Diabetes happens when the body doesn’t make enough insulin, doesn’t make any insulin at all, or doesn’t respond to insulin the way it’s supposed to. Insulin has an important job in lowering blood sugar level, so if you have diabetes, your body has a tougher time managing your blood sugar. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 1 in 6 people with disabilities (16.7%) in the United States in 2018 had been diagnosed with diabetes, compared to 1 in 14 people without disabilities (7.4%). How can we make a difference? Check out the following links to learn more information regarding testing, diagnosis, & management of diabetes. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/community-health-outreach/national-diabetes-month…

We all know that exercise improves or mind, body, & spirt. How important is exercise for a person with a disability? At Ability & Beyond Fitness, we know & understand the importance of exercise at any age & at any level, regardless of capability. Check out this short video from Dr. Ivan Molten, a Disability and Aging Expert, as he explains why exercising is good for aging adults and potential barriers that may exist.

Fall is quickly approaching and it is time to prepare to go back to school. We usually think of buying pencils, notebooks, calculators, etc. We also consider clothing and uniforms, but what about the child with a disability? How is the child with sensory processing concerns able to shop for clothing with their family? Well JCPenney has the answer for you! Beginning July 15th of 2021, JCPenny introduced the Thereabouts™ private brand, a new inclusive line of kids apparel that celebrates diversity of shapes, sizes, styles, and abilities. Thereabouts apparel is available with adaptive features, including easy-access openings, sensory-friendly seaming, and no tags, ensuring there’s something stylish for every kid,…

Do you feel stressed? Are your muscles tight & tense? Maybe you just want to take a break & relax? Massage might be helpful for you! Check out this video from Somatic Massage Therapy & Spa about the health benefits of a massage. If you mention Ability & Beyond Fitness, you will receive a discount for your services! For more information feel free to contact Somatic Massage Therapy & Spa today! 516-686-9557info@somaticmassagepc.com113 Jericho Turnpike Floral Park, NY 11001

Want to know more about who we are & what we do? Then check out our first podcast conducted by Anderson Center for Autism! Special thanks to Eliza Bozenski for such an amazing experience! #1in54RadioShow https://www.andersoncenterforautism.org/-/gillian-christian-myrna-alcy-crystal-mendez-covington-ability-beyond-fitness

In honor of OT Month, two of our founders decided to write about their passion for this field. We love what we do & hope to share it with the world. Write in the comments below about your experience with OT. We want to know the good, the bad, & the even the ugly! Ring the alarm! It’s OT month!! I am excited to celebrate, and be apart of this extraordinary profession that has been around for many years. Sadly, I never heard about it until my guidance counselor brought it to my attention after I decided to change my major for the hundredth time. Unfortunately, I paid for that…

Just about every month of the American calendar uses month long celebrations to bring awareness of an issue, honor an event, or commemorate a cause. March is usually known for Women’s History Month, however, did you know it is also Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month?!?! I had no idea about this observance, meanwhile I have a brother & son with Autism!! Instituted by President Ronald Regan in 1987, Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month urged Americans to provide “the encouragement and opportunities they need to lead productive lives and to achieve their full potential.” The goal of this celebration is to bring awareness and provide the chance for people with developmental disabilities to…

As a young child, my career goal was to become a veterinarian. At the age of 10, I knew I would attend Cornell University, graduate, and help animals in need.  When asked whether my brother would have an effect on my career choice, my answer was always, “No.”   Needless to say, life has a way of changing one’s plans. I attended undergraduate school at Bucknell University, with a  double major in Spanish and Animal  Behavior. Instead of veterinarian school,  I graduated from Long Island University  (LIU; Brooklyn Campus) with my Master’s  in Occupational Therapy. While at LIU, I  received a scholarship from the Department of Education in New York City. In  exchange for tuition payment, I…