Exercise Matters to Children with Cerebral Palsy
If you’ve ever wondered whether or not your child should exercise despite his cerebral palsy, the answer is a definite “Yes.” Your child may have different needs than other kids his age, but when it comes to exercise, he is just like everyone else.
What types of exercise your child can do will naturally depend on his physical limitations. A good physical therapist will be able to recommend different types of exercise that are appropriate for him.
If it is physically possible, aerobic movement will help to keep your child’s heart in good condition and her weight under control. While it may feel as if your child has enough physical challenges to deal with, it is important to be proactive. She faces the same risks other “healthy” children face in terms of developing health problems due to inactivity.
Having Fun While Staying in Shape is Possible
As with all children, the key to sustaining healthy activity levels is to make exercise fun. Children with cerebral palsy might enjoy the following:
- Yoga — This slow moving exercise eases stress and improves mobility, flexibility and muscle tone.
- Horse back riding — This is a fun and relaxing way to enjoy the outdoors. If you want to take your “equestrian” experience a step further, you might also consider introducing your child to an exciting alternative called hippotherapy.
- Swimming — If your child loves water, swimming, kicking, or simply splashing in a warm pool is a great way to relieve stress and stay in shape. Consider incorporating swimming into her activities with an aquatherapy program.
- Dancing — Turn up the music and let the beat take your child to a different place in his imagination. Kids love to move, and dancing is an effective way to help your child relax, build muscle tone, and improve his cardiovascular system at the same time
- Anything with a ball — Kicking and throwing a ball are good for your child’s coordination and are a sure way to enjoy a few belly laughs as well.
Not only is exercise great for your child’s physical health, it’s great for his mental health too. Exercise relieves stress, provides opportunity to play with other kids, and develops social skills such as sharing, taking turns, and being considerate of others.
Best of all is that exercise is a great way for you and your child to take it easy and just enjoy each other’s company.
Help Your Child Benefit from Modern Therapies and Other Forms of Assistance
Special needs activity programs can be expensive, but they can be an effective means to help your child thrive. And you have the power to ensure your child has adequate resources to live a healthy and happy life, because you know and understand the needs of your child like no one else.
You also need to know that your medical team did everything possible to keep your baby safe and healthy. If your doctor failed you and your baby in any way, you may be entitled to financial help.
Be your child’s best advocate and talk to an expert. Some of his therapeutic expenses may be eligible for coverage.
Contact 4MYCHILD today and see if your child is eligible for Benefits4Life.
