Looking At Metabolism in Children with Down Syndrome

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