Eating a healthy and balanced diet is something that we all should strive to do, however it is essential for people with disabilities. Developing healthy eating habits increases energy, helps maintain a healthy weight and ensures a healthier future.
A combination of physical activity and a healthy diet can reduce the risk of many chronic conditions. Inactivity combined with poor nutrition can lead to problems such as osteoporosis, obesity, heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, and high blood cholesterol.
The USDA recently revised the food pyramid. The USDA Website has useful information, including a personal assessment that will tell you how much food you should be eating from each food group and an assessment of how much physical activity you should get each day.
There are organizations that are happy to provide you with free nutritional information such as the American Diabetes Association and the American Heart Association. Often non-profit organizations will offer classes at no cost or for a small fee. The Virginia Independent Living Centers (ILC) offer many services and are a good resource for what is available in your local community. The Richmond ILC, Resources for Independent Living, Inc., who is an active partner on the HPPD Task Force, recently worked with the Virginia Cooperative Extension to provide a nutrition education session at their satellite office in Petersburg.
Health Promotion for People with Disabilities
109 Governor St, DCDPC 10th Floor, Richmond, VA 23219
Phone: (804) 864-7891 Fax Phone: (804) 864-7880
