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++ Page 15, Tuesday, October 13; 1992 LIFESTYLE Active Living is for Everybody oO06 60 ) © © FI'S A pwncan-yJennifer @ BOY (nee Paju) and Bruce © are delighted to announce the arrival of BRUCE JAKE, born Sept 2, 1992, © weighing 7lbs 50z at Rockyview TIPS Hospital, Calgary, Alta. Proud Grandparents are Stewart and Ferne © Duncan of Calgary, and Oiva and Velta Paju of Red Rock. © © @ © Jake is also welcomed by his great 8 Sd] & ® a ==: © grandparents Merle and George @ Archibald of Cartwright, Manitoba and Mary and Lorne Duncan of Brandon, © Manitoba. This article is provided by the Canadian Fitness and Lifestyle Research Institute in collaboration with ParticipACTION. Active living has something for everyone. Children and young people with a mental handicap, in particular, stand to benefit from a healthy, active lifestyle. While there is no "prescribed" set of activities for them, research supported by the Canadian Fitness and Lifestyle Research Institute shows that children with a mental handicap prefer activities that require little equipment and no special facilities. They also tend to favour activities that can be done individually or in small groups. Walking, swimming, bicycling, jogging, and ice skating are espe- cially popular. Parents, neighbours, caregivers, and friends of individuals with a mental handicap can introduce them informally to a variety of physical activities. A simple course of action will make the experience more rewarding. Project LIFE (Leisure Is For Everyone) offers _ the following suggestions: e Do not underestimate the person's abilities or interests. e Break down directions into simple steps that can be learned in order. ¢ Repeat directions as required; demonstrate whenever possible. ¢ Offer specific suggestions for improvement. ¢ Give positive feedback--praise when it is deserved! ¢ Be patient. Modify and adapt activities whenever necessary. e Respect their dignity at all times. : There is also a place for formal group activities, and most commu- nities have a variety of programs from which to choose. They range from segregated to totally inte- grated, with an increasing trend to integration. Although Dr. Jane Watkinson (University of Alberta) supports the trend, she recommends that we 'proceed cautiously with integration in physical activity programs. As a specialist in the area of physical activity for children and youth with a mental handicap, Dr. Watkinson has sensible advice for parents facing this challenge. She suggests the following approach: Go for performance. A major goal of integration should be to improve motor performance and active participation. Increasing social participation, social accep- tance, and self-esteem will be natural (and important) parts of the process. Be selective. Choose programs that encourage the full, active involvement of all participants. Look for appropriate programs in your community. If they don't seem to be available, it could be that they're not widely advertised. If opportunity really is lacking, voice your concerns to recreation officials and representatives on your local school board. Pert NG Wel ee eS CORT Get More Flash 93 ESCORT LX SPORT WITH AIR or Less Cash. DELUXE SPORTS PACKAGE REAR SPOILER 7-SPOKE ALUMINUM WHEELS GT STEERING WHEEL TACHOMETER LUXURY CLOTH SEAT TRIM INCLUDES THESE FEATURES AIR CONDITIONING ¢ 1.9L SEFI ENGINE ¢ POWER BRAKES * 5-SPEED MANUAL TRANSMISSION ° ELECTRONIC AM/FM STEREO « SPLIT FOLD REAR SEAT ¢ TINTED GLASS * RACK AND PINION STEERING * REAR WINDOW DEFROSTER * FRONT AND REAR STABILIZER BARS PRICED THOUSAND$ LESS THAN COMPARABLY-EQUIPPED HONDA CIVIC HATCHBACK!' THE RIGHT PLACE YOUR ONTARIO FORD AND MERCURY DEALERS Cashback and offers *MRSP with cashback applied for 1993 Escort LX 3-door Sport Model with Preferred Equipment Package 016A with air Group Code #434. +Comparison based on latest MASP and Sport cable 'ailabie on 1 odel retail purchases from dealer inventory. juire dealer order. Dealer may sell for less. See dealer for details. may not be combined. Excludes freight, license and appli taxes. Limited time offers av: on 1993 mi retail pur May req Pier ter Pep eg a AP