Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy Awareness Day is September 7

Duchenne muscular dystrophy is a rare, genetic condition that is characterized by progressive muscle damage and weakness. Sometimes shortened to DMD or Duchenne, this rare disease is caused by a genetic mutation that prevents the body from producing a protein called dystrophin. Dystrophin acts like a shock absorber when muscles contract. Without dystrophin, muscles become more and more damaged and weakened. They may also lose the ability to repair themselves after an injury. Over time, children with Duchenne will develop problems walking and breathing, and eventually, the heart and the muscles that help them breathe will stop working. Duchenne is an irreversible, progressive disease. While there have been many advancements in the management of Duchenne, there is no cure at present.

Duchenne primarily affects males, with 1 in 3,500 to 5,000 boys born worldwide having Duchenne. In rare cases, it can also affect females. While there is currently no cure for Duchenne, researchers are focused on numerous ways to treat it. Some address the cause of Duchenne and aim to slow the progression of the disease, while others can help you manage it.

As Duchenne muscular dystrophy advances, the body’s muscles become weaker and increasingly prone to spasms, cramping, and a loss of control and stability. Individuals with Duchenne may become fatigued easily and gradually begin to have trouble walking. Weakness in the core muscles of the torso can result in scoliosis (curvature of the spine), which may further contribute to mobility challenges. Regular movement keeps joints working properly and helps to maintain muscle strength. This is true whether the person with Duchenne can move independently or with the help of adaptive technology in the form of mobility aids.

Bio Ability can provide fun opportunities to stay active, keep the joints moving and help maintain muscle strength. We will also coordinate with your child’s therapists upon request to work on recommended exercises to support therapy goals. We can work one on one, or in small groups with your child.  Contact us for more information.

International Week of the Deaf

Every year, the last full week of September marks a significant event in the global calendar: International Week of the Deaf (IWD). This week-long celebration, organized by the World Federation of the Deaf (WFD), aims to raise awareness about the rights and contributions of deaf individuals worldwide.

International Week of the Deaf is more than just a celebration; it is a powerful reminder of the importance of inclusivity and accessibility. It provides an opportunity to highlight the unique challenges faced by the deaf community and to advocate for equal opportunities in all aspects of life, including education, employment, and social participation.

Each year, IWD is centered around a specific theme that addresses current issues and promotes positive change. Activities during the week include educational workshops, cultural events, and public awareness campaigns. These activities are designed to foster a better understanding of deaf culture and to promote the use of sign language.

International Week of the Deaf is a time to celebrate the achievements of the deaf community and to commit to ongoing efforts towards inclusivity and equality. Let’s embrace this opportunity to learn, support, and celebrate together!

Here is a free online resource to start learning American Sign Language (ASL).  Free Sign Language | Start ASL

What’s happening?

Announcing Adaptive Fitness for Teens and Young Adults

The Bio Ability Adaptive Fitness Program tailors exercise to meet the unique needs of people with physical, sensory, or cognitive disabilities. We create fun opportunities for everyone to enjoy the benefits of physical activity, regardless of their challenges. Adaptive Fitness offers a great opportunity for teens and young adults to stay active and healthy! We have a class specifically designed for this age group on Saturday mornings at 11 AM. These classes focus on functional fitness exercises that help improve strength, coordination, and overall fitness in a supportive and inclusive environment. Adaptive Fitness offers a great opportunity for teens and young adults to stay active and healthy!

Bio Ability’s Physio Support Program is designed to support physical therapists with teen and adult clients by assisting participants with home programs as well as supporting therapists with working on patient goals so that they can get the most from their limited time in physical therapy. If you or someone you love are in physical therapy but feel you need support with your home program, contact us to learn more about this program and if it is right for you.

Monthly Class Schedule

Our back-to-school schedule started in August. We offer a combination of one on one, small groups and classes. Formats are adaptive gymnastics, ninja, and fitness classes for all ages.  We also offer one on one and sibling appointments. It is best to call but you can also check out our current schedule online at BIO Gymnastics Classes | Customer Portal | Customer Portal (iclasspro.com)

Neuro Support, Physio Support and Functional Fitness for Seniors are provided by appointment only.  All begin with a specialized fitness assessment appropriate for the participant.  Each program may require a medical clearance.  This will be determined through our pre-participation screening process.  Physio Support Program will require a referral from your PT/OT to determine what will best support your therapy goals.  Please contact Dawn for information or to schedule an appointment at dawn.koch@bio-ability.com.

It is always best to find current class availability online at BIO Ability Classes. Some classes may be wait list only.

Exercise of the Month:  Autism Fitness

For autistic kids studies show that vigorous activity for more than 20 minutes can help decrease stereotypical behaviors, hyperactivity, and aggression. Full-body exercises are best for autistic kids to increase coordination, strength, endurance, and body awareness. Here are three exercises to try.

Arm Circles

• Stand in an upright position with your arms extended out to each side, parallel to the ground.
• Rotate the arms in a simultaneous clockwise or counterclockwise fashion.
• Start with small circles and slowly work your way into larger circles.
• Continue until the shoulders start to loosen up and blood flow increases.
• Repeat the process in the opposite direction.

Star Jumps

• Begin in a relaxed stance with your feet shoulder width apart and hold your arms close to the body.
• To initiate the move, squat down halfway and explode back up as high as possible. Fully extend your entire body, spreading your legs and arms away from the body.
• As you land, bring your limbs back in and absorb your impact through the legs.

Bear Crawls

• Start in a push-up position with hands beneath the shoulders and core engaged.
• Move forward by simultaneously moving the right hand and left leg in a crawling motion.
• Keep your knees off the ground.

Recipe of the Month: No-Sugar-Added Mini Apple Pies (eatingwell.com)

Ingredients

• 1 cup chopped pitted dates
• 1 cup boiling water
• 1 ½ cups pecans, toasted and finely ground
• 1 ½ cups oat flour (see Tip)
• ⅓ cup melted butter
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup apple cider
• 3 medium apples, peeled and chopped
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Coat a muffin pan with cooking spray.
2. Place dates in a medium bowl and cover with boiling water. Let soak for 20 minutes. Drain the dates, reserving 1/4 cup soaking liquid. Place half the dates in a food processor (reserve the rest for the filling). Add pecans, oat flour, butter, salt and the reserved soaking liquid; pulse until combined. Firmly press 2 generous tablespoons of the mixture into the bottoms and up the sides of each muffin cup. Bake until set, but not browned, 10 to 12 minutes. Let cool in the pan on a wire rack for 15 minutes.
3. Meanwhile, place cider and the reserved dates in a blender or food processor; blend until mostly smooth. Transfer to a medium saucepan; add apples and cinnamon. Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat; reduce heat to maintain a simmer and cook, stirring often, until the apples are mostly tender, 12 to 15 minutes. Remove from heat; stir in vanilla and cornstarch.
4. Using about 2 tablespoons filling for each tart, divide the filling among the crusts. Bake until the crust is browned on the edges and the filling is hot, 12 to 15 minutes. Cool the tarts in the pan on a wire rack for at least 20 minutes. Run a sharp knife around the edges and remove the tarts from the pan.

Nutrition Information 

Servings: 12 Calories: 228;

Total Carbs 23g, Fiber 3g, Sugars 12g; Protein 3g; Fat 15g, Sat Fat 4g