Dear Readers:
February is already here!
Since we  are already thinking about Valentines, it seems appropriate that
the PELINKS4U theme for the month is "Healthy Hearts!"
That said, we would like to present several brief articles aimed at
helping us keep the heart and body healthy, especially for people with
disabilities.
Our first article on 'Peripheral Vascular Disease and Exercise
Therapy' takes a look at the effectiveness of exercise programs for people
with atherosclerosis so severe that their legs hurt, due to lack of adequate
blood supply while walking. This program shows teachers and clinicians how
to exercise these people without pain, starting slow, and gradually working
up to speeds and distances that heretofore seemed impossible. This condition
affects 20% of the elderly and people of all ages (including school aged
children) with un-controlled diabetes.
Next, we take a look at how folks of
all ages can stay active, despite having to cope with visual impairments.
We also present a brief article on the importance of exercise for
people with cystic fibrosis. Next, we take a look at methods to prevent
injuries in athletes with disabilities, so that they can enjoy a long and
healthy life of activity. We will also present a list of wonderful
websites that offer FREE resources to parents and teachers of children with
disabilities; this was provided by the Developmental Disabilities Council of
the State of Minnesota.
Then, we'd like to remind our readers of the new
website for the National Consortium for Physical Education and Recreation
for Individuals with Disabilities (NCPERID). This webpage links to a
plethora of invaluable websites. Finally, we'd like to offer a new
printable flier as our APENS/CAPE update for this issue. Everyone have a
safe and active February!
Chris
Stopka
Adapted Section Editor
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Peripheral Arterial Disease
&
Exercise Therapy
By: StacyAnn Hough, Coleen Martinez, & Christine Stopka
“Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a condition similar to coronary artery disease and carotid artery disease,” but occurs in arteries distal to the heart (Peripheral Vascular Disease, 2005). PAD is a chronic condition that results from a plaque build up in the inner linings of the artery walls. These blockages restrict blood circulation to the legs, abdomen, pelvis, arms, or neck (Peripheral Arterial Disease of the Legs, 2005). The plaque deposits are made up of excess cholesterol, calcium, and other substances in the bloodstream that, over time, accumulates along the inner walls of the arteries (Peripheral Arterial Disease of the Legs, 2005).
The plaque decreases the space through which oxygen and nutrient-rich blood can flow (Peripheral Arterial Disease of the Legs, 2005). “This process of plaque buildup is called atherosclerosis, or "hardening of the arteries" which usually occurs at the same time throughout the body, in the leg arteries, coronary arteries, and carotid arteries” (Peripheral Arterial Disease of the Legs, 2005).
“In many people, atherosclerosis gradually develops over a lifetime, although symptoms typically do not occur until after age 65” (Peripheral Arterial Disease of the Legs, 2005). Read the rest of this article, and download a printable copy. |
| Keeping Active with Visual Impairment:
By: Suzanne Sneed
The crowd cheers loudly as the Falcons come to bat. It is the bottom of the final inning and the score is tied 12-12. Jonathan has been practicing for this, their first home game, for weeks. His stance, the perfect batter’s pose, signifies his skill in the sport. The beeping grows louder and louder until the bat makes contact with the ball. At that moment the beeping becomes more faint as someone from the stands yells, “Run!” Jonathan runs toward a caller on first base and is instructed to keep running. The caller on third instructs him to run home. As his foot touches home plate, the crowd goes wild! He did it! Jonathan scored a home run and led the Falcons to victory.
He never thought he would feel this exhilaration ever again. You see, Jonathan lost his sight due to a traumatic head injury three years ago. He may have lost the ability to see, but his love for baseball burns within him. He thought his baseball days were over until his coach introduced him to a modified form of baseball. 'Beep' baseball. His life may have been altered when he became visually impaired, but it certainly was not over.
Read the rest of this article, and download a printable copy. |
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I have been teaching for twelve years now. I started out as a special education teacher and am now teaching physical education. I have been asked by our new special education director to locate any information relating to adapted physical education curriculum. Does anyone have any idea where I could find sample curriculums? Thanks for your help. Please post
in the forum.
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Cystic Fibrosis and the Importance of Exercise
By: Kyndall Walker
INTRODUCTION: What are the chances that an individual with cystic fibrosis can complete a marathon? Surprisingly to many, it is highly likely. There are many people with cystic fibrosis that have completed marathons, which is over 26 miles. One individual finished his first marathon in three hours and 51 minutes, which is an impressive time for any first time marathoner (2). This reality proves that having cystic fibrosis should not limit an individual from any physical activity they choose to accomplish.
CYSTIC FIBROSIS:
Cystic fibrosis is a chronic, progressive genetic disease of the exocrine system. It is characterized by defective delivery of digestive enzymes, predominantly the pancreatic enzymes from the alpha cells of the pancreas. It also affects the glands that produce sweat, saliva, and mucus. Cystic fibrosis causes the body to produce abnormally thick, sticky mucus, which accumulates in the intestines and the lungs (7). In the respiratory system, the abnormal mucus blocks airways and can lead to constant lung infections (5).
Read the rest of this article, and download a printable copy. |
| Athletes with Disabilities:
Capabilities, Risks, and Prevention of Injuries.
