To: James T. Dimas, Illinois D.H.S. Secretary-designate
Physical Conditioning for Adults Who Are Visually Impaired at I.C.R.E.-Wood
Stop the funding cuts for Physical Education Instructor at I.C.R.E.-Wood, Chicago, IL.
Why is this important?
I attended I.C.R.E. Wood and the Physical Conditioning literally saved my life. My diabetes which was out of control, and became controllable.
Illinois Center for Education and Rehabilitation has lost i's Physical Education instructor and funding for physical conditioning because of recent cuts. Adults who are visually impaired (that is, those who are blind or have low vision) are substantially more likely to report poor, fair, or worsening health than are adults who are sighted. Regular physical activity benefits both physical and psychological health and reduces risk for heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity, and stress-related illnesses (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 1996). Overweight and obesity are a major public health concern because they are associated with a multitude of medical conditions and negative psycho-social outcomes, as well as increased mortality.
Medical conditions that have consistently been linked to overweight and obesity include type 2 diabetes; heart disease; high blood pressure; stroke; certain types of cancer, such as cancer of the colon,prostate, breast, and uterus; osteoarthritis; pulmonary problems, including asthma
and sleep apnea; liver disease; gallbladder disease and gallstones; and dyslipidemia
(high cholesterol levels) (CDC, 2005b; U.S. Department of Health & Human Services,
USDHHS, 2001; 2004). In addition, overweight and obesity have been associated with a greater risk of eye diseases or a faster progression of certain eye diseases such as macular degeneration,
maculopathy, cataracts, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy.
We want a Physical Education instructor at this facility.
Illinois Center for Education and Rehabilitation has lost i's Physical Education instructor and funding for physical conditioning because of recent cuts. Adults who are visually impaired (that is, those who are blind or have low vision) are substantially more likely to report poor, fair, or worsening health than are adults who are sighted. Regular physical activity benefits both physical and psychological health and reduces risk for heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity, and stress-related illnesses (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 1996). Overweight and obesity are a major public health concern because they are associated with a multitude of medical conditions and negative psycho-social outcomes, as well as increased mortality.
Medical conditions that have consistently been linked to overweight and obesity include type 2 diabetes; heart disease; high blood pressure; stroke; certain types of cancer, such as cancer of the colon,prostate, breast, and uterus; osteoarthritis; pulmonary problems, including asthma
and sleep apnea; liver disease; gallbladder disease and gallstones; and dyslipidemia
(high cholesterol levels) (CDC, 2005b; U.S. Department of Health & Human Services,
USDHHS, 2001; 2004). In addition, overweight and obesity have been associated with a greater risk of eye diseases or a faster progression of certain eye diseases such as macular degeneration,
maculopathy, cataracts, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy.
We want a Physical Education instructor at this facility.