MediNurse Says Make Healthy Lifestyle Habits Happen!

April 22-28 is Medical Fitness Week

The annual Medical Fitness Week, April 22-28, is a perfect opportunity to make the change and incorporate healthy habits into your daily routine. 

Medical Fitness Week is an international event, a time when medical fitness professionals focus on teaching individuals and families the skills they need to develop healthy lifestyle habits. Sponsored by the Medical Fitness Association, the goal is to promote an increase in physical activity levels for all age groups.

Exercise is the secret to staying strong, energetic and healthy as you get older.  No matter how old you are or your current physical condition, you can be successful with an exercise program that is medically supervised.

The biggest concerns that people have about aging are addressed by exercise:

• Exercise helps you look and feel younger.  Regular physical activity produces endorphins, which make you feel good about yourself.  It also lowers your risk for conditions such as dementia, heart disease, diabetes, colon cancer, and high blood pressure.

• Exercise helps you maintain or lose weight.  Metabolism slows with age, but physical activity builds muscle mass and helps to burn calories. Your overall sense of wellness improves when your body reaches a healthy weight.

• Exercise improves your sleep. Physical activity can help you fall asleep more quickly and sleep more deeply. After a good night’s sleep, your mood is improved and you feel like exercising again.

• Exercise reduces the risk of falling.  Your balance is improved by building strength and bone mass, and working on your posture and coordination.  Strength training also helps to alleviate symptoms of arthritis.

Lastly, exercise is for everyone.  If you are just beginning an exercise routine, it is important to start safely by consulting your doctor and ensuring a program that is exactly right for you.  For those with disabilities, there are exercises that improve muscle tone and cardiovascular health, resulting in positive outcomes. And, no equipment is needed.

For more information, or to start an exercise regime under the care and supervision of a Registered Nurse, contact us at 314.781.2800 or visit www.medinurse.com.