than just a weight issue Overweight children are more likely to be teased and to be targets of bullies. As BMI in children with developmental disabilities rises, quality of life decreases Overweight may lower self esteem by interfering with independence.

Where can you Get FIT? YMCA Private Gym School Home Camp

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The Family Resource FOOD Network

Train-the-Trainer- Statewide

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Epilepsy and Exercise- Risks Consult with your doctor/neurologist first, and discuss seizure precipitants If exercise is identified as a seizure precipitant then an exercise program can be designed that will allow the person to exercise safely and possibly even avoid the factor that exacerbates seizures

Epilepsy and Exercise- Benefits The benefits usually outweigh the risks, but everyone should consult their doctor first Exercise promotes stress reduction, and has positive effects on blood pressure, blood sugar and bone health Aerobic exercise often reduces seizure frequency, relieves depression, reduces social isolation, and promotes cardiac and general health.  Walking, jogging, running (indoor, grass, or supervised track)

Athletes with Epilepsy Jason Snelling- FalconsAlan Faneca- Steelers

Get FIT Spotlight 12 week Get Home program in Texas Sarah lost 3 inches off her waist & 2 inches off her hips Less frequency of seizures Increased self confidence Made new friends

Discuss benefits and guidelines for exercise 1. Appropriate clothing and shoes for exercising 2. The advantages of warm-ups and stretching 3. The benefits of exercise/physical activity 4. Appropriate breathing when exercising 5. The advantages/benefits of cool-downs 6. The advantages/benefits of a balanced diet Strategies of Success

Make it fun Supervised setting Start slow, increase intensity over a period of time Low to the ground activities Recumbent bike vs. Treadmill Weight machines Vs. Free weights Include all members of the family

Adeola Sonaike For More Information