Ways to slip exercise into your day
We all know that regular exercise is important for a healthy lifestyle but we also know that it is hard to find time to exercise during a busy day. One way to solve this dilemma is to slowly start slipping exercise into your daily routine. Here are a few suggestions to get started.
Emphasize the active in daily activities
Look for exercise opportunities each day. If you drive to work, park at the far edge of the company parking lot. If time allows, walk along the perimeter of the parking lot for extra steps. If you live within a mile of a grocery store or other regular stop, commit to walking there instead of driving. When you get a phone call, try walking while talking. You can walk around the dining room table or head outdoors while chatting on your cellphone. Whenever possible, try walking the stairs instead of taking the elevator at work or other locations. Finally, try to laugh as often as possible. It turns out that laughing does burn calories, according to research at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. Researchers found that laughing raises energy expenditure and increases heart rate 10 to 20 percent. Ten to 15 minutes of laughter could burn 10 to 40 calories.
Combat the couch potato syndrome
Americans love their televisions. The U.S. Department of Labor says that people age 15 and up watch an average of 2.7 hours per day. Although television may be your relaxation time, consider sneaking in a little exercise. Get moving by keeping the remote across the room so you have to get out of the chair to change the channel. During commercials, do simple exercises. Commit to lifting weights, doing leg lifts or other simple exercise during the first 10 minutes of every show. Not only will the exercise help your body, it might keep you from falling asleep and missing the end of your program.
Step away from the desk
Slaving away non-stop for hours in front on the computer screen at your desk may help you excel at your job but it can be damaging your body. It is important to break away periodically and move. Instead of taking your break siting at your desk, get up and walk for five minutes. While working, set an alarm on your phone or computer that reminds you to stand up, stretch and walk a few steps at least once an hour. While taking a phone call, swivel in your desk chair to loosen muscles.
Find hidden exercise
Think back to your younger days to remember activities that you enjoyed like bowling or golf and try to do them again. Exercise can happen other places outside the gym and is embedded in many fun activities. It is far more likely that you will exercise regularly if you are doing something you enjoy. The key is to find things that you can do and want to do for the rest of your life.
A crucial time for exercise
Regular exercise is important for a healthy lifestyle but it is also an integral part of the recovery process. After a major medical event, the body can become de-conditioned. Finding a way to regain strength, mobility and balance is important in order to return to an active lifestyle. Choosing to stay in a short-term rehabilitation facility after a health challenge is an effective way to assure recovery. Physical and occupational therapists help with their expertise in how the body heals and regains strength.
The North Shore’s Whitehall of Deerfield is one of the premiere options for rehabilitation. Whitehall of Deerfield has consistently received Medicare’s highest rating in Medicare’s five-star rating system of nursing and rehabilitation centers, as well as receiving U.S. News & World Report’s highest “Top Performing” rating, making it one of the best options for short-term care in the area.
When it comes to care, few can match Whitehall of Deerfield’s full range of therapies targeted to meet each guest’s individual needs. A clinical nurse liaison completes an assessment to discover areas that need attention. Then physical, occupational and speech therapists work one-on-one with guests seven days a week. There is also a respiratory therapist on staff who also works with guests one-on-one and helps manage care to avoid re-hospitalization.
State-of-the-art rehabilitation gyms provide all the equipment needed to reach your highest level of independence and functioning. Discharge planners help the transition back to your home go smoothly and quickly. Care is consistent, compassionate and skilled at every level.
Extra attention is given to meals at Whitehall of Deerfield. Guests can choose to dine in their room or join others in beautiful dining rooms that feature full-length windows. The solarium dining room offers a soothing view of a classic fountain. The on-staff registered dietitian ensures that each dish is as nutritious as it is appetizing. There are also delicious extras like gourmet coffees, ice cream refreshments and fresh baked goods offered throughout the day.
Whitehall of Deerfield is filled with luxurious features from valet parking for visitors to a Wellness Spa for guests. To see all that is offered, arrange a tour by calling 847-945-4600. For more information, visit whitehallofdeerfield.com.
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