Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are a group of developmental disabilities defined by significant impairments in social interaction and communication and the presence of unusual behaviors and interests. Many people with ASDs also have unusual ways of learning, paying attention, or reacting to different sensations.
The thinking and learning abilities of people with ASDs can vary – from gifted to severely challenged. ASD begins before the age of 3 and lasts throughout a person's life. It occurs in all racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic groups and is four times more likely to occur in boys than girls.*
Some studies have shown that children with ASDs exhibit associated motor problems – such as poor muscle tone, poor motor planning, and toe walking. They can also have difficulty focusing and concentrating, are easily distracted and often hyperactive.
Some people believe that children with ASDs can benefit from the use of a weighted vest. They believe the product calms children with sensory processing difficulties. Weight vests may produce an increase in attention to task and a decrease in repetitive self-harming behaviors, such as head banging. Intervention with a therapeutic weighted vest might also increase body awareness and prove beneficial for certain types of physical activity, such as running and jumping.
Active By Choice offers a variety of weight products for children, including high-quality weight vests:
http://www.activebychoice.com/childrens-weights.aspx
We invite you to post your thoughts on the effectiveness of weight products for children with ASDs.
*Source: CDC
Note: Active By Choice seeks to inform our customers on the latest research and trends for fitness products. We don’t provide medical advice or recommend our products for specific medical conditions. We suggest you discuss the information we provide, and the use of our products, with your physician.
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Thursday, March 12, 2009
CPAT Applicants May Benefit From Using a Weight Vest During Training
The job of a firefighter is one of the most rewarding yet physically demanding jobs. The most daunting task for a firefighting candidate is preparing for the CPAT.
The CPAT (Candidate Physical Ability Test) qualifies individuals who have the physical ability to perform basic firefighting and critical tasks effectively and safely. The exam is grueling and applicants must be in peak physical condition to pass. It requires above-average ability in cardiovascular capacity, strength and endurance. Most candidates adhere to a vigorous training routine and can benefit from incorporating a weight vest into that routine. This is because during the entire test the candidate must wear a 50 lb. weighted vest (simulating the weight of a fire fighters protective clothing and equipment) while completing the following events*:
• Stair Climb (climbing stairs while carrying an additional 25 lb. simulated hose pack)
• Ladder Raise and Extension (placing a ground ladder at the fire scene and extending the ladder to the roof or a window)
• Hose Drag (stretching uncharged hoselines, advancing lines)
• Equipment Carry (removing and carrying equipment from fire apparatus to fireground)
• Forcible Entry (penetrating a locked door, breaching a wall)
• Search (crawling through dark unpredictable areas to search for victims)
• Rescue Drag (removing victim or partner from a fire building)
• Ceiling Pull (locating fire and checking for fire extension)
Core strength is essential and can be built through strength training and wearing a weight vest. Many candidates comment that they wear the weight vest while they train on the stair mill because the stair climb is the exam’s biggest challenge.
There are many companies selling weight vests, but the weight vests at Active By Choice were designed specifically for the CPAT. The weight vests are basically one size fits all and made to last. The CPAT weight vests are adjustable in weight from 1 lb to 75 lbs and simulate the weight of the fireman's coat, hat, hose, etc., as with the CPAT exam.
See our CPAT Weight Vests:
http://www.activebychoice.com/cpat-fire-fighter.aspx
Active By Choice offers an additional 15% discount on these vests to qualified trainees for Fire, Law Enforcement, Search and Rescue and EMS. To learn more about this program, please contact us at onlinesales@activebychoice.com.
*Source: International Association of Firefighters. The IAFF provides the information on the CPAT, but does not endorse the use of our weight products.
Note: We do not recommend that you use weight products without first consulting with your doctor.
