Fitness and Nutrition Information for Disability and Health Conditions
Diet and nutrition refers to the intake of food and nourishment for the growth and maintenance of the body. Dietitians or nutritionists consider a diet as a balanced meal that contains appropriate portions of all nutrients.
A good diet helps a person to maintain good health.
Fitness is the overall well being of the human body.
Diet and nutrition are therefore an important part fitness.
In the age which we live there is an unprecedented focus on getting and staying healthy. As more and more research points to the effect of fitness and nutrition on our overall health, the findings become more difficult to ignore. There is no doubt that the food that we eat and the physical activity that we perform significantly impact our weight and our body’s overall health and longevity.
The escalating rate of workplace disabilities is causing businesses and consumers alike to revisit how they handle stress and health issues. High stress, lack of exercise and other factors exacerbated by an aging U.S. workforce are contributing to an increase in the numbers of individuals receiving long-term disability payments each year, according to a new study from the Council for Disability Awareness.
Fitness and nutrition go hand in hand for achieving good health. When we keep our bodies active through a consistent exercise program, we are adding to our body’s ability to metabolize food and keep weight down. Further, good fitness means strong and limber muscles and a strong cardiovascular system. Exercise also lowers blood pressure and reduces stress levels.
When you look at fitness and nutrition and the consequences of ignoring their importance, it is not difficult to see how large a role they play in our health. First and foremost, it is important to understand how powerfully diet can affect us. Natural, whole foods - such as fresh vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and lean proteins - give our bodies the vitamins that it needs to function effectively. We have energy when we eat right. And when we have energy we burn fat. Eating properly allows us to maintain a healthy weight and keep undue stress off of our hearts; it also allows us to keep our blood pressure and cholesterol levels in the healthy range. Most importantly, good nutrition keeps our bodies stocked with antioxidants that fight off a range of illnesses including cancer.
Regular exercise is one of the requirements necessary to address health and fitness issues. The types of exercises that will improve and strengthen the heart muscles are highly recommended.
If you spend long hours in a wheelchair you know it can lead to uneasiness and be very uncomfortable, which is true for anyone who is disabled. Keeping the body moving as much as possible in your wheelchair should be a regular part of your daily fitness program. This should be a priority no matter what your disability. Doing regular wheelchair exercise will help you increase your strength, flexibility, improve your mobility, strengthen your heart and lungs, and help you control your weight.
Your body should stay in movement and action. Burn your excess fat and calories. Mental stimulation and exercise can be incorporated to keep you mind sharp and sound. Challenge your mind to grow, expand, learn, explore, decipher, and experience. You can do meditations as well. It can reduce your stress and heart rate, keep you at present, and maximize your feelings of joy, serenity, spiritual faith, and peace to stay fit.
Researchers studied 370 member of a runners club for people aged 50 years and older, and 249 community members who did not belong to the running club. They were between 50 and 72 years of age at the start of the 13-year study. The runners had far lower death rates, which was expected, and far less disability, such as osteoarthritis, which is impressive.
Fitness Articles
- Fitness and Exercise Video Clips - Instructional video clips showing several exercise and fitness routines that can be performed by some people with a disability or health condition.
- The National Center on Physical Activity and Disability - NCPAD - The U.S. National Center on Physical Activity and Disability website provides a range of information on fitness and disability.
- BBC Health - Healthy Living Essentials - Facts on a range of emotional and physical health issues, including pregnancy and parenting, plus advice on health treatments and further support.
- Physical fitness comprises two related concepts: general fitness(a state of health and well-being), and specific fitness (a task-oriented definition based on the ability to perform specific aspects of sports or occupations). Physical fitness is generally achieved through correct nutrition, exercise, and rest.
- Health & Fitness - Fitness.com - Find all your health and fitness information from a large selection of exercises, fitness articles , and healthy recipes to choose from.
