Background Risk Factors Benefits and Motivation Barriers Complications Self-care Tips Main Page

*older age*state of health *socioeconomic status *geography *social and physical environments *physical disability *motivation *time *family comes before self *lack of support system *accessibility of programs Barriers to achieving a more active lifestyle also include a poor understanding or misinformation about the benefits and necessity of regular exercise, denial of the seriousness of diabetes and its risks, and lack of self-confidence in starting a new behaviour. In order to overcome these barriers, programs that are established must be noticeably beneficial, enjoyable, and lead to increased competence. In order for any program to be successful in overcoming the barriers, it must be client-centred, there should be a variety of activities, flexibility in meeting target goals, assistance in developing individualised exercise regimens, intervention-oriented education sessions, and on-going motivational support (see Benefits and Motivation). It is best to start a positive attitude towards exercise early on in a girl's life. This can be done by encouraging her to take part in any physical activities of her choice. If girls are discouraged from getting into sports, they may be conditioned from childhood to lead a sedentary lifestlye. This could lead to many other complications (see Childhood Obesity). If girls feel empowered from an early age to take part in sports, be fit, and lead a healthy lifestyle, they will carry this forth into adolescence and adulthood. References: Whitemore, R., Bak, P.S.,Melkus, G.D., & Grey, M. (2003) Promoting lifestyle change in the prevention and management of type 2 diabetes. Journal of the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners, 15(8), 341-349. Seefeldt, V. Malina, R.M., & Clark, M.A. (2002). Factors affecting levels of physical activity in adults. Sports Medicine, 32(3), 143-168.