September is Healthy Aging Month

September is Healthy Aging Month, which encourages people to be healthy and age gracefully.  Healthy aging refers to the continuous process of making lifestyle improvements that keep a person physically and mentally, throughout life. Healthy Aging Month was started to encourage people to focus on their health and take precautions to help them face the challenges that come with aging.   According to the National Institutes of Health, many factors influence healthy aging. Some of these, such as genetics, are not in our control. Others — like exercise, a healthy diet, going to the doctor regularly, and taking care of our mental health — are within our reach.

The Mayo Clinic suggests eating a variety of nutritious foods, practicing portion control, and including physical activity in your daily routine can go a long way toward promoting healthy aging.  Dietary guidelines suggest an eating pattern with lots of fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, healthy fats, and lean proteins.  Much of the research shows that the Mediterranean-style eating pattern, which includes fresh produce, whole grains, and healthy fats, but less dairy and more fish than a traditional American diet, may have a positive impact on health.

Bio Ability has something for all ages.  Ask about our Adaptive Lifestyle Program or Adaptive Fitness for adults.

September is Childhood Obesity Month

Sponsored by the CDC’s Division of Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Obesity, this observance provides an opportunity to learn more about this major public health problem. Obesity rates for adults and children with disabilities are significantly higher than for those without disabilities, with differences remaining even when controlling for other factors. Reasons for this disparity include lack of healthy food options for many people with disabilities living in restrictive environments, difficulty with chewing or swallowing food, medication use contributing to changes in appetite, physical limitations that can reduce a person’s ability to exercise, constant pain, energy imbalance, lack of accessible environments in which to exercise or fully participate in other activities, and resource scarcity among many segments of the disability population. Evidence shows that regular physical activity and good nutrition provide important health benefits for people with disabilities. Benefits include improved cardiovascular and muscle fitness, enhanced mental health, and a better ability to perform tasks of daily life.

Bio Ability is here to help!  Our mission is to provide accessible, affordable, and inclusive rehabilitation, fitness, athletic, and recreation programming for children and adults with physical and/or intellectual disabilities in a positive and empowering environment, while focusing on their abilities, not their disabilities.  The current plan is to offer small group and one-on-one services in adaptive fitness and sport training, including adaptive Gymnastics.  We plan to service individuals of a variety of abilities and ages.  We want to improve access to these services in our local communities.  We can supplement services provided in schools and fill a gap for those who age out of services and benefits.  Please contact us through our website or by telephone at 470.560.3981 to let us know your needs and interests and how we can assist you.

What’s happening?

Bio Ability Update

We will continue to update the facility and expand our equipment and offerings throughout the year.   We will also schedule an Open House or Open Gym sometime soon.

Adaptive Fitness and Adaptive Lifestyle Programs

Adaptive Fitness is  a type of personal training that is adapted to the needs of individuals with both temporary and permanent disabilities.  It can be used for weight management, stress management, and healthier lifestyle choices.  We include adaptive fitness in our adaptive lifestyle programs that also provide health coaching focusing on lifestyle changes to improve some health conditions such as blood pressure, cholesterol, type 2 diabetes as well as overall health.  Adaptive Lifestyle programs are provided one on one.  Adaptive Fitness can be one on one or in a small group.

Fall Offerings

September Services Available

Adaptive Sport and Fitness classes are beginning Tuesday, September 6.  Please contact Bio Ability at 470.560.3981 to inquire or register for a class.

Adaptive gymnastics continues to be available one-on-one as needed. Other Adaptive Sport classes will be scheduled based on the interests of students.  Adaptive Fitness classes will be available for adults and children.   Autism Fitness will be available one-on-one or in a small group setting.  based on the individual needs and abilities of the students.

Please go here to complete the survey Interest Survey – BIO Ability (bio-ability.com)

Exercise of the Month: Seated Stretches for Older Adults

Overhead Side Stretch:  Sit in a sturdy chair with your feet flat on the ground in front of you.  Hold on the chair with your right hand.  Put your left hand over your head.  Lean to your right to feel a stretch on your left side.  Repeat on the other side.

Shoulder Stretch:  Sit in a sturdy chair with your feet flat on the ground in front of you.  Hold your right hand out in front of you.  Take your left hand and grab your right arm just above your elbow.  Bend your right elbow.  Pull your right arm to the left across your chest.  Feel the stretch in your right shoulder.  Repeat on the other side.

Tricep Stretch:  Sit in a sturdy chair with your feet flat on the ground in front of you.  Reach your right hand up to the ceiling.  Bend your right elbow and place your right hand on your upper back.  Take your left hand and grab your right elbow and pull towards your back.  Deel the stretch in the back of your right upper arm.  Repeat on the other side.

Hamstring Stretch:  Sit in a sturdy chair with your feet flat on the ground in front of you.  Straighten your right leg out in front of you with your heel on the ground and your toes pulled up toward you.  Place your hands above your right knee and with a straight back, lean into your right leg.  Feel the stretch in the back of your upper right leg.  Repeat on the other side.

Calf Stretch: (For this stretch you will need a bath towel, yoga strap or belt.)  Sit in a sturdy chair with your feet flat on the ground in front of you.  Straighten your right leg out in front of you with your heel on the ground and your toes pulled up toward you.    Place the towel, strap or belt around the ball of your foot holding each end with your hands.  Sit back and gently pull the top of your foot towards you.  DO this first with a straight leg and also then with a slightly bent knee to stretch two different calf muscles.  Repeat on the other side.

Recipe of the Month: Slow-Cooker Chicken Tacos Recipe (eatright.org)

Ingredients

• Ingredients:
  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 3 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs (about 12 thighs)
  • 1 ½ tablespoons canola oil, divided
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 2 stalks celery, chopped
  • 1 large carrot, peeled and chopped
  • 1 medium jalapeño, sliced into thin rings (optional)
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 ½ cups salsa verde (green tomatillo salsa), divided
  • ½ cup fat-free, reduced-sodium chicken broth
  • 24 (6-inch) corn tortillas
  • ½ cup crumbled queso fresco cheese
  • ¼ cup fresh cilantro leaves
  • 2 limes, cut into wedges (optional)

Directions

• In a small bowl, combine cumin, salt and pepper. Rub mixture evenly over chicken thighs. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add half of chicken; cook 3 minutes per side or until browned. Transfer to a 5-or 6-quart slow cooker. Repeat procedure with remaining chicken.
• Heat remaining ½ tablespoon oil in pan over medium heat. Add onion, celery, carrot, jalapeño and garlic; cook, stirring frequently, 5 to 7 minutes or until vegetables are tender and begin to brown. Transfer to slow cooker. Add 2 cups salsa and broth. Cover and cook on low 4 to 6 hours or until chicken shreds easily with a fork.
• Remove chicken to a large bowl using a slotted spoon; shred with 2 forks.
• Warm tortillas according to package instructions. Fill each tortilla with about ¼ cup chicken mixture, 1 teaspoon cheese, 1 teaspoon salsa and ½ teaspoon cilantro. Serve with lime wedges if desired.

Nutrition Information

Serving size: 2 tacos
Serves 6

Calories: 340; Total Fat: 14g; Saturated Fat: 3g; Trans Fat: 0g; Cholesterol: 80mg; Sodium: 620mg; Total Carbohydrate: 30g; Dietary Fiber: 4g; Sugars: 7g; Protein: 24g