Return to Main Menu

Lifestyle changes useful to everyone On  Nov. 22 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.  in the Children’s Hospital Lobby,  information will be presented on exercise and diabetes. The following fitness testing will be offered: resting heart rate, blood pressure, height and weight, body mass index, waist to hip ratio and percent body fat. Free pedometers will go to the first 50 individuals who participate in testing and exercise programming.   November is American Diabetes Month, and those who have diabetes know that learning to care for themselves through lifestyle changes is essential to handling the condition. These changes must occur for nutritional intake, correct medications, adequate sleep, handling stress, and getting enough exercise.   The tips below are from the American Diabetes Association’s Web site and are useful for everyone, not just those with diabetes. I don’t have time to exercise for 30 minutes every day. Do as much as you can. Every step counts. Start with 10 minutes a day and work up to 10 minutes at a time, three different times a day. I’m too tired after work. Plan to do something active before work or during the day. I don’t have the right clothes. Wear anything that’s comfortable, including shoes that fit well and socks that don’t irritate the skin. I’m too shy to exercise in a group. Choose an activity you can do on your own like a TV exercise program at home or going for a walk. I don’t want to be sore. Exercise shouldn’t hurt if you’re going slowly at first. Learn how to warm up and stretch before activity and how to cool down afterward. I’m afraid I’ll get low blood glucose. Talk to your health care provider about ways to exercise safely. Walking hurts my knees. Try chair exercises or swimming. It’s not safe to walk in my neighborhood. Find an indoor activity like an exercise class at a community center. I’m afraid I’ll make my condition worse. Get a checkup before planning your fitness routine.  Learn what’s safe for you to do. I can’t afford to join a fitness center or buy equipment. Do something that doesn’t require fancy equipment, such as walking or using cans of food for weights. Exercise is boring. Find something you enjoy doing, trying different activities on different days. Editor's note: The preceding column was brought to you on behalf of Health 1st. Striving to bring various topics and representing numerous employee wellness organizations and committees on campus, this weekly column seeks to provide MUSC, MUHA, and UMA employees with current and helpful information concerning all aspects of health.     Friday, Nov. 17, 2006 Catalyst Online is published weekly, updated as needed and improved from time to time by the MUSC Office of Public Relations for the faculty, employees and students of the Medical University of South Carolina. Catalyst Online editor, Kim Draughn, can be reached at 792-4107 or by email, catalyst@musc.edu. Editorial copy can be submitted to Catalyst Online and to The Catalyst in print by fax, 792-6723, or by email to catalyst@musc.edu. To place an ad in The Catalyst hardcopy, call Island Publications at 849-1778, ext. 201.