Free live webcast - February 17, 2011
9:00 am - 10:00 am - Eastern Time

Speaker:
James H. Rimmer, PhD
Director, National Center on Physical Activity and Disability

Description:
The prevalence of obesity among persons with disabilities is even higher than the general population. According to the NYS Behavioral Risk Factors Surveillance System, the obesity rate in the general population is 21.6%, among persons with disabilities that rate climbs to 35.5%. Physical inactivity is just one of the contributing factors to this prevalence among persons with disabilities. Our communities and the opportunities they provide are vital to reducing obesity and improving overall health for everyone, including persons with disabilities.

James H. Rimmer, Ph.D. will document the prevalence of obesity in youth and adults with disabilities and will further explore the resultant secondary conditions and their impact. Dr. Rimmer will identify community characteristics that promote health for persons with disabilities, and discuss the effective use of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention MAPPS strategies (Media, Access, Point of decision, Price, Social support/services) to ensure applicability among persons with disabilities.