Maintaining a healthy body in a world full of indulgence is a challenge. Maintaining a healthy body in a world full of indulgence while you’re bound to life in a wheelchair is even more of a formidable opponent to your happiness.
If you haven’t always lived life in a wheelchair, adjusting to the life changes are difficult. You’ve likely experienced the fight it takes to receive the social security disability coverage you deserve, and the future makes no promises of simplicity. One of the most enriching pieces of advice for those living in a wheelchair is to focus on your health
Focusing on your physical health will help make everything else a little easier to conquer. Here are a few healthy tips aimed towards keeping your body in top shape, even if you live your life on wheels.
Work for a strong heart
Living in a wheelchair doesn’t mean that you are sentenced to a sedentary lifestyle. You can still get your blood pumping, and keeping your heart strong is vital to living a long life. Your heart rate has to be raised regularly to keep the muscles of your heart strong and vibrant.
You can raise your heart rate by playing basketball, swimming, or even having intimate time with another person. Whatever it takes, work your body enough to sweat, and keep your heart strong.
Put healthy foods into your body
Whether you’re in a wheelchair, or not, the same rules apply for proper nutrition. You may have to adjust your caloric intake, but that really depends on your activity levels. Eat lots of leafy green veggies, lean meats, and fruit to promote positive function in your body.
Depending on the extent of your body’s physical limitations, maintaining a healthy digestive function is also a prime health concern. Eat foods that promote good gut health, and stay away from alcohol.
Work on your upper body strength
Pushing yourself in your wheelchair could cause some pretty intense muscle pain without the proper strength training. Your back and chest muscles will become some of your prime movement muscles, and you’ll have to prepare them for the impact.
Stretch your body on a daily basis
Stretching is important for everyone, but living in a wheelchair makes it all the more important to your physical well-being. Regular stretching will help to prepare your muscles and tendons for all the strenuous activity they face throughout the course of the day.
Be mindful of your body positioning
Sitting in the same position in your chair for a long time can cause you to develop painful sores from lack of blood flow to a specific part of your body. Make sure to move around at least once per hour to avoid pressure sores.