By Jamey Helgeson

The Arc of Mower County

Obesity is one of the largest problems facing adults living in the United States.

Statistics show that one-third of Americans are considered obese. Thirty-six percent of individuals with disabilities are considered obese as compared to 23 percent of individuals without disabilities.

The best way to fight obesity is by eating healthy and staying active. Unfortunately, for individuals with disabilities there can be physical limitations as to what they can do in regards to physical activity. While most activities can be modified to fit the person’s individual fitness needs, this still puts a greater importance on the necessity to eat healthier. Poor nutrition, which can lead to obesity, can also be a catalyst for many other health related issues, like high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, and fatigue.

There are many reasons as to why individuals with disabilities may not eat as healthy as they should — lack of nutritional awareness, limited income, trouble cooking themselves, difficulty chewing or swallowing specific foods or sensitivity to certain tastes or foods. If a caregiver cooks meals for them, the individual may have limited input as to what types of foods are prepared. Ensuring that the individual has a say in their meal choices and making a few key changes can help tremendously when it comes to healthy eating.

A simple change such as drinking more water instead of sugary beverages throughout the day will help keep you hydrated, feeling fuller with no calories, and generally doesn’t cost a thing.

Teaching individuals with disabilities how to save money while at the grocery store will help them pocket some extra cash for other activities or allow them to buy more food. Simple tips such as using coupons, buying store brand or generic brand versus name brand items, looking for daily specials, and paying attention to expiration dates will help stretch those food dollars. Fresh fruits that are in season usually won’t go bad as quickly and are more cost efficient. Instead of buying yellow bananas that are already ripe (and can go bad quickly) try buying them when they are a little green so that they will last longer. Once bananas ripen, freeze them to make banana bread. Individuals with disabilities who also have mobility issues might have trouble cutting up foods such as vegetables and fruits.

Specially adapted utensils can make this process easier and safer. You can also try purchasing frozen or canned fruits and veggies instead. Choose fruit that is canned in 100 percent fruit juice and vegetables that have “no salt or sodium added” for best options. They will last longer, are already cut up and are usually a little cheaper.  Nutritionists have also shown that there is little difference between the nutrients you receive from fresh and frozen veggies, so go ahead and grab the frozen ones. Large supermarkets and buying in bulk will usually have cheaper prices as opposed to local or specialty shops too.

The Arc’s HealthMeet page contains resources and webinars regarding more healthy eating tips and links for further information.

Jamey Helgeson is the Program Director at The Arc Mower County and can be reached at jamey@thearcmc.org or by calling 507-433-8994, Extension 102.  You can also visit our website (www.thearcmc.org) and follow us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/thearcmc).

Upcoming Events

Thursday: Mower County Special Olympics Bocce and Softball begins at Todd Park South

May 13: 62 annual Meeting of The Arc Mower County, 6 to 8 p.m. at The Arc

June 7: Self-Advocates Minnesota Conference in Winona. Contact The Arc for Registration Information

June 9: Unified Kickball begins and will run for five weeks at Todd Park South. Free and open to the public, but registration is required.