Reaching Seekers, |
Building Believers |
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A Healthy Lifestyle – Increasing Physical Activity (Article # 3 in a series of Wellness Topics) ... In the article last month, the discussion was about setting goals for increasing physical activity / exercise and then turning those goals into action . Research in the area of lifestyle modification has indicated that by starting with small gradual changes, and incorporating them into our daily routine, that there will be greater chance of achieving long-term permanent success with exercise. Walking was the activity that was recommended as a simple starting exercise or an activity to increase in duration from an individual's current level. Walking as a form of exercise can be modified to increase the benefits by increasing and varying the pace, increasing stride length , adding inclines or hills and by adding step climbing during the walk routine. These modifications will help to build muscle , increase the calorie burn and help in maintaining strong bones . Before starting an aggressive walking routine, be sure that your Physician has cleared you medically and be sure to follow any guidelines and/or restrictions that they might have in regard to this exercise. Also, be sure that you have proper shoes to prevent ankle-knee-hip and low back problems that can occur as a result of improper support or alignment. Your Chiropractic Physician can be a valuable resource in this area of alignment as related to walking. Another guideline is to be sure to drink enough water, prior to, during and after a walking workout. The level of hydration needs to be increased of course, during the hot and humid months. Spring weather should be here soon, and then walking as a form of exercise will be more enjoyable when it can be done outside. Submitted by: Mike Kjelland, FLC Wellness Council Member, ATC Health & Fitness Instructor * * * * * Faithfully Fit Forever Exercise Classes … come and exercise with your parish nurses on Tuesdays from 10:30-11:30 a.m. starting on April 1st and continuing through May 20th in the Fellowship Hall at First Lutheran Church. All ages and fitness levels are welcome for this time of exercise and fellowship. The workout includes warm-up, low-impact aerobics (chair or standing), cool-down, stretching, strength training with weights, and a devotion. Hope you can join us! * * * * * Announcements: You are invited to walk on Tuesdays at 1:30 p.m. at the Viking Plaza Mall with the Walker Group from First Lutheran. They meet in the seating area outside of Herbergers. Pulses are monitored and walking is done at your own pace. Caregiver Support Group … will meet on Tuesday, April 8th at 2 p.m. in the Family Room of First Lutheran. Care receivers can spend time at “The Gathering” at Clearwater Suites during this time. Support Group for Grieving Parents … next meeting will be on Monday, April 28th at 6:30 p.m. at the Alexandria Clinic. All persons grieving the loss of a child, of any age, are invited to attend. Concerned about memory loss? We have an excellent resource available to us here in Douglas County! Her name is Darlene Akerman and she is a care consultant for the Alzheimer's Association. Her office is located at Broadway Medical Center and she is available to meet with families to discuss concerns and to give input regarding solutions. You may call the Broadway Clinic to set up an appointment, or brochures are located near the parish health bulletin board. Grief Seminars … will be on Monday evening from March 31st through May 5th at 6:30 p.m. at the Anderson Funeral Home, and also on Tuesdays from April 1st through May 6th at 12:30 p.m. at First Lutheran Church . The meetings are facilitated by Carole Magnuson, Aftercare Coordinator, and are offered free of charge to anyone wishing to understand the grief process and how it affects individuals. To register call Kim at Anderson Funeral Home (320-763-5900). Gillette Hospital Mobile Outreach Clinics … will be in Alexandria again in April and May. Look for dates and how to make an appointment on the parish health bulletin board. Teleconference “Living with Grief: Children and Adolescents”… parents and professionals working with children experiencing grief are invited to attend this workshop hosted by Douglas County Hospice on Wednesday, April 16th from 12:30-3:30 p.m. at the Douglas County Services Center. More info is posted on the parish health bulletin board. “God is faithful; by him you were called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.” * * * * *
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