Resources
Understanding Bird Flu
Bird flu, also known as avian influenza, occurs when a flu virus from an infected bird infects a human. Although it is rare, it can happen in certain situations and can cause a range of symptoms. At Golden Triangle Emergency Center we encourage anyone who suspects they may have come into contact with an infected bird to seek immediate medical attention.
How Bird Flu is Spread
Birds that are infected with the avian influenza virus carry it in their mucous, saliva, and feces. A person may come into contact with the virus and then bring their hand to their face, mouth, or nose or the virus can be carried in the air (in droplets or possibly dust) and be breathed in by humans. While it has been found to be very rare for bird flu to spread from one person to another, it is still important to practice caution around others if infection has occurred. Humans who come into contact with the virus can experience a myriad of symptoms.
Symptoms of Bird Flu
The bird flu can be categorized as low pathogenic or high pathogenic. Humans who have low pathogenic bird flu may experience flu-like symptoms such as muscle aches, cough, fever, sore throat, conjunctivitis, or pneumonia. High pathogenic bird flu can lead to all of those symptoms or more severe symptoms such as severe respiratory illness with multi-organ disease and neurologic changes. Anyone experiencing these symptoms should receive immediate medical attention.
Treatment of the Bird Flu
Humans who have bird flu symptoms may be prescribed one of a number of drugs that have been recommended by the Centers for Disease Control. The drugs that are currently being prescribed are zanamivir, peramivir, and oseltamivir. However, because viruses can become resistant to drugs over time, continual monitoring of their results is being done and new ones may replace them if need be.
People who have been in contact with birds that have been infected with the avian virus may also be given antiviral drugs even if they are not yet experiencing any symptoms. Doing this can reduce the risk of infection.
Detection of the Bird Virus
While the previous listed symptoms can indicate the presence of bird flu in humans, additional lab tests are performed to ensure an accurate diagnosis. Typically this is done by swabbing the throat or nose of the potentially affected person during the initial days of the illness. For patients who are seriously ill, specimens of the lower respiratory tract will be taken. The swab is then sent to the lab to be tested. Depending on the lab and the situation, the bird flu virus can be seen by either growing the virus or via a molecular test.
It is more difficult to detect the bird flu in individuals who have almost or completely recovered. In certain cases, blood tests can find the virus due to particular antibodies that have been produced to fight off the avian virus. This only works, however, by taking one blood sample during the initial week of symptoms and then a second sample around three to four weeks later. The testing needs to be done in a special laboratory and the results take a few weeks, so this is not a common way of detecting the virus.
Although getting infected with the bird flu is rare, the prognosis is not good, with a death rate around 60%. Because of this, it is important to seek immediate medical treatment if you have been exposed to, or are experiencing symptoms of, bird flu or any other major disease. Golden Triangle Emergency Center is here to help with industry-leading medical care.
The Pros and Cons of Bariatric Surgery
In recent years, bariatric surgery has become an increasingly popular option for those seeking weight loss solutions. However, like other surgeries, there are potential risks and it is important to weigh the pros and cons carefully before making a decision. Let’s take a look at several different types of bariatric surgeries and the pros and cons of each.
Gastric Bypass
There are many different types of weight loss surgery. One of the oldest and most common is gastric bypass, in which food is diverted from a large portion of the stomach and the first part of the intestines. This prevents both overeating and reduces absorption of any food that is consumed.
One of the biggest advantages of gastric bypass surgery is that it has the quickest and most dramatic results of any weight surgical loss solution. Some patients lose over half of their body weight within the first six months after the surgery, and significant weight loss can continue for up to two years. This means that there can also be rapid relief for weight related conditions such as sleep apnea, high blood pressure, and even diabetes. Plus, the results from gastric bypass surgery tend to be more or less permanent.
However, there are a few downsides to having gastric bypass surgery. For one, it is a permanent procedure that cannot be reversed. The effects of gastric bypass surgery last for a lifetime. For another, gastric bypasses make it much more difficult for the body to absorb nutrients; while absorbing fewer calories is desirable for weight loss, the reduction in essential vitamins and minerals can cause significant bodily problems unless supplements are added to their daily diet.
