- The ARC - California Edition -

Keeping Healthy Through Physical Fitness

How do the Fitness Levels of Persons with Mental Retardation Compare to the General Population?
· Research has shown that persons with mental retardation are less fit than the general population.
· Most people with mental retardation do not get enough exercise to become physically fit.

Are People with Mental Retardation Heavier than the General Population?
· Yes. Whereas, one-third of all Americans are overweight, close to one-half of all people with mental retardation are overweight.

Dr. Rimmer’s Top 10 Tips to a Healthier Diet
· Cut down or eliminate red meat in your diet
· Increase the consumption of GOOD olive oil
· Increase the consumption of leafy green vegetables (especially spinach)
· Increase the consumption of tofu and walnuts
· Consume four oranges a day (juice machines work great)
· Increase the consumption of tea
· Take 1,500 mg/day of Calcium
· Take 1,000 mg/day of Vitamin C
· Take 100-200 I.U.’s of Vitamin E
· Take an aspirin a day
· Eat salmon or tuna at least two times a week
· Drink red wine

(Adapted from a presentation made at the 1996 Arc—U.S. convention by Dr. James H. Rimmer, Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, Illinois.)