More than 21 million US adults 18–64 years of age have a disability. Half of adults with a disability get no aerobic physical activity. Working age adults with disabilities who do not get any aerobic physical activity are 50 percent more likely than their active peers to have a chronic disease such as cancer, diabetes, stroke, or heart disease, according to a
Vital Signs report released today by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
“Physical activity is the closest thing we have to a wonder drug,”said CDC Director Tom Frieden, M.D., M.P.H. “Unfortunately, many adults with disabilities don’t get regular physical activity. That can change if doctors and other health care providers take a more active role helping their patients with disabilities develop a physical fitness plan that’s right for them.”
Most adults with disabilities are able to participate in some aerobic physical activity which has benefits for everyone by reducing the risk of serious chronic diseases. Some of the benefits from regular aerobic physical activity include increased heart and lung function; better performance in daily living activities; greater independence; decreased chances of developing chronic diseases; and improved mental health. Read the CDC’s Vital Signs report here.
Special Olympics can help with this issue. We provide physical activity to those with intellectual disabilities through our year round events and programs. To learn more check out our website.
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