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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Recorded presentation

Marvin J. Rubin, DPM, CoA, POD, OPHA APHA, 3838 W. Sylvania Av. #210, Toledo, OH 43623, 419-471-9451, drmarvinrubin@aol.com

Many recent studies indicate physical activity is the most important factor in reducing obesity and its complications. When children do not engage in physical activity we look at them as being lazy (couch potato) or without access to a suitable environment. Normal healthy children prefer to be physically active rather than engage in sedentary games or watch television. This is necessary for their development. A child with a lower extremity disability soon discovers that physical activity during the day produces pain at night. He therefore restricts his activity to a level that does not produce pain or discomfort. Birth defects are not uncommon. Studies show that eleven percent of live births have musculoskeletal defects. Virginia Apgar stated ”of the structural or functional defects of prenatal origin, that are detectable during infancy or early childhood, less than half are evident at birth. This does not include prenatal defects which do not become evident until later in childhood or even until maturity”. Many lower extremity disabilities go undetected or are dismissed as conditions that the child will outgrow. However, it is apparent that they do not outgrow them and that these disabilities become more severe and more restrictive of activities as the child ages. It is imperative that we recognize these disabilities early and begin aggressive treatment if we wish to reverse the trend toward an obese society with all its attendant complications. These complications include diabetes, heart disease and loss of quality of life.

Learning Objectives:

• Will learn how to detect the presence of lower extremity disabilities that restrict physical activity.

Keywords: Children's Health, Obesity

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Any relevant financial relationships? No

Recorded presentation