Special Olympics, 2003
People living with disabilities are more likely to acquire secondary conditions, but by adopting healthy lifestyles that include balanced nutrition, regular physical activity, and avoidance of tobacco products, they can greatly minimize that likelihood.
Secondary Conditions are health issues that occur as a result of another health condition. An example of a secondary condition would be developing heart problems as a result of having high blood pressure over an extended period of time. People who live with disabilities are prone to developing secondary conditions if they let their disability limit them from leading a full and healthy life. People with disabilities need to make opportunities for themselves to participate in a variety of activities. Many organizations sponsor accessible social, recreational and physical activities in Virginia.
Many disability-related non-profit organizations sponsor activities that are open to anyone, not only people with the disability that they traditionally serve. The Central Virginia Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society for the last two years has sponsored a wellness fair after the MS Walk and anyone who wants to attend one or both is more than welcome. The Special Olympics Virginia is open to anyone with an intellectual disability that would like to participate in their events. Many of the organizations on our Links page offer a variety of activities.
Access to quality health care will also assist in preventing secondary conditions. If a person with a disability maintains their health by controlling their weight, keeping regular doctor and dental appointments, and having yearly preventative health screenings, they have the opportunity to live healthy lives just as a person without a disability. Problems arise when there are a variety of barriers that do not allow them to maintain their health. Many people with disabilities fall into the low income or poverty level; are uninsured or underinsured for medical coverage, and do not have dental insurance. If a person with a disability is fortunate enough to have medical insurance, they often have trouble finding a health care facility that is fully accessible. Many health care providers do not have tables, chairs (dental), or screening equipment to accommodate a person with a disability, such as someone who uses a wheelchair. Not having reliable and accessible transportation is another problem that hinders people with disabilities from receiving quality health care.
Health Promotion for People with Disabilities
109 Governor St, DCDPC 10th Floor, Richmond, VA 23219
Phone: (804) 864-7891 Fax Phone: (804) 864-7880