In addition, gastric bypass is a major form of surgery, which requires a great deal of time to recover. Patients are also potentially susceptible to complications. Issues such as infections, blood clots, or slow healing can occur, all of which may require treatment at an emergency room such as GTEC.
Gastric Banding
Another common type of weight loss surgery is gastric banding. This process involves an inflatable band being placed around the stomach. The band can be adjusted to change the size of the stomach, causing patients to eat less and feel fuller faster.
One significant benefit of gastric banding is that it is not permanent. The results of the procedure can be adjusted by changing the size of the band, or even completely reversed by having the band removed. Additionally, gastric banding patients tend to have fewer dietary restrictions and lifestyle complications than those who opt for gastric bypass.
On the other hand, gastric banding does not produce results that are as rapid as some other bariatric surgeries. Weight loss and relief from obesity-related conditions can take significantly longer with a gastric band. Also, the fact that a foreign device is left within the body means that a number of complications can arise; gastric banding patients can be prone to infection as well as serious issues caused by the band slipping or leaking. In these cases severe pain might result, which can only be remedied by having another surgery so that the band can be adjusted or removed entirely.
Gastric Sleeve Surgery
A third common type of bariatric surgery is sleeve gastrectomy, also called a gastric sleeve. In this procedure, most of the stomach is removed, and the remaining stomach is stretched out to form a sleeve-like shape.
There are a number of advantages to having a gastric sleeve surgery. For one, this procedure does not have the potential complications of a gastric band, and is less risky than a gastric bypass. In fact, some patients that are too obese to undergo gastric bypass without complications may have a gastric sleeve surgery first, and then the bypass later. Generally, patients with a gastric sleeve can lose thirty to fifty percent of their weight in the first year.
There are downsides to this surgery, however. For one, part of the stomach is removed, making this surgery irreversible, although the stomach sleeve can be stretched out by poor dietary choices. Also, this surgery involves stapling the cut part of the stomach together, and serious problems can occur after the surgery if those staples leak.
Potential Problems
Any weight loss surgery can be subject to complications such as infections or trouble healing. If you have recently undergone weight loss surgery and experience sudden abdominal pain, bleeding, vomiting, or other unexpected symptoms, then it is imperative that you go to an emergency room for immediate medical assistance. Golden Triangle Emergency Center provides prompt, professional treatment with short wait times in a comfortable, state-of-the-art environment.
Essential Information About Men’s Health
As a culture, we often explicitly or implicitly tell men that they need to be tough. That they cannot get sick and must continue with their work and goals, no matter what. Unfortunately, this is both unrealistic and also potentially very harmful to their health. At Golden Triangle Emergency Center we want to provide our patients and community as a whole with the information they need to make smart choices about their health. That is why we put together this brief informational guide about men’s health.
Health Facts about Men
It should come as no surprise that ignoring a health concern or illness can have disastrous effects. Consider the following statistics about men’s health.
- Since 1920, men, on average, went from living one year less than women to dying almost five years earlier.
- Men have higher rates of death from major health issues, such as cancer, heart disease, stroke, injuries, and suicide.
- Hearing loss for men is two times higher than the rate for women.
- A man’s testosterone can be linked to higher LDL (bad cholesterol) and decreased HDL (good cholesterol).
Why Are Men at a Higher Risk of Mortality?
There are multiple reasons why men are at an increased risk of injury or death. One leading cause is the occupations and hobbies men often pursue. While of course women may also pursue such activities, men are typically found in higher numbers in more dangerous occupations, such as firefighting, construction and mining. Many men also enjoy more injury-prone recreational activities like extreme sports, hunting, or camping.
Society also encourages men to be strong, making some feel that going to a doctor or professional may seem weak. Unhealthy lifestyles that may include, for example, smoking and excessive use of alcohol or drugs but they contribute to a shorter and less healthy life.
