Exercise routine expanded with squats, now including abilities of Angel

In the heart of everyday life, a mother named Katja Schneider finds joy and purpose in keeping her 13-year-old daughter, Juliana, active and engaged. Juliana, like many individuals with Angelman syndrome, faces challenges with obesity due to stiff movements and balance struggles.

Katja, a journalist, author, and co-founder of the magazine Luna, shares her family's journey in the ZEIT Magazin Leben column titled "Unser Leben mit Juliana." Her heartfelt accounts offer a unique insight into life with Juliana, including special moments like the recent "Dance Party" in their TV room.

On a quiet Saturday morning, Katja decided to make exercise a part of her self-care routine. Instead of a condensed workout, she opted for full-body toning and a lot of extra squats. To her delight, Juliana joined in, performing a creative dance move that resembled a squat. This simple yet significant moment was added to the growing list of things Juliana can do.

Dancing is not just a fun way to get Juliana moving, but it also helps build her physical strength. Squats, in particular, are beneficial as they aid in muscle strength development, which will be crucial for Juliana in her challenging stair climbing.

Katja emphasizes the importance of not taking Juliana's accomplishments for granted. Highlighting Juliana's growth and development can provide hope for other families affected by Angelman syndrome. However, it's essential to remember that every child with Angelman syndrome is unique, and their abilities may vary.

Angelman Syndrome News does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek professional medical advice for any questions regarding a medical condition. Keeping active through dance parties, walks, and movement in the pool can help combat obesity, but it's crucial to tailor the activities to each child's individual needs and abilities.

Katja's inspiring journey with Juliana is a testament to the power of love, patience, and creativity in overcoming challenges. Her work, whether in her column or her books like "Unser Leben mit Juliana," is touching and insightful for anyone interested in the themes of inclusion and life with children with special needs. If you're looking for an article or a specific episode, searching the platforms of the ZEIT or the ZEIT Magazin Leben for her column is a good place to start.