WHAT WE DO FOR HEALTH
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WHY IT MATTERS
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), despite the severe need and higher health risk, people with intellectual disabilities are denied health services, community interventions, and there is a lack of targeted interventions and programs for the population. Health care professionals who volunteer with Special Olympics have found that Special Olympics athletes are at increased risk of secondary health issues: |
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37% have obvious,
untreated tooth decay |
37% needed new
eyewear prescription |
23% have low
bone density |
26% failed
hearing tests |
48% have at least
one kind of skin or nail condition |
59% of adult and 30% of youth athletes are overweight or obese
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