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 activityMedications that increase appetiteParents may be over-permissive or over-restrictive

regarding food and exerciseParents 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 disabilitiesU.S. lifestyle—media messages telling us to increase

consumption of calorie dense foods, labor saving devices

Less of this…

More of this…

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

SchoolHome

Camp

Get FIT @ Gym

Get FIT @ Gym

Get FIT @ YMCA

Get FIT @ School

Get FIT @ Camp

Get FIT @ Camp

Get FIT @ Home

Get FIT @ Home

The Family Resource FOOD Network

Train-the-Trainer- Statewide

Where would you like to Get FIT?

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- Falcons Alan Faneca- Steelers

Get FIT Spotlight

12 week Get FIT @ Home program in Texas

Sarah lost 3 inches off her waist & 2 inches off her hips

Less frequency of seizuresIncreased self confidenceMade new friends

Discuss benefits and guidelines for exercise1. Appropriate clothing and shoes for

exercising2. The advantages of warm-ups and stretching3. The benefits of exercise/physical activity4. Appropriate breathing when exercising5. The advantages/benefits of cool-downs6. The advantages/benefits of a balanced diet

Strategies of Success

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

WWW.GETFITNJ.ORGWWW.FACEBOOK.COM/GETFITNJ

Adeola Sonaike asonaike@familyresourcenetwork.org

609-392-4900

For More Information