You At Your Best

spOnsOR COntent Washington Regional Eureka Springs Family offers comprehensive medical care for every stage of life. With four physicians and three advanced practice registered nurses, the clinic offers: • Preventive care and wellness visits • Treatment of common illnesses and injuries • Treatment of chronic conditions, including diabetes and heart disease • Treatment of sprains and other soft tissue injuries • Physicals for school, sports, camp and adoption • X-ray, EKG, pulmonary function and laboratory services Washington Regional Eureka Springs Family Clinic is located at 146 Passion Play Road, Ste. A in Eureka Springs. For more information, or to schedule an appointment, visit www.wregional.com/eurekasprings or call 479-253-9746. Televisits are also available! Primary Care in Eureka Springs We have all heard that exercise is an important part of health and wellness. But many people struggle to incorporate physical activity into their busy routines. Shaela Collier, MSN, FNP-C of Washington Regional Eureka Springs Family Clinic, says the payoff is worth giving up a few minutes in your daily schedule. "Consistent, regular exercise on its own has been shown to have many benefits to a person's overall health and wellness. According to the United States Department of Health and Human Services, physical activity has multiple health benefits independent of other healthy behaviors such as healthy diet and nutrition." Collier says multiple studies have shown that physical activity has immediate health benefits including reducing anxiety, lowering blood pressure, increasing insulin sensitivity and improving overall quality of sleep. There are also a wide variety of long- term health benefits. "According to the United States Department of Health and Human Services, regular exercise can help prevent eight types of cancer including: bladder, esophagus, kidney, stomach, lung, breast, endometrium and colon cancer," Collier says. "A regular exercise routine has also been shown to reduce risk of dementia including Alzheimer's disease. It also reduces the risk of heart disease, stroke, hypertension, Type 2 diabetes, and depression." For the older generation, regular exercise can improve physical function and overall quality of life. One of the most beneficial impacts of regular exercise is alleviating pain caused by osteoarthritis. Exercise can also lower the risk of falls and injuries from falls that many older people experience each year. So how much exercise do you need to gain the most benefit? "Experts recommended adults get at least 150 to 300 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity each week. That breaks down to about 21 minutes every day," explains Collier. But she adds that you don't necessarily need to join a gym. "Examples of aerobic activities include taking a brisk walk, riding your bike, hiking, dancing to your favorite fast songs, playing sports with your family, or even following along with high intensity interval training, or HIT, workout videos online." Collier says it's also a good idea to change up your routine and do a muscle strengthening activity such as weight lifting or doing push-ups at least two days a week. "Many people have hand held weights at home that are easy to use. There are also weight bands and ropes that are readily available at many stores and online." Collier says no matter your age, physical activity can reduce the risk of excessive weight gain and helps maintain a healthy lifestyle. "Including regular exercise into your daily life is something you can control that will have an immediate benefit on your overall health and wellbeing." To discuss a more specific exercise regimen for your individual health concerns or goals, contact your Washington Regional health care provider and schedule an appointment. Visit www.wregional.com/clinics to find a provider near you. regular exercise www.wRegionAl.com has many health benefits sundAy, June 27, 2021 | July - Fit X yOuAtyOuRBest.nWAOnline.COm | yOu At yOuR Best | 9

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