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David pours skim milk into a blender, smiling as it covers the frozen strawberries inside. In a few moments, he will serve fruit smoothies to his housemates at YAI/NIPD’s Susan Labriola Residence in Queens.
David’s favorite snacks weren’t always so healthy. Like an estimated 66 percent of adults in the U.S., David spent much of his adult life on diets that never seemed to work. But thirteen years ago, he decided that he was ready for a long-term change. He was tired of carrying around extra weight, struggling to find clothes that fit properly and feeling self-conscious about his appearance.
Working with a YAI/NIPD nutritionist and staff at his residence, David transformed his lifestyle.
“I started eating healthy food,” David said, “Turkey burgers, vegetables, low fat food. I started walking to the library for exercise. I only ate cookies and cake once in a while.”
Over the next few years, David shed 85 lbs, a weight loss that he has maintained for the past five years by sticking to healthy eating habits and walking. According to David, making healthy choices is not always easy, but the results keep him motivated.
“It’s hard, but now I look good and I feel good, “said David. “It’s good for my heart, it’s easier to walk and find clothes I like.”
A National Issue
According to Catherine Conway, MS, RD, CDN, CDE, Chief of Nutritional Services at YAI/NIPD, people with developmental disabilities can be particularly susceptible to weight problems because of…
· limited mobility
· a more sedentary lifestyle
· medications
· advertisements for unhealthful food choices
Helping people with disabilities achieve a healthy weight needs to be a priority for agencies and family caregivers across the country.
“Obesity is a concern because it is a marker for increased risk of death and disability through stroke, heart disease, osteoarthritis, diabetes and certain cancers,” said Dr. Stephen Lowe, Senior Physician at Premier HealthCare’s Brooklyn practice. “Our goal is to decrease the risk through diet and cardio-fitness. We use a holistic team approach to focus on not only weight, but on overall emotional and physical health.”Paula, who resides in YAI/NIPD’s East 206th Street Residence in the Bronx and who has diabetes, has experienced the health benefits of weight loss firsthand over the past year. After eliminating sweets and fried food from her diet and beginning an exercise regiment which includes aerobics, Paula has lost 33 lbs.
“My diabetes is now under control,” said Paula. “My blood sugar is good, it makes me feel good and healthy.”
Helping People with Disabilities Develop Healthy Habits
Helping people with disabilities cultivate healthy habits
is a priority for the YAI/NIPD Network. In addition to working directly with the people we serve make healthier diet and exercise choices, YAI/NIPD’s Education and Training YAI/NIPD’s Education and Training Department is currently working with staff from YAI/NIPD’s Center for Specialty Therapy, Residential Services and Day Services departments to create curricula, games and tool kits to help our consumers learn independently or with staff about nutrition and health.
“The goal is to develop a series of user-friendly materials for people with different levels of ability and needs,” said Barbara Sealey, Assistant Director of YAI/NIPD’s Education and Training Department.
Whether the goal is to teach how to count calories or control diabetes, the materials are designed to help people with disabilities gradually move into healthy lifestyles.
“Rather than merely encouraging patients to lose weight, we are really trying to create a culture of healthy living all around them,” Dr. Lowe said.