Nutrition, weight management and physical fitness

*Publications marked with this symbol are available for DSV members to borrow from the DSV Resource Library.

Nutrition, weight management and physical fitness in people with Down syndrome
Down Syndrome Victoria (2009)
A brief introduction to these issues and some common areas of concern.

Medlen, Joan E (1996) 'Looking at metabolism' Disability Solutions Vol 1 issue 3 pp 10-11, also at http://www.ds-health.com/metab.htm
Short, plain language article which describes briefly the differences in metabolic rate associated with Down syndrome, and the implications for weight management. Recommended for all parents.

*Medlen, Joan E (2002) The Down syndrome nutrition handbook. A guide to promoting healthy lifestyles (Woodbine House)
The definitive guide to healthy eating ands healthy lifestyle for all ages. Includes a wealth of reproducable learning activities and an extensive reference and further reading list.

Nutrition

*Pipes, Peggy (1995) ‘Nutrition and children with Down syndrome’ in Medical and surgical care for children with Down syndrome. A guide for parents Topics in Down Syndrome series, Woodbine House, ch 17 pp 327-344

Markham, Julie (1999) A nutritional perspective Down Syndrome Guide, Kennedy Krieger Institute
Short article which outlines a number of the main nutritional considerations in regard to Down syndrome.

Todd, Jamie (2005) ‘Stephen’s success. A tale of teaching and tenacity’ Disability Solutions Vol 6 issue 2
Advice for guiding children into healthy eating habits. Includes a template for teaching children to make their own lunches.

Medlen, Joan (1997) ‘Picky eater? Don’t give up...  yet’ Disability Solutions Vol 2 issue 1
Discusses food jag and texture progression with practical advice and helpful strategies to encourage acceptance of new foods.

‘Go for your life’ www.goforyourlife.vic.gov.au
Victorian Government website which aims to prom. Lots of advice and ideas.ote healthy eating and increase levels of physical activity

Sensory processing disorder
This overly commercial site nonetheless has plenty of strategies and advice for supporting picky eaters.

Reproducible food pyramids and learning activities based on the food pyramid:

*‘My food guide pyramid’ in The Down syndrome nutrition handbook. A guide to promoting healthy lifestyles Woodbine House, 2002, pp 281-335

‘Diet’ and ‘Which food group?’ in Down’s Syndrome Association (UK) Health. Looking after yourselfThis publication, written by and for adults with Down syndrome, covers a whole range of health matters in plain language and with reproducible revision activities.

Weight management

Medlen, Joan E (1997) ‘Weight management in Down syndrome: the early childhood years’ Disability Solutions Vol 2 issue 4 also at http://www.riverbendds.org/wtmanagement.html
Advice and suggested strategies for families for healthy eating and weight management in young children. Includes listing of fun nutrition books and activities.

Medlen, Joan E (1998) ‘Weight management in Down syndrome: the school age and adolescent years’ Disability Solutions Vol 2 issue 5 also at http://www.riverbendds.org/wtmanagement.html
Advice and suggested strategies for families for healthy eating and weight management in adolescents. Includes listing of nutrition education resources.

Medlen, Joan E (1998) ‘Weight management in Down syndrome: the adult years’ Disability Solutions Vol 2 issue 6 also at http://www.riverbendds.org/wtmanagement.html
Information and advice for families and strategies to encourage weight management and a healthy lifestyle in adults with Down syndrome. Includes the need to focus on self-determination and responsibility.

Harrison, Jill (2003) ‘Mark – a story of weight loss and Down syndrome – a mother’s story’
DSA Diary, Down Syndrome Association of Western Australia
A mother’s personal story of supporting her adult son through a process of weight loss and ongoing weight management.

Disability Solutions Volume 6 issue 2 (summer 2005) focuses on self responsibility in eating habits and weight management for people with Down syndrome

Baker, Daniel (2005) ‘Whose choice is it? A primer on making informed choices’ Disability Solutions Vol 6 issue 2
Discusses the issue of informed choice in eating habits.

Medlen, Joan E (2005) ‘Healthy lives and informed choices. You can have both!’ Disability Solutions Vol 6 issue 2
Focuses on self determination in weight management – also details the difference between dieting and weight management.

Physical fitness

*Medlen, Joan E (2002) ‘Fitness and activity’ in The Down syndrome nutrition handbook. A guide to promoting healthy lifestyles Woodbine House, ch 14 pp 237-254
Good basic information relating to encouraging activity in children, including guidelines to help evaluate inclusion in community recreation opportunities. Examples of activity opportunities relate to USA but may suggest local opportunities that can be pursued.

*Velde, Beth and Claudia Emes (2006) ‘Sport and recreation’ in Recreation and adults with Down syndrome Down Syndrome Issues and Information series, Down Syndrome Educational Trust, pp 19-23
Information and suggestions for recreational physical activity (particular relation to adults but relevant for parents of younger children too).

Buckley, Sue (2007) ‘Increasing opportunities for physical activity’ Down Syndrome Research and Practice vol 12, issue 1, Down Syndrome Education International

Jobling, Anne and Nazamin  Virji-Babul (2004)  Motor development in Down syndrome: play, move and grow Down Syndrome Research Foundation
Comprehensive guide to motor development in individuals with Down syndrome including suggestions for recreational play and exercise regimens designed to develop motor development.

Looking for physical activity and sporting opportunities? Down Syndrome Victoria (2009)
How to find sport and physical activity opportunities in your local area for a person with a disability.