This time a Guest Column, written by Inge Maters, our physiotherapist concerning a weighty topic. Do you find it easy to maintain your weight? For many people, it is a constant struggle. The abundance of delicious food, the temptation of snacks, and the challenge of staying active—it’s a difficult balance. Not just in the Netherlands, but also in Ghana, on the grounds of PCC. Even there, some residents have to work hard to stay healthy. Take the traditional Ghanaian diet of Fufu, Banku, and rice: delicious, but rich in carbohydrates. And just like everywhere else, too many calories without enough physical activity lead to weight gain. That’s why PCC places great emphasis on movement. Every day starts with an hour of walking. During breaks, there is football, swimming, and of course, dancing. Yet, for some, this is not enough. Residents with excess weight Like Mabel and Amma, two cheerful ladies with Down syndrome, or Ayuba. People with Down syndrome often have a slower metabolism, which means they burn fewer calories at rest than others. Additionally, their muscle tone can be lower, making them less active and causing their bodies to use less energy. This makes it extra difficult to maintain a healthy weight, especially when combined with their love of food. For Mabel and Amma, their weight has now led to knee pain and other physical complaints that limit their mobility. The same goes for Jonathan and Jacob, two other residents who simply love eating and have gradually gained weight. To help them, a special fitness program has been set up for a group of residents. Twice a day, they do targeted exercises under the guidance of enthusiastic caregivers. The program, designed by a physiotherapist, helps them not only lose weight but also strengthen their muscles and improve their endurance. After all, maintaining a healthy weight isn’t just about eating less—it’s also about becoming stronger and fitter. Residents with underweight But not everyone at PCC struggles with being overweight. Some children deal with the opposite problem: underweight. And that can be just as challenging.
Take Markus, a small, fragile two-year-old boy. When he arrived at PCC a year ago, he weighed only five kilos—far too little for his age. His health is complex: he has a small skull, which limits his brain development; he suffers from epilepsy; his vision is poor; and he has low muscle tone in his torso. As if that weren’t enough, he also struggles with reflux, making eating a challenge. At PCC, there is always enough nutritious food available, and children who need to grow receive six meals a day as standard. But despite these extra meals, Markus continued to struggle with low weight. He barely grew and often cried. It soon became clear that reflux was a major issue. His food and stomach acid frequently flowed back up, causing him significant discomfort. The solution turned out to be a combination of adjustments. First, Markus needed a proper chair to keep him upright after eating. At the end of last year, he received a custom-made wheelchair that not only supports him during meals but also allows him to play comfortably. Additionally, PCC worked with the local hospital to develop a special protein-rich nutritional supplement. Made from peanuts, eggs, oil, and added vitamins, this supplement is now freshly prepared every two weeks and added to all his meals. And with success! Since these changes were implemented, Markus has finally started to grow. Last week, the scale brought good news: he now weighs 6.6 kilos. A full kilo gained since the start of the new approach. It may seem like a small improvement, but for a vulnerable child, like Markus, it makes a world of difference. Every extra gram increases his chances of developing into a healthier and stronger child. Looking for the right weight Maintaining a healthy weight, whether it’s about losing or gaining weight, is never a given. For some, it means resisting temptation and excessive calories; for others, it’s a battle against a body that struggles to retain nutrition. But one thing is certain: with the right care, guidance, and adjustments, progress is always possible. And that is exactly what PCC strives for every day.