The CPAT (Candidate Physical Ability Test) qualifies individuals who have the physical ability to perform basic firefighting and critical tasks effectively and safely. The exam is grueling and applicants must be in peak physical condition to pass. It requires above-average ability in cardiovascular capacity, strength and endurance. Most candidates adhere to a vigorous training routine and can benefit from incorporating a weight vest into that routine. This is because during the entire test the candidate must wear a 50 lb. weighted vest (simulating the weight of a fire fighters protective clothing and equipment) while completing the following events*:
• Stair Climb (climbing stairs while carrying an additional 25 lb. simulated hose pack)
• Ladder Raise and Extension (placing a ground ladder at the fire scene and extending the ladder to the roof or a window)
• Hose Drag (stretching uncharged hoselines, advancing lines)
• Equipment Carry (removing and carrying equipment from fire apparatus to fireground)
• Forcible Entry (penetrating a locked door, breaching a wall)
• Search (crawling through dark unpredictable areas to search for victims)
• Rescue Drag (removing victim or partner from a fire building)
• Ceiling Pull (locating fire and checking for fire extension)
Core strength is essential and can be built through strength training and wearing a weight vest. Many candidates comment that they wear the weight vest while they train on the stair mill because the stair climb is the exam’s biggest challenge.
There are many companies selling weight vests, but the weight vests at Active By Choice were designed specifically for the CPAT. The weight vests are basically one size fits all and made to last. The CPAT weight vests are adjustable in weight from 1 lb to 75 lbs and simulate the weight of the fireman's coat, hat, hose, etc., as with the CPAT exam.
See our CPAT Weight Vests:
http://www.activebychoice.com/cpat-fire-fighter.aspx
Active By Choice offers an additional 15% discount on these vests to qualified trainees for Fire, Law Enforcement, Search and Rescue and EMS. To learn more about this program, please contact us at onlinesales@activebychoice.com.
*Source: International Association of Firefighters. The IAFF provides the information on the CPAT, but does not endorse the use of our weight products.
Note: We do not recommend that you use weight products without first consulting with your doctor.
Saturday, March 7, 2009
About Active By Choice
From left: Celeste Methot, Eleanor Methot, and Michele FuchsActive By Choice is a women-owned, family business headquartered in South Florida. The company offers high-quality fitness and rehabilitation products, with a particular emphasis on those for Baby Boomers and Seniors. Products are tested to ensure they meet our standards of excellence. Information on fitness is offered through research-based articles on our blogs and in our newsletter. We aim for www.activebychoice.com to provide useful information on injury prevention and rehabilitation, disease management and prevention, and the development of overall good health.
Our company was founded in 2006 by Eleanor Methot and her two daughters, Celeste Methot and Michele Fuchs. The three women, who all advocate for a healthy lifestyle, created the company to provide the necessary tools to get the most out of every age and every stage of life. To them that means innovative products and the information and encouragement to help our customers meet their personal health and fitness goals ... whether they're running a marathon or beginning a walking routine.
Seventy-six year-old Eleanor is emblematic of the fitness goals she espouses. Each day she engages in a vigorous power walking routine that serves to keep her healthy and active. Michele also partakes in a daily exercise routine which combines cardiovascular exercise and strength training. The vacations she takes with her family are also based around fitness activities. Celeste has an M.S. in Exercise Physiology. She participates in long-distance running/walking events and cycling. Recently she's become a golf "addict" -- striving to lower her handicap.
Our company was founded in 2006 by Eleanor Methot and her two daughters, Celeste Methot and Michele Fuchs. The three women, who all advocate for a healthy lifestyle, created the company to provide the necessary tools to get the most out of every age and every stage of life. To them that means innovative products and the information and encouragement to help our customers meet their personal health and fitness goals ... whether they're running a marathon or beginning a walking routine.
Seventy-six year-old Eleanor is emblematic of the fitness goals she espouses. Each day she engages in a vigorous power walking routine that serves to keep her healthy and active. Michele also partakes in a daily exercise routine which combines cardiovascular exercise and strength training. The vacations she takes with her family are also based around fitness activities. Celeste has an M.S. in Exercise Physiology. She participates in long-distance running/walking events and cycling. Recently she's become a golf "addict" -- striving to lower her handicap.
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