We are all familiar with the advice to live a healthy and active lifestyle, but what does that really mean? In this issue of Health Currents, we provide some answers and tips. Living an active lifestyle can mean different things for different people, but in general an active lifestyle means getting at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days of the week. It doesn’t have to mean training for a marathon or lifting weights at the gym every day. It can be as simple as taking a walk during your lunch break, going for a bike ride with friends on the weekend or playing a sport you enjoy.

Moderate exercise gets your heart rate up and makes you sweat a little. This could be anything from a brisk walk to swimming to cycling. The important thing is to find an activity that you enjoy and can stick with on a regular basis.

Regular exercise has been shown to improve mental well-being, increase energy levels and help manage weight. Regular exercise also helps to improve heart health while lowering stress levels and the risks of developing chronic illnesses, like diabetes and high blood pressure.

But an active lifestyle isn’t just about exercise. It also means making healthy choices in your daily habits and behaviors, such as choosing to eat nutritious meals and avoiding unhealthy substances, like tobacco and excessive alcohol consumption.

At GRMC, we have many resources to help keep you living an active lifestyle. Establishing a relationship with a primary care doctor is an important step to monitoring your health. Our Wellness Center has a wide array of fun exercise options, from classes to swimming to sports training. We provide diabetes classes specifically focused on healthy lifestyles, and our new Sleep Center helps diagnose sleeping disorders. Individual and family mental health counseling is provided at the Teddy Buerger Center. And for those times when urgent care, emergency medical care or surgical intervention is needed to keep you on your healthy path, we are here for you as well!

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