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Wisconsin: 15th most obese state in the country

Posted on August 27, 2013 by @Affinity Team. Tags: Affinity Health System, chronic conditions, diabetes, diet, exercise, Healthy Eating, Obesity. No Comments

Wisconsin may be known as “America’s Dairyland” but these days it is also getting a reputation for being one of the most obese states in the nation, ranking 15^th in the country. In Wisconsin, one in three adults are obese. Obesity is defined by having a body mass index (BMI) greater than 30.

According to a new report by Trust for America’s Health (TFAH) and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation titled “F as in Fat: How Obesity Threatens America’s Future, 2013”, every state in the country has an adult obesity rate above 20 percent. This is a startling increase given that in 1980 no states had an adult obesity rate above 15 percent. Continue Reading »

Patient blog: how I reclaimed my life from diabetes

Posted on July 10, 2013 by Admin. Tags: diabetes, diet, exercise, grateful patient. No Comments

“Like many people in my family, I am diabetic. I was diagnosed with type II diabetes several years ago, but thanks to my primary care physician, Dr. Brian Scott, the disease had not progressed considerably until this past winter. Despite my efforts to control it through exercise and diet, my blood sugar levels rose considerably, peaking at 8.9 A1C in March. Dr. Scott’s nurses, Shawn and Heather contacted me at regular intervals to monitor the situation. When Dr. Scott referred me to Lee Cleveland at Affinity Medical Group on Midway Road, I was not sure he was going to be able to help much. Faced with the probability of starting a new and very expensive medication, I listened carefully to Lee’s advice on controlling my carbohydrate intake. After two months of better dieting and riding my bicycle every possible day, my A1C levels fell to 6.5 and Dr. Scott was able to put the new medication on hold. Now that I limit the carbohydrate intake and keep riding my bike as often as possible, I feel better and feel that I can continue to improve. I truly appreciate the excellent care given by the medical professionals mentioned above.”

-Gary, a grateful patient

Workplace wellness tip: got stress? Take a walk!

Posted on March 13, 2013 by Affinity Occupational Health. Tags: exercise, stress, weight loss, weight management. No Comments

Stress is one of the biggest threats to your employees’ health. Help decrease their stress by encouraging walking throughout the day! Walking breaks, even for 10 minutes once or twice a day, will help employees increase physical activity and clear their mind from the day’s stress. These short breaks will allow employees to return to their work station rejuvenated and ready to tackle the rest of the day’s tasks.Take it one step further by encouraging meetings on the go! Who says all meetings need to take place in a conference room? Boost your wellness culture by encouraging walk-and-talk meetings.

Find your target heart rate

Posted on March 6, 2013 by Affinity Occupational Health. Tags: Affinity Health System, exercise, health, weight loss, weight management. No Comments

Photo courtesy of http://www.flickr.com/photos