| Research suggests children with Down syndrome | | | | decreased blood pressure, a sense of well-being , |
| have a lowered Basal Metabolic Rate, which is the | | | | better sleep, and an increase in metabolism. |
| rate a person burns calories for fuel when completely | | | | Ideas for adding aerobic activity: |
| at rest - or sleeping. This means that children with | | | | - Park farther away from where you are going |
| Down syndrome use less energy when they are | | | | - Take the stairs instead of the elevator. My son and |
| resting or sleeping. | | | | I are often seen taking the stairs up and the elevator |
| Let's look at an example. If you child is with a | | | | down -- many times. |
| "normal" peer and eats the same amount of food | | | | - Walk or bike to activities that are in your |
| and does the same activities, he will burn up to 15% | | | | community. |
| fewer calories than his buddy. This means that his | | | | - When you go to the park, play "tag" for 10 minutes |
| body has calories left over. Even 50 calories extra a | | | | with the kids. Don't catch them, just chase them |
| day, a simple apple, will add up to 5 pounds a year. | | | | around. Parents think of swinging and climbing the |
| Take that over 5 years and you have an extra 25 | | | | play structure as being active. It's not aerobic |
| pounds. | | | | activity, except when running between structures. |
| There are three ways to adapt for this difference in | | | | It is important that the person with Down syndrome |
| metabolism: | | | | makes the choice of activity and is involved in setting |
| - Increase activity | | | | the goals. The important part is to keep moving and |
| - Limit calories | | | | have fun! |
| - Increase activity and limit calories. | | | | By Jane Orville |
| Beginning with a focus on physical activity has many | | | | Jane Orville is the mother of a 17 year old Daughter |
| more positives. A person can choose from a variety | | | | with Down Syndrome and has spent years |
| of aerobic activities that are enjoyable. Additionally, | | | | researching and compiling all the wisdom she has |
| regular aerobic activity has many health benefits: | | | | gained into a simple guide to assist parents deal with |
| increased muscle tone, decreased resting heart rate, | | | | the concerns of raising a child with Down Syndrome. |