Transforming lives through sport

Wheelpower.org.uk have just launched a new survey called ‘Talk About Taking Part’ to discover what can be done to improve the lives of more wheelchair users and to help them to lead healthy, active and fulfilled lives.

The survey is aimed at those who use wheelchairs in everyday life of those who would use one for sport.  They are keen to hear from people who already take part in sport, as well as people who don’t yet take part in any sporting activities.  By taking part in this survey, you will have a chance to win a £100 voucher. Their website will also show you how you can get involved in sporting activities.

Another great website is Deloitte Parasport which is designed to help you find sports clubs and activities!

Eating healthily, and the right amount, can help you to really feel your best, and prevent you from getting some diseases.  But with the amount of sugar, salt and fats being in foods being very prevalent in the news at the moment (i.e. up to 25 spoons of sugar in pre-made coffees from high street coffee shops!), how easy is it to actually eat healthily?

According to ‘Action on Sugar’ here are a few tips about cutting down on sugar in our diets:

• Instead of adding sugar to cereal, try adding fresh fruit (bananas, strawberries & raspberries are great) or dried fruits (raisins, cranberries or apricots)
• Similarly buy natural yoghurt and add your own fruit rather than buying sweetened/fruit yoghurts
• When baking cookies, brownies or cakes, cut the sugar in your recipe by 1/3. Often you won’t notice the difference
• Enhance foods with spices instead of sugar; try ginger, allspice, cinnamon or nutmeg

When looking at food labels, look for foods that have less than 5.0g out of 100g. Foods high in sugar have more than 22.5g out of 100g OR more than 27.0g of sugar per portion. Remember that soft drinks are a very high source of sugar intake with no nutritional value!

Dance has become the UK’s fastest growing pastime! Over 4.8 million people now regularly attend dance classes and community dance groups each year in England alone.  The benefits are obvious.  You will improve your posture and muscle strength, keep your bones strong, increase balance and co-ordination and beat stress.  You will also have fun and undoubtedly meet new people.

You can search for dance classes in your region using the Dance UK/Wheelchair Dance Sport Association (WDSA) website.  All types of classes are available and for all levels of interest and fitness.

The benefits of pet ownership are becoming more and more recognised.  Evidence suggests that the holistic health benefits people gain from animals include social, mental, physical, psychological and emotional health.

“Pets have also been known to play a role in healing people – they reduce our blood pressure, they can detect diseases and conditions, they can reach autistic children and the withdrawn elderly in all ways that seem miraculous” Dr Marty Becker

The use of pets in medical settings has been shown to date back more than 150 years.  Even Florence Nightingale recognised that animals can provide a level of support to ill people.  Studies have more recently shown that interacting with animals can increase people’s levels of the hormone ‘oxytocin’.  This hormone has some powerful effects on our body’s ability to heal.  Horses have also been used as ‘therapists’ for people with disabilities.  Riding can benefit people physically, and build up their core strength, body awareness and muscle memory.

Note: Please remember that pet ownership is a great responsibility that should only be taken on after extensive consideration and commitment.

Most people have heard of PMA (positive mental attitude), but have you ever stopped to think about the actual health benefits of positive thinking and optimism?

People who are optimistic are usually more successful in achieving their goals and will have better mental and physical health, according to a study by the University of Kentucky.  It also concluded that those who displayed optimistic thinking were more likely to be able to fight off illness.

Other studies have conducted research into whether or not remaining optimistic during stressful times is easier on your body and mind, however it doesn’t of course make you immune to setbacks!

Finally, a study in Canada has concluded that: by maintaining an optimistic outlook on life, not only will you live longer, but you will also slow the signs of aging.  That seems like a good reason to stay positive!