Healthy living for mental well being
Healthy living is important for everyone but it may be particularly important and beneficial for children and adults with special needs. Living a healthy lifestyle helps to reduce the risk of developing serious physiological and mental health issues, increases life expectancy and enables individuals to live a more fulfilling life.
Diet
Diet is really important - eating healthily helps to keep body weight stable, reduces the risk of serious health issues such as diabetes, heart disease and strokes and provides the body with all the nutrients and vitamins it needs to function as effectively as possible. Some people with special needs may have health conditions, which weaken their immune systems and make them prone to developing illnesses and infections. Eating a healthy diet can help to boost the immune system and reduce the risk of an individual developing an illness.
If a child or adult has a long-term health condition, they will probably be given advice on what to eat and what not to eat from a nutritionist; they may not be able to eat certain foods. As a general guide, a healthy diet should include plenty of fruit and vegetables (at least 5 portions per day), wholegrain carbohydrates (including rice, cereals, bread and pasta) and protein; fat is also an essential part of the diet but it should be monitored very closely.
Exercise and fitness
Exercise has a range of different benefits for people of all ages; this includes people with special needs. Some people who have special needs will be able to carry out a range of physical activities without any problems, while others may struggle. For example, people with physical disabilities may struggle to get out and about to do exercise, but there are now many different types of sport and activity that are available for people with disabilities and facilities are much more accessible than they used to be. Exercise helps to strengthen the muscles, improve movement and flexibility in the joints, improves circulation and keeps body weight stable. It also helps to reduce stress, acts as a positive outlet for anger, frustration and other emotions (this can be very beneficial for people with behavioural disorders or mild mental health problems) and is an enjoyable way of integrating with other people.