By: Lindsey Hartman
Physical activity and physical fitness are very important aspects of every day living. Physical activity can be defined as “any bodily movement produced by skeletal muscles,” while physical fitness is defined as, “the ability to perform physical activity” (Downs, 2005, pp.1).
While exercise is important for all people, it is especially important for people with different kinds of disabilities. Each individual’s capabilities must be determined before participating. There are certain risks involved in regard to injury and sport. It is particularly important for individual’s with disabilities to realize the risks that are involved, and take every measure to prevent injuries.
While some strenuous, high intensity sports and exercises maybe contraindicated for certain types of disabilities, exercise in general should be prescribed for every person. Not only does physical activity keep one’s cardiovascular system fit, but it can also proves to be great therapy.
Read the rest of this article, and download a printable copy. |
Contributed by Colleen Wieck
Executive Director
Minnesota Governor's Council on Developmental Disabilities
We are pleased to offer these free resources to help increase independence, productivity, self determination, integration and inclusion for people with developmental disabilities and their families.
"Partners in Education," is a six-hour, self-directed e-learning course to help parents with children with developmental disabilities better understand and maximize the benefits of special education services and inclusion for their children.
"Making Your Case" is a three-hour, self-directed course on how to communicate with public officials by effectively telling your personal story, writing a letter, providing testimony, and communicating in positive ways. Go to Making Your Case to review the course.
"Partners in Employment" is a six-hour, self-directed course created to give users the practical skills needed to find real, competitive employment in their own community. Participants will receive helpful information on how to find a job, write a resume, participate in an interview, and planning for your career. Go to Partners in Employment to get started.
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| If you have ideas, comments,
letters to share, or questions about particular topics, please email
one of the following Adapted PE Section Editors: |
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| The National Consortium for Physical Education and Recreation for Individuals with Disabilities (NCPERID) has a new web site! Readers are welcome to link to the site to learn more about his Advocacy organization, founded to help and support those involved in the field of adapted physical activity.
New printable APENS/CAPE flier. Also visit their web site.
Circulation: Peripheral Arterial Disease: This is a very informative article on the disease. Also included are treatment option. Either view the website, or download the article in PDF form.
Bandaids & Blackboards - This is a site about growing up with medical problems. Its goal is to help people understand what it's like, from the perspective of the children and teens who are doing just that. These kids have become experts at coping with problems that most of you have never heard of. They'd like you to know how they do it, and they hope that you'll be glad you came to visit. - source: Bandaids |
Preventing Heart and Vascular Disease - Heart disease is the #1 killer in the U.S. Some risk factors, such as your family history, are beyond your control. But there are many risk factors you can control, including high blood pressure, tobacco use, diabetes, high blood cholesterol, obesity and physical inactivity. It's also important to know the warning signs of heart attack so you can recognize them and act quickly. For more help with preventing heart and vascular disease and adopting a healthier lifestyle, visit the American Heart Association. - source: site
Peripheral Vascular Disease: An Overview - a very thorough questions and answers page on this disease. Also see information on causes of various kinds of Abnormal Heart Rhythm.
Heart Failure - What is heart failure?
Heart failure, also called congestive heart failure or CHF, occurs when the heart's pumping action fails to work properly. The term 'heart failure' simply means that the heart is not pumping blood as well as it should. Heart failure does not mean imminent loss of life, that your heart has stopped, or even that you are having a heart attack. The heart either cannot fill with enough blood or cannot pump enough blood out. (See How the Heart Works.) Read the rest...
Lifestyle: Food and Exercise.
Six Simple Steps to a Healthy Heart. By incorporating these simple steps into your life, you can reduce your risk for both heart disease and stroke.
Cholesterol - Read some very interesting information on the role of cholesterol in our bodies. Read also how diet cab lower cholesterol and risk of heart disease.
Prevention Works: CDC Strategies for a Heart-Healthy and Stroke-Free America provides a snapshot of heart diseases and stroke prevention at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It also provides information on the health and economic costs of chronic diseases to our nation and outlines CDC’s prevention strategies. |
Exercise-Induced Asthma - Exercise-induced asthma or EIA is a common ailment that affects many of the over 17 million individuals who have asthma as well as those with no clinical evidence of asthma. Both adults and children can be affected resulting in various degrees of reduced exercise tolerance. The good news is that exercise-induced asthma is treatable.
Cystic Fibrosis and Exercise - As a child, or a parent of a child with cystic fibrosis, you may not be fully aware of the potential locked within a person with CF. Children with cystic fibrosis are living longer, more active lives, and are participating in activities that were once considered detrimental to their health. Exercise is a good example of one of these activities.
On Autism And Exercise By Daniel Hawthorne
Read how this person strongly feels that aerobic exercise of any kind played a valuable role in his being able to function on a relatively high level as an autistic child. Read also 'Physical Exercise And Autism' by Stephen Edelson: Several research studies have shown that vigorous or strenuous exercise is often associated with decreases in stereotypic (self-stimulatory) behaviors, hyperactivity, aggression, self-injury, and destructiveness.
Treadmills Help Babies With Down Syndrome - Babies with Down Syndrome can learn to walk earlier and better through regular exercise on a slow treadmill, according to research headed by the director of the Center for Motor Behavior in Down Syndrome at the University of Michigan Division of Kinesiology.
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