A healthy lifestyle can help a person stay healthy and feel good. Healthy eating and exercise are two important parts of a healthy lifestyle. They can help a person reduce their risk of medical conditions such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. However, health includes more than just being free of illness. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2018), or CDC, health can affect people’s mood and quality of life.
The goal of this course is to provide direct support professionals, or DSPs, in IDD settings with the knowledge needed to support healthy eating and exercise.
This course is an overview of elements of healthy living. It does not provide guidance for specific dietary or other needs. If you have questions about the specific needs of someone you support, consult with your supervisor or a licensed healthcare professional.