Entry bubble Time for a Physical

By: Jim | July 07, 2008 | Category: Health

Doctor and Patient

Why is it so many us take better care of our cars than our own bodies? My birthday is  coming up, which got me thinking that I'm long overdue for a physical, at least according to the NIH's guidelines. I realize that part of the reason I've been putting off a visit to the doctor is because I'm convinced he's going to tell me to make some lifestyle changes. Another part of it is my denial about my cancer risk. Considering my family history, I can't continue to ignore my risk any longer.

Determined to face my fear of Dr. Goldfinger and the dreaded DRE, I've started researching men's health-related information on USA.gov to get ready for my visit. A search of "men's health" came up with quite a bit of information, some a little surprising. For example, a quarter of men older than 50 will break a bone due to osteoporosis. I also found an easy to use checklist that outlines some of the screening tests folks should get when they get a physical.

As the owner of a bathroom scale that gets used once in a blue moon, a not so surprising fact surfaced when I used the body mass indicator on the CDC's website. It revealed that I'm nearing the obese range. Obesity is another risk factor for cancer and contributes to other health issues.

I realize that I can't necessarily control whatever potential genetic predisposition I may have for getting cancer. However, I can do something about my weight and my diet. As a guy who can be labeled borderline lazy, does anybody out there have any tips on how I can work some physical activity into my routine, without having to sign up for a gym membership which I probably wouldn't use?

| View Comments [4] | envelope E-mail This Entry | Tags: cancer   health   jim   obesity   physical  

 

Entry bubble Exercise Regularly, Join the President’s Fitness Challenge

By: Joanne | March 11, 2008 | Category: Health

President's Fitness Challenge: Join HereToday I’m going to sign up for the President’s Fitness Challenge, a six week fitness program encouraging Americans to be active 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week. The Challenge starts March 20 and is designed to help you live healthier and get fit by adding physical activity to your day.

Physical activity helps maintain a healthy weight, build strong bones and reduces the risk of many serious diseases, like heart disease, type 2 diabetes and depression. It is particularly important as two thirds of Americans are obese or overweight, and half of us aren’t as physically active as we should be.

I have never been a regular exerciser, and let’s say that I’ve celebrated the anniversary of my 29th birthday a few times, but just last year I began exercising regularly. A medical provider recommended it to help alleviate symptoms of anxiety that were giving me problems. I’m not eager to begin the phase of life where my day begins with a series of prescription medicine bottles, so I gave it a shot. It took a little time to really feel the benefits, but it totally worked! Now I ride my bike 5-7 miles a day and I stick with it because I feel noticeably better on days when I exercise.

Everyone can participate - kids, adults, seniors, and people with disabilities. Regular activity is good for you, no matter what your current size. Join the program on your own or with a friend to track your activities, see your progress and challenge yourself to become healthier.

| View Comments [6] | envelope E-mail This Entry | Tags: active   challenge   exercise   fitness   health   joanne   physical   president's