People with disabilities are more likely to experience  preventable chronic health conditions such as, diabetes and heart disease, and are considerably more likely to be obese when compared with people without disabilities (37.6% compared to 23.8% of people without disabilities).¹

People with disabilities are also at risk for other health conditions called secondary conditions. These health problems related to a disability can be prevented as well as
treated. Secondary condition can be defined as “any additional physical or mental health condition that occurs as a result of having a primary disabling condition.”⁵ Common secondary conditions may include bowel or bladder problems, fatigue, injury, depression, obesity, pain, and pressure sores or ulcers.⁶  Other problems can include pain, and a greater risk for certain illnesses such as flu, Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), or musculoskeletal disorders.⁶

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