Leading Causes of Death
The leading causes of death is higher for men in some categories. These include heart disease, chronic lower respiratory disease, diabetes, pneumonia, and HIV infection, as well as many cancers. There is a much greater chance of treating these diseases successfully if a man gets an early prognosis and essential treatment. By contrast women suffering from these same illnesses are more likely to seek treatment earlier in the progression of the disease or to catch an illness sooner as a result of more frequent checkups and routine tests.
Prevention
Men sometimes seem to feel that they do not need to see a doctor. Unlike women, who are more likely to visit a doctor yearly for exams and preventative services, many men believe that they can wait until something more serious develops. As life expectancy has increased and the quality of medical care has advanced men as a whole have shown this to be true. Additionally serious, chronic illnesses can significantly diminish the quality of life for the sufferer even if they do not kill them.
At Golden Triangle Emergency Center we are committed to improving the health and quality of life for all of our patients, including men. We encourage all of our male patients to seek prompt medical care for any illness, injury, or health condition and to receive routine medical exams and tests as directed by their doctors. We also want to remind all readers that for health concerns both major or minor, Golden Triangle Emergency Center is here to help with industry-leading medical care.
Essential Health Information for Pregnant Women
Women who are pregnant are constantly bombarded with information about what they should and shouldn’t eat and what they should and shouldn’t do. Here at the Golden Triangle Emergency Center, we want to help clear up the confusion and set the record straight about healthcare for pregnant women. However, this article can only provide general advice and it is imperative that pregnant women consult directly with their doctors for more personalized information and care.
Learn What It Means to Eat for Two
The term “eating for two” can be misleading and while it is certainly true that the pregnant woman must sustain herself and her unborn baby, it doesn’t actually mean that she should eat twice as much as she normally would. Instead, pregnant mothers should take this advice to mean they are essentially sharing nutrients, vitamins, and minerals with their babies. If you’re pregnant, you’ll simply want to pay closer attention to the foods you eat and their nutritional content.
How Much Weight Should You Gain?
Weight gain is to be expected for pregnant women, but the total amount of weight you take on is dependent on a variety of factors. One of the largest indicators of how much weight you can expect to gain is your body mass index (BMI) before you became pregnant. This is just a general estimate and may vary from woman to woman:
- 30 to 40 pounds for women who were underweight before pregnancy
- 25 to 30 pounds for those who are at normal weight before becoming pregnant
- Anywhere from 15 to 25 pounds for overweight women
- 10 to 20 pounds for women who were obese before pregnancy
Something else to note is that pregnant women should gain weight gradually, with a majority of the weight gain taking place during the last trimester. It’s often recommended that women gain a total of anywhere from two to four pounds during their first trimesters and three to four pounds every subsequent month for the remaining two trimesters. However, ideal amounts and timelines are often debated in the medical and scientific community and once again it is essential for pregnant women to find a doctor they trust to monitor their pregnancy.
Prenatal Vitamins and Mineral Supplements
While meeting with a physician to determine how much weight you should expect to gain and which foods you should avoid, you should also be sure to ask about taking prenatal vitamins and minerals. The need for supplements will vary significantly from woman to woman based on diet and lifestyle. Specific nutrients pregnant women need the most include vitamin B12, vitamin A, folic acid, calcium and iron. It’s also essential that you make sure you drink plenty of water to remain properly hydrated.
Physical Activity
Remaining physically fit is just as important during pregnancy as eating the right foods. It’s best that mothers-to-be get at least two hours and 30 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise every week. Proper amounts of exercise can make pregnancy much easier. For instance research shows that physical activity can prevent many of the aches, pains and other physical discomforts that are common during pregnancy. Exercise can also allow you to bounce back faster after giving birth and lose the weight that was gained during pregnancy.
Even if you worked out regularly before becoming pregnant a safe and effective exercise regimen is something you should be sure to discuss with your doctor. You might also have certain physical conditions that keep you from engaging in exercise. Some women may also have a higher risk pregnancy than others that calls for a different level of physical activity.
