Healthy Living

As part of the Heathlands Project exercise and healthy lifestyles plays an important role.

There is a lot of evidence that the health benefits associated with physical activity, fitness and weight control can have a wider impact on well being for people with learning disabilities, including contributing to a reduction in the frequency of difficult behaviours (Gabler-Halle et al 1993) increasing acceptance by and integration into the wider community (Rimmer et al 1993) as well as the health benefits for the individual.

Physical activity has positive effects not only on weight management but also on long-term mobility, mood and, among other conditions, cardiovascular and coronary heart disease. People with a learning disability have high mortality rates from coronary heart disease.

NICE guidelines (2007) advise that adults should do at least 30 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity on 5 or more days per week, either in one session or in several shorter ones lasting 10 minutes or more.

It is the aim of Healthy lifestyles at Heathlands that some of the barriers to a healthy lifestyle for people with a Learning Disability these being financial limitations, transport, staffing, geographical locations, limited leisure facilities, options and choices could be partly addressed.

There are 3 goals to Heathlands exercise and leisure programme:

1. Introduce people with Learning Disabilities to physical exercise programmes.
2. Introduce ideas about healthy eating and safe food handling.
3. Promote a way for people with learning disabilities, their support staff, friends and family to think about health and fitness.

Programme:

• Each week short walks (15 – 20 mins) are offered at lunchtime.
• Thursday mornings exercise class at the local sports centre is available.
• Members are given help in sourcing exercise opportunities outside of work hrs, this will include collaborative working with family and / or support workers.
• Healthy eating and safe food handling offered as part of the weekly schedule.
• Qualifications offered through Open College Network (OCN), ASDAN, John Muir and Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme.

Home - Support Services - Employees - Services Users