Chronic disease is more likely for less active adults with disabilities, according to a vital signs report released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
The report showed, 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.
Nearly half (47 percent) of adults with disabilities who are able to do aerobic physical activity do not get any. An additional 22 percent are not active enough. Yet only about 44 percent of adults with disabilities who saw a doctor in the past year got a recommendation for physical activity.
“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 healthcare providers take a more active role helping their patients with disabilities develop a physical fitness plan that’s right for them.”
Adults with disabilities should get two and a half hours of moderate activity a week. Some suggestions for physical activity is small exercise groups at a gym with qualified instructors who can give you support. Check out exercise websites at home of small exercises that you can try, basic weight lifting with small weights first. On the Nationwide Access Register, you can find places such as nature walks that are accessible for those with disabilities.
Warm-up exercises are important, such as marching in place for 3 minutes, ten knee-bends and shoulder rolls. Doctors and healthcare providers can also offer an exercise plan that is appropriate for you. If you have a pool or local one in your area, swimming is great way to keep muscles strong as well as walking which is cheap and easy.