Golden Triangle Emergency Center wishes all the expecting mothers of our community well during this life-changing time. If you do have any emergencies or complications it is critical that you get immediate medical care. Golden Triangle Emergency Center is here to help.
The Importance of Drinking Enough Water
Everyone has heard how important it is to drink an adequate amount of water each day, but did you ever wonder why? Ample water consumption is absolutely necessary for maintaining optimal health. There have been numerous studies about the benefits of proper hydration and how much you should drink. While the precise results of these studies may differ slightly, the one thing that is certain is that drinking water is very important. At Golden Triangle Emergency Center, we care about your health and overall wellbeing. We are ready to provide emergency care when you need it, but our main goal is to keep you healthy and out of the emergency room. Read on to learn why proper hydration is so important.
Proper Hydration Improves Mood
It may come as a surprise to some, but if you’re feeling irritable, inadequate hydration could be to blame. Research shows that being even mildly dehydrated can negatively affect mood. If you are feeling unhappy or on edge and you cannot figure out why, a glass of water might help.
Proper Hydration Improves Skin
Do you want to look radiant, youthful and happy? Do you want Glowing Skin? Of course you do! The good news is that you can skip those pricey cosmetic products and just reach for a plain old glass of water.
Drinking enough water keeps your skin properly hydrated and keeps you looking your best. While downing tons of water cannot exactly erase wrinkles and signs of age, per se, it can improve the look of skin that appears dry and aged due to insufficient hydration.
Proper Hydration Helps Control Your Weight
Many Americans take in far too many excess calories and far too much unneeded sugar in the form of drinks like soda, energy beverages, and sugary coffee drinks. Replacing at least a portion of those drinks with pure, clean water can do wonders for your health and your weight.
Here is another weight-related tip: sometimes people interpret thirst as hunger and end up overeating. The next time you feel hungry when you have already had ample food that day, try drinking a glass of water and waiting several minutes to see if your hunger pangs go away.
Proper Hydration Helps You Feel Your Best
Dehydration is one of the worst all over feelings you can experience. Dehydration can be as small as a hangover or as severe as heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Dehydration and the accompanying effects can lead to migraines, seizures, and a host of other physical ailments. This makes it crucial to ward off dehydration with proper water intake.
Proper Hydration Contributes to Optimal Digestion
Constipation is an extremely common health complaint. Fortunately, in many cases it can relieved or prevented with a simple increase in the amount of daily water consumption. Naturally of course constipation can be the result of a variety of other factors including overall diet, health, and medication. Nevertheless, drinking a little more H2O is a simple way to reduce your risk of this uncomfortable condition.
Know When to Drink More
If you are a fitness fanatic, live in hot climates (like Texas!), or are experiencing a bout of vomiting or diarrhea, you may need to drink more water to stay properly hydrated. Remember that dehydration can be very harmful to your body. These are common signs and symptoms of dehydration:
- Dry mouth
- Irritability or confusion
- A reduction in urination
- Dry skin that lacks elasticity
- Headaches
- A feeling of dizziness or lightheadedness
Remember that severe dehydration is an extremely serious and should not be ignored. If you experience any of these symptoms or if you see them in someone you know, do not hesitate to get emergency care from a medical professional. Golden Triangle Emergency Center offers round the clock service delivered by knowledgeable, local, friendly, and caring staff in state of the art facilities.
Living a Happy and Healthy Life With Heart Disease
Heart disease impacts millions of people nationwide and it is one of the leading causes of death in the US and worldwide. However, despite this somewhat bleak reality, it is nevertheless absolutely possible to live with heart disease and even thrive. Heart disease is a serious problem that requires attentive care and major lifestyle changes, but it can be managed. Here at Golden Triangle Emergency Center we are committed to improving quality of life for all our patients. That’s why we put together this short guide to living a happy and healthy life with heart disease.
