Deconditioning is a common secondary condition for people with Down syndrome, and physical activity can provide many health benefits that include increased cardiovascular endurance and muscular strengthening (see NCHPAD fact sheet on Down Syndrome and Exercise at http://www.ncpad.org/117/909/Down~Syndrome~and~Exercise) *Note: As with any exercise program, you should consult your physician before exercising.

This month's column focuses on a community-based exercise program developed by Mia Peterson, a 34-year-old Iowa woman with Down Syndrome. Mia developed her program in conjunction with her local YMCA where she has been exercising for over a year. Mia takes the city bus to the YMCA, where she exercises daily. She has experienced health benefits that include a 20-pound weight loss and increased stamina, which allows her to participate in more physically demanding activities throughout the day.

To read the entire column, go to http://www.ncpad.org/560/2499/Focus~on~Secondary~Condition~Prevention~~Developing~a~
community-based~exercise~program~as~a~way~to~prevent~
secondary~conditions~in~people~with~Down~syndrome.