Issue link: http://viewer.e-digitaledition.com/i/88574
Women, Take Time for Your Health Between busy careers and family responsibilities, women often spend so much time taking care of others, they may forget to take care of themselves. Smart lifestyle choices and staying on schedule for screenings are crucial for healthy living. You Are What You Eat Running around from home to work and work to errands can put your diet in a tight spot. It may be easy to grab fast food on the go, but an unhealthy diet could be putting you at higher risk for high blood pressure and other conditions. If you feel like your busy schedule is hindering your ability to make healthy nutrition choices, embrace planning. Always have healthy snacks — a handful of almonds, a low-calorie snack bar or raw carrots — on hand to battle hunger cravings. At mealtime, fill your plate with vegetables, fruits, whole grains and a small serving of lean meat. Avoid foods high in sugar, fat and calories that slow you down rather than fuel you for the day. Work It Out A major part of a healthy lifestyle involves an activity many women struggle to make time for: exercise. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate- to vigorous-intensity exercise per week. Janise Loveridge, Women of Wellness program instructor at Jordan Valley Medical Center and personal trainer certified by the Aerobics and Fitness Association of America® and the American Council on Exercise, recommends finding an active hobby you enjoy, such as: Cycling. Gardening. Hiking. Walking. Tennis. “The key to implementing a successful exercise program is to find activities you love,” says Loveridge. “The road you choose to travel will affect your final destination, so start a regular exercise regimen today for a better quality of life tomorrow.” Your Medical Home Maintaining a relationship with your medical provider can help you stay on schedule for potentially lifesaving health screenings. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recommends undergoing a well visit annually, as well as a Pap test every three years and mammograms beginning at age 40. “Regular health care visits are important, but women must also take responsibility for their own health,” says Angela Evatz, Service Line Director, Women’s Services at Pioneer Valley Hospital, a campus of Jordan Valley. “Health care providers serve as a resource to offer patients information and help them implement tools for a healthier lifestyle, but women must make the decision to live more healthfully for themselves.” For more information about women’s health services at Jordan Valley, visit jordanvalleymc.com and click “Our Services.” Add Some WOW to Your Life At Jordan Valley Medical Center, a specialized exercise program can help women get back on track and stay physically active. The Women of Wellness (WOW) program offers six weeks of health-driven exercise and support. Each WOW participant receives a pedometer to track her daily steps, weighs in periodically and meets with an instructor one on one. WOW women can create their own personal weight loss goals while having fun in exercise classes, such as Zumba® or yoga. Challenges are also presented throughout the six weeks to offer motivation, and the group meets every week to talk about goals and struggles. At the end of the WOW program, participants will have learned six varying workout routines they can continue at home. To sign up for a Zumba or yoga class, visit jordanvalleymc.com and select “Community Education.”