Heart Disease and Diet
The health of your heart is greatly impacted by your diet, and after receiving a diagnosis of heart disease, it is necessary that you eat the healthiest foods available. Lean meats such as seafood and poultry should be steadily added into your diet, while fatty foods high in cholesterol should be steadily phased out. Whole grains, such as oatmeal, are also believed to have a positive impact on heart health, while processed carbohydrates should generally be avoided or minimized. Above all when it comes to diet, it should be noted that moderation is key. It is generally still possible to have occasional treats as long as they are a part of a balanced, heart healthy diet.
Heart Disease and Physical Activity
Exercise is another extremely important component of managing heart disease. Cardiovascular exercise is essential for maintaining good heart health and you should work closely with your physician to establish a regular exercise program. By starting small and working with medical professionals, you can create a tangible exercise plan that will combat the illness. Staying active will also help stave off other diseases, improve or maintain mobility, and improve overall life quality.
Heart Disease and Stress Reduction
No one enjoys stressful situations, but for those individuals who have recently been diagnosed with heart disease, stress can be especially hazardous to health. Stress is a normal biological response that prepares the body to enter fight or flight mode by releasing a cocktail of complex hormones. However, over time chronic stress puts a strain on nearly every body system, especially your heart.
Stress also typically raises blood pressure, forcing the heart to beat faster. In order to avoid this heightened state of arousal, patients should do everything in their power to reduce their stress levels. Effective strategies for coping with stress include removing yourself from the stressful situation, going for a walk, meditating, learning relaxation techniques, or enjoying a favorite, calming activity. Medication may also be prescribed to help combat stress, which we’ll discuss in more detail below.
Heart Disease and Medication
Adhering to your medication regimen is another crucial element of successfully managing heart disease. You should take any prescribed medicines on a regular schedule and keep your physician informed of any physical changes. Remember to be vigilant for drug interactions between your heart medication and other prescription, or even non-prescription drugs, and be aware of and avoid any dangerous foods or beverages that may interact with your medication. Avoid skipping doses or doubling up on doses.
You should also remember to schedule regular appointments with both your cardiologist and primary care physician. These responsibilities may seem daunting and often people who have heart disease may also suffer from other medical conditions that make things more challenging. Some heart disease sufferers are also elderly and may be beginning to experience memory loss. It is thus important for people in these situations to receive help from a trusted family member or caregiver who can keep them on track.
Final Thoughts on Heart Disease
In short, being diagnosed with heart disease isn’t the end of the world. With the right amount of knowledge and self-care, you can live a long and healthy life. It is always best to consult your physicians before making any major lifestyle changes. Finally, in the event of a serious cardiac event like a heart attack prompt, immediate medical treatment is crucial. Golden Triangle Emergency Center is on hand 24/7 to provide state-of-the-art emergency medical care to heart attack victims or any other patient.
Essential Information About Women’s Health
One of the many roles that women often find themselves in in our society is that of caregiver; often women find that they expend a great deal of their time, energy, and financial resources providing care to family members, such as their children, spouse, or aging parents. They try to take care of their loved ones’ health and safety, making sure that they get all the medical care they need and all too often neglect their own well-being and health. Golden Triangle Emergency Center wants to ensure that everyone has the medical resources and information they need to live long, happy, productive lives. That is why we put together this list of essential tips and information about women’s health.
Stay Healthy
As a woman, there are some important things you can do:
- Eat nutritional foods
- Participate in some form of exercise
- Keep up to date on doctors’ visits for physicals and immunizations
- Do not smoke
Try to Manage Life
This may be easier said than done, but there are many ways you can try to keep life going more smoothly. Try to lower stress by looking at things in a larger perspective. Is it really that important if someone cuts you off in traffic? If your child knocks over a glass of milk, try to remember accidents happen and they probably feels worse about it than you do. Above all else keep things in perspective. By taking a deep breath and managing your stress, you have a better chance of keeping your blood pressure at a healthier level, lowering the risk of a heart attack, and warding off the other ill effects of chronic stress, not to mention handle the situation more smoothly.
