Greetings

Happy New Year from all of us at Iron City Physical Therapy!

We hope that the holidays were enjoyable for you and we wish you health and happiness for 2012!

We are excited to launch a newsletter that will provide relevant educational information to help you kick off the new year!

For many people, the new year brings resolutions around improving health and well-being for the upcoming year.  

We all know what an important role exercise plays in maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

At the turn of a new year, almost every news segment, magazine cover or television commercial break offers some tip or advice on how to stay in shape. 

The trouble is, it’s easy to talk about getting fit, but actually trying to find the time during a busy work week to exercise is a difficult task to accomplish. 

No matter how hectic a lifestyle you lead, making time for exercise is a necessity if you want to keep your body strong and healthy. 

There are many physiological benefits of exercise, such as improved muscular strength and more efficient oxygen usage in the body.  Regular exercise can help combat many health problems such as diabetes, heart disease, obesity, depression and high blood pressure.  Exercises that include stretching, agility and strength training can also result in stronger muscles and increased bone density.

Is Regular Exercise Really Worth My Time?
The American College of Sports Medicine reported that regular exercise and strength training twice weekly can help maintain your health.  Some of the major benefits of a making time for a regular exercise regimen are:

• Reduced stress levels
• Improved sleep quality
• Increased energy levels
• Boosted self-esteem
• Reduced body fat
• Increased feeling of positivity

The Surgeon General’s Report on Physical Activity and Health recommended exercising 30 minutes, five to seven times a week.

There are many physical activity resources available today, most of which have flexible hours so you can use them when it best fits in to your schedule.

Exercise initiatives are being made throughout community groups, within the workplace, local schools and even through insurance providers.  There are so many healthy lifestyle options available for people to take advantage of, you just have to choose which ones fit best and make the time to start!

Are There Any Risks in Exercising Regularly?
The benefits of exercise far outweigh the risks for most people.  There is a small probability of risk for some people with existing health conditions, which is why it is always important to consult with your doctor or Physical Therapist before starting a new exercise regimen.  For most people, a regular routine of exercising is considered safe and a great way to give your body the healthy boost it needs.

How Do I Find an Exercise Regimen that is Right for Me?
As you consider the right exercise program for you in 2012, remember that since everyone’s current health status is different, it is important to work with your Physical Therapist in developing an exercise regimen that best fits your needs.  A person with a history of cardiovascular problems may receive a different set of recommended exercises than a person who suffers from asthma.  Not only will your Physical Therapist be able to help you decide on what exercises are best for you, they will be able to assist in creating an exercise program that fits into your busy schedule.  Once you start exercising, you will quickly start seeing the benefits of making the time for a healthier you!

We at Iron City Physical Therapy wish you a healthy 2012 and we are happy to discuss any questions you have about ensuring you setup an appropriate exercise routine for you.

References

• Morris CK, Froelicher VF. Cardiovascular benefits of physical activity. Herz. 1991;16:222-236.
• Pate RR, Pratt MP, Blair SN, et al. Physical activity and public health: a recommendation from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the American College of Sports Medicine. JAMA,. 1995;273:402-407
• Jennings GL, Deakin G, Dewar E, Laufer E, Nelson L. Exercise, cardiovascular disease and blood pressure. Clin Exp Hypertens. 1989;11:1035-1052.
• Chandrashekhar Y, Anand IS. Exercise as a coronary protective factor. Am Heart J. 1991;122:1723-1739.
• Martinsen EW, Medhus A, Sandvik L. Effects of aerobic exercise on depression: a controlled study. Br Med J. 1985;291:109.
• Adams K, O’Shea P, O’Shea KL. Aging: Its effects on strength, power, flexibility, and bone density. Nat Strength and Cond Assoc. 1999;21(2):65-77.
• Mazzeo RS, Cavanagh P, Evans WJ, et al. Exercise and physical activity for older adults. Position stand for the American College of Sports Medicine. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2009;30(6):992-1008.
• US Public Health Service, Office of the Surgeon General. Physical Activity and Health: A Report of the Surgeon General. Atlanta, GA: US Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion; 1996.
• Blair SN, Piserchia PV, Wilbur CS, Crowder JH. A public health intervention model for work-site health promotion: impact on exercise and physical fitness in a health promotion plan after 24 months. JAMA. 1986;255:921-926
• Fletcher GF, Balady G, Froelicher VF, Hartley LH, Haskell WL, Pollock ML. Exercise standards: a statement for healthcare professionals from the American Heart Association Writing Group. Circulation. 1995;91:580-615.
• Fletcher GF, Balady GJ, Amsterdam EA, et al. Exercise standards for testing and training: a statement for healthcare professionals from the American Heart Association. Circulation. 2001;104:1694-1740.