CATEGORIES: PT and Exercise

United Nations Stresses Exercise for Noncommunicable Diseases like Charcot-Marie-Tooth

by | Aug 20, 2014 | 1 comment

united nations imageThe U.N. General Assembly has unanimously agreed to work toward curbing the risk factors of noncommunicable diseases(NCDs), including the four most common: diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, cancers and chronic respiratory diseases. Sedentary lifestyle, smoking, alcohol abuse and poor diet have been cited as the major risk factors to developing NCDs.  Currently NCDs account for 63% of all deaths. That number is expected to increase by 17% over the next 10 years.  And one quarter of all people who die from NCDs die in the prime of their lives.

The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) has made clear the absolute necessity of physical activity and sports in improving global health, without which will result in a “soon-to-be catastrophic threat to global health as well as economies and productivity.”  Physical inactivity not only results in disease and premature death, but health care costs related to treatment of pathology associated with inactive lifestyles increase dramatically.

“This defines yet another reason why sufficient exercise/activity accommodation is absolutely necessary for children with chronic disabilities, such as Charcot-Marie-Tooth” says Dr. Robert Chetlin of the West Virginia University School of Medicine.  According to Dr. Chetlin “active children are more likely to become active, functionally independent adults and are much more likely to be less of a burden on our already fragile health care system.”

Read more about the importance of exercise for kids with CMT.

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Coaching Athletes with Charcot-Marie-Tooth

Morgan Johnson doesn’t have Charcot-Marie-Tooth, but she is quickly learning everything she can about it. Born and raised near the coast in Galveston, Texas, Morgan, 26, has been a competitive runner and swimmer since she was little. Four years ago, she began participating in triathlons. In 2009, as an undergrad at the University of North Texas, Morgan and her partner, Sean Thompson started a Youth Triathlon Team for 7-14 year olds. Known as the North TX Tri Team, they have remained together and still compete.

Personal Stories: Triathlete, Trainer with Charcot-Marie-Tooth

Personal Stories: Triathlete, Trainer with Charcot-Marie-Tooth

In spite of high foot arches and trouble with balance, Joy von Werder of Winter Springs, FL has always been a runner and cyclist. She was also eager to participate in a triathlon. “The training and racing aspects really appeal to me,” she explained. There was one huge problem though. Joy didn’t know how to swim. “So there I was, 39 years old, taking swimming lessons from the boy who gave my little kids lessons,” Joy laughs, but her voice changes quickly as she describes her first race.

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1 Comment

  1. Chuck Burden

    I am very interested in your program as my situation is progressing

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