Strive for a Healthier Lifestyle
Unfortunately, no one does the exact right thing for their health each and every time. It’s only human nature to make occasional bad decisions or give into temptation. However, the goal shouldn’t be perfection, but merely striving for a healthier lifestyle overall. Avoid crash diets and aim for a complete, balanced approach to nutrition. Don’t feel obligated to run a marathon if that isn’t a part of who you are, just aim for physical activity and daily exercise. Gradually try to ween off bad habit, but don’t get discouraged if you can’t stop cold turkey.
Put Yourself First
One of the biggest challenges for many women is to put themselves first and make their own well-being a priority. Yet it is in doing precisely this that women are able to become their best selves and better care for their loved ones. Remember Golden Triangle Emergency Center is here for you every step of the way with round the clock emergency medical services delivered by knowledgeable, local, friendly, and caring staff in state-of-the-art comfortable facilities.
Understanding Ebola
The historic 2014 Ebola epidemic struck a chord of fear in people all over the world, particularly in the US where Ebola cases were unheard of. While the situation was very serious and affected many people, panic and anxiety infected many more. Encouraged by the virus’ exceptionally high mortality rates in underdeveloped nations, misinformation spread even more rampantly than the virus and many people lived in an unnecessary state of fear. At Golden Triangle Emergency Center, we are committed to protecting the welfare of our community, and part of that mission is to inform them about health and disease facts. Let’s take a look at Ebola, learn what it is, it’s symptoms, and how it is spread.
What is Ebola
Ebola hemorrhagic fever derives its name from its initial discovery near the Ebola River in the Democratic Republic of Congo. It was first identified in the late 1970s and has since been diagnosed in humans and animals. There are five Ebolavirus species, four of which develop into illness in humans. The remaining species causes disease in animals.
- Ebola virus (Zaire ebolavirus)
- Sudan virus (Sudan ebolavirus)
- Taï Forest virus (Taï Forest ebolavirus)
- Bundibugyo virus (Bundibugyo ebolavirus)
- Reston virus (Reston ebolavirus) – No known human infections
Ebola Symptoms and Diagnosis
Vomiting, diarrhea, fever, and headache are common symptoms connected to Ebola. These symptoms, however, are also connected to a vast range of other afflictions ranging from malaria to the stomach flu. Thus it is important to seek a medical diagnosis if you are experiencing these symptoms or have traveled to an area outbreak area.
Ebola symptoms generally take around a week to appear. However, they can show up in as little as two days from time of infection to as much as three weeks. While symptoms of different diseases may be similar, risk factors will help determine the need for isolation and testing. It is not clear whether recovered hosts of the Ebolavirus are at risk for re-infection, but diagnosis and treatment should be sought immediately in order to properly explore all available options.
Ways to Contract Ebola
Ebola is spread through direct contact with body fluids. The Ebolavirus is not airborne. An infected person can share the virus by excreting fecal matter, urine, vomit, saliva, and or other body fluids. When these fluids come in contact with another person’s open wounds or mucous membranes, the virus spreads. There are currently no Ebola vaccines available to the public.
Concentrated Outbreaks
The 2014 Ebola outbreak hit the African countries of Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Guinea the hardest. Other countries saw increased cases of virus transmission due to travelers and the exposure of healthcare personnel to infected victims. Within the continent of Africa, there were many countries that were only mildly affected.
Arm Yourself With Facts in the Fight Against Ebola
It is important to have accurate facts to avoid unnecessary stigma and fear. In general, Texas residents are not at high risk for Ebola transmission; however, if you are concerned that you may be infected with Ebola or any infectious disease, it is paramount that you seek medical assistance immediately. Remember Golden Triangle Emergency Center offers round the clock emergency medical services delivered by knowledgeable, local, friendly, and caring staff in state of the art facilities.
Going The Extra Mile For Our Patients And Community
Golden Triangle Emergency Center always prides itself on going the extra mile for our patients and delivering next level medical care. However life is full of little coincidences and sometimes people need assistance in other ways too. Recently we had the opportunity to go that extra mile for one of our patients. Check out the video to hear the story from our patient’s point of view.
From Car Trouble
As she explains in the short clip, she was recently out running errands when she got back to her car and found that it would not start. Fortunately a kind stranger happened along and was able to help her get her car running again. However, that wasn’t to be the last time their paths would cross that day.
