I Feel Grrrreat!

By Catherine Steele

Ahhhhh... To wake up with the sun shining, the birds singing, the summer breeze blowing, and you’re feeling great - you’re feeling healthy! Wouldn’t it be wonderful if every morning began like this?

Do you wonder how may people feel great? In particular, how many people with disabilities feel healthy? The question, "How healthy do you think you are?", was asked to 319 youth with disabilities, aged 11 to 16 years. The response: 37 per cent checked "very healthy." Terrific!

Now, what about adults with disabilities? When the same question was asked in a pilot study of adults who have disability, only 19 per cent reported "very healthy." Quite a drop!

Why would this drop happen? Well, there is no doubt that, as we become older, our health will change. It’s just the part of the aging process. Researchers have reported that adults with disabilities may age "faster" than the general population due to the extra or unusual wear and tear on their bodies. But the drop in feeling healthy may also be due to a change in attitude. The optimism of youth may lessen in adulthood. Or the drop may be because of any number of other reasons.

So, can adults with disabilities still feel "very healthy"? Let’s throw out some ideas: Try various recommendations suggested by Health Canada, such as following a proper diet, exercising, limiting alcohol consumption, and not smoking. Take prescribed medication as directed. Seek information on how to feel healthy from organizations dealing with disabilities, health care professionals and others. Chat with family and friends, help others, and enjoy music, a good book, flowers and nature, or a walk or wheel on a sunny day. Give
yourself a treat - go out to a movie, a play or a sport event.

In short, accept the disability, follow the "best" practices, and be happy with you!

(If you have any other ideas on feeling healthy, please call Catherine Steele at Bloorview MacMillan Centre in Toronto, (416) 424-3855 (or 1-800-363-2440), ext. 3642, or leave an e-mail message at csteele@bloorviewwmacmillan.on.ca.)