You At Your Best

bY Karen rice You at Your beSt Staying active is crucial for seniors, due to the increasingly sedentary lifestyles we lead as we age. The American Heart Association says adults should get at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week, or 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity. From stronger hearts to brain fitness, exercise can help with so many issues, it's like an insurance policy for your health. Today, there are more fitness choices for older adults than ever before, thanks to an aging baby boomer population. From specially curated programs like Silver Sneakers® at gyms and community centers, to chair yoga classes and arthritis- friendly water exercise, the options for exercising safely are numerous. One innovative fitness program addresses senior-centric concerns while strengthening, stretching and helping to reduce joint pain. The workout is called Essentrics, or Classical Stretch, and it was developed by Canadian Miranda Esmonde-White about 30 years ago. It is taught throughout Canada and Europe and is starting to gain popularity here in the United States. Essentrics draws on the flowing movements of tai chi to create health and balance, the strengthening theories of ballet to create long, lean, flexible muscles and the healing principles of physiotherapy to help reduce pain. Cindee Johnson, an Essentrics instructor who currently teaches at Concordia of Bella Vista, the Schmieding Center and private classes, says she has tried "every form of exercise known to man" and landed on Essentrics as the very best. "The reason I have remained with this type of exercise for 5 years and nothing else is because it has yielded me and countless others the most dramatic and lasting results that I have ever witnessed," Cindee says. "And this movement is evidence based and scientifically proven! I am 59, feel great and have more energy than I did in my 20s, 30s, and 40s! The benefits are endless." Cindee explains how Essentrics works. Within every 30-60 minute workout, all 650 muscles are strengthened and rebalanced, simultaneously, stretching while strengthening. The net result is de-compressed, pain-free joints. It helps improve balance, increases range of motion and prevents muscle atrophy. "The program uses the neurological system to relieve pain, increase strength and flexibility," she points out. "The workouts work the full body and all the body systems: muscular, skeletal, connective tissue, cardiovascular and digestive systems." The even-better news, according to Cindee, is that this movement will work for any "body." This includes people who suffer from chronic pain and limited strength, the injured (pre- post-surgery or rehabilitation), breast cancer patients and survivors, seniors—regardless of health status and athletes who want to improve and prevent or heal quickly from injuries. Cindee currently works with people of all ages and issues, including Alzheimer's and Parkinson's patients. Cindee believes in the old saying "if you don't use it, you will lose it," and encourages all to start moving more. "It is true. You must keep moving and moving is proven to reduce and prevent pain," she notes. "You will feel better and look better. It's like aging backwards. What more could we ask for?" Aging bAcKwArds bY Karen rice You at Your beSt We are lucky to live in an age when medications can help people with potentially debilitating or even deadly conditions live normal lives. But drug interactions can complicate treatment of various conditions. The American Heart Association warns that mixing drugs can produce unexpected side effects. This can make it dangerous for people already on prescription medications to use over- the-counter drugs for minor issues like headache or seasonal allergies. Before taking any new medicines, it's important to share information about other medications, over-the-counter drugs and supplements you are currently taking. "Use one pharmacy for all your drug needs and keep all of your health care professionals informed about everything that you take," says Serena Munns, executive director for the American Heart Association-Northwest Arkansas. For instance, the AHA notes that, when taken along with blood pressure medication, antihistamines can contribute to an accelerated heart rate and cause blood pressure to spike. Nicotine replacement products can be dangerous for people taking prescriptions for depression or asthma, or those who have diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure or stomach ulcers. There are many of things you can do, however, to take prescription or over-the- counter medications safely: • Always read drug labels carefully and learn about the warnings for all the drugs you take. • Keep medications in their original containers so you can easily identify them. • Check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking an over-the- counter drug if you are taking any prescription medications. Before taking a drug, ask your doctor or pharmacist these questions: • Can I take it with other drugs? • Should I avoid certain foods, beverages or other products? • What are possible drug interaction signs I should know about? • How will the drug work in my body? • Is there more information available about the drug or my condition? "Be an advocate for your own health by keep a record of all prescription drugs, over-the-counter drugs, and dietary supplements (including herbs) that you take," adds Munns. "Try your best to keep this list with you, but especially when you go on any medical appointment." be an advocate for your health when taking medication cindee Johnson with exercise SunDaY, noVember 29 | December - Senior HealtH nwaDg.com/YouatYourbeSt | You at Your beSt | 7

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