To Feverish Babies
Later that day, the woman’s baby developed a fever. This is a scary and urgent situation for every parent, but fortunately the woman decided to quickly take her straight to Golden Triangle Emergency Center. This decision was easy for her because she had heard that our staff was kind, caring, and committed to making medical emergencies easier and more comfortable for patients. That’s when the world proved to be a small place after all and who should happen to be the worried mother’s doctor but the same kind stranger who had stopped earlier to help her with her car!
Golden Triangle Emergency Center Goes the Extra Mile for Our Patients and Community
This story is just one example of the countless ways Golden Triangle Emergency Center always strives to go the extra mile for people in our community, whether they are strangers out in town or patients right here within our walls. Our doctors, nurses, and other staff are dedicated to serving the community and making things better for those around us.
Small Steps for Getting More Daily Exercise
Routine exercise is one of the most fundamental positive things a person can do for his or her health. Not only does regular exercise help prevent unwanted weight gain, it also improves heart and vascular health, strengthens and maintains bones, and even helps improve sleep and mood. However, despite the many benefits of regular exercise many Americans often have trouble fitting exercise into their already hectic schedules. Fortunately, figurative as well as literal small steps can add up to major health benefits. Consider incorporating these small steps into your daily life to reap the rewards that come with more exercise.
At Home
Many people have developed a very efficient routine for their home lives that have intentionally or unintentionally cut out all extra physical exertion. This may be tempting but it isn’t necessarily healthy. Consider shaking up your routine by doing the following:
- Do more housework more often.
- Consider listening to invigorating music while cleaning.
- Cook and cleanup more instead of going out to eat or having take out.
- Get up and walk around the room or tidy up while talking on the phone.
- Take frequent breaks from the computer or television.
- Play with your kids outdoors.
- Take your dog for more and/or longer walks.
- Do your own yardwork, landscaping, and gardening.
- Wash your car by hand.
At Work
Working adults spend about a third or more of their time during the week at work. This means that it is essential to look for creative ways to incorporate more physical activity into your workday. Far from being a productivity killer, more exercise can help you fight stress, stay focused, and get more done.
- Trade in your traditional sit-down desk for a standing desk.
- Take the stairs instead of the elevator.
- Instead of sending an email or text, get up and walk to your coworker’s desk or office.
- Consider implementing standing meetings.
- Take short breaks to stretch and rest your eyes.
- Go for a walk on your lunch break.
- Park further away from the front door.
- Walk or cycle to work if you live close enough.
At Play
Everyone needs time to relax and recharge. However, there are lots of fun activities that also involve some exercise. The best is you’ll probably be having so much fun you won’t even notice the extra exertion. Consider adding these fun activities to your leisure life.
- Take a dance class.
- Go out to a dance club.
- Go hiking or just for casual walks with friends instead of going to dinner or having coffee.
- Round up some friends for a game of basketball or other sport of your choice.
- Go golfing, bowling, or even take up tennis.
- Get together an exercise group to help you stay motivated.
- Go on walking tours while on vacation.
- Visit a park.
- Read or watch TV while on a treadmill or stationary bike.
Out and About
Everyone has errands and social obligations that they must perform; however, these activities don’t have to eat up all your free time. Consider multitasking by getting some extra exercise in while you are out and about.
- If you only have few items consider carrying them by hand instead of getting a cart.
- Pick up litter, return stray carts to the designated area, and do other good deeds that also get you moving.
- Volunteer for projects at your child’s school, at church, or for charitable organizations.
- Help elderly or sick neighbors, family, and friends with projects they can’t tackle by themselves.
Many of these activities may seem like a lot of work at first, but in most cases once you get used to performing them on a regular basis they’ll become an easy, even fun part of your routine. Remember to try to get the whole family and others you care about involved in the process so that they too can reap the rewards of healthier lifestyle and support each other. As always if you suffer an accident or other health crisis make sure to get immediate medical attention from an emergency center like Golden Triangle Emergency Center.