April 2006

Editor's Message

By Rogena Schuyler Silverman

Living Larger

While the popular media portray Americans as a lively, physically fit culture enjoying active and health-conscious lifestyles, the shocking truth is that more than two thirds of us are overweight or obese. More sedentary than we would care to admit, we spend hours working frenzied schedules, sitting at the computer, watching TV, and following erratic eating habits.

A 2005 report filed by Surgeon General David Satcher, MD, states that, since 1980, the number of obese adults has doubled, as have obesity-related conditions and illnesses. According to Satcher, these statistics indicate that health problems resulting from excessive weight and obesity could reverse many of the health gains achieved in this country in recent decades. "Overweight and obesity may soon cause as much preventable disease and death as cigarette smoking," he says. Among the negative physical ramifications of obesity are diabetes, heart conditions, high blood pressure, and musculoskeletal problems, which affect adults, children, the elderly, and people with disabilities. Unfortunately, there are no quick fixes to this problem; physical activity and diet are the only proven ways to overcome this trend.

Federal agencies have launched awareness programs designed to educate Americans on the benefits of proper diet and exercise. Health care practitioners at state and local levels are also instrumental in helping provide the public with information on the importance of maintaining a well-nourished and fit body, thus emphasizing that physical well-being is within everyone's reach.

Specialists at the American College of Sports Medicine conclude that an active lifestyle and regular exercise can help in managing weight, as well as lower the risk of developing heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and osteoporosis.

Those with physical disabilities can be particularly vulnerable to the effects of obesity, and face special challenges when planning their diet and exercise strategies. That is where your expertise comes into play. Special fitness programs must be designed for individuals who are wheelchair bound, or cope with spinal cord injury, diabetes, amputation, stroke, and other physical challenges. For example, low-impact programs (such as those involving aquatics, Pilates, and stationary bicycles) are best for elderly individuals, or people with musculoskeletal disorders.

By addressing the problems related to obesity, rehabilitation specialists can make a real difference in the lives of disabled and postoperative individuals through building special exercise programs to restore mobility. There is also a genuine opportunity to expand business, while helping this population that is particularly vulnerable to the disorders associated with obesity and dietary habits. For example, by offering nutritional counseling and even self-pay exercise and fitness classes, both client and therapist can benefit on multiple levels—long after the insurance stops paying.

In a brief note, we at Rehab Management would like to announce the launch of our Expert Insight column, found on our Web site on our home page. This interactive forum offers an opportunity for readers to get the answers they need from leading specialists in the field of physical rehabilitation.

LOOKING FOR EXPERT ADVICE? Experts here are available to answer all your questions! Please contact us for more information about this feature, or to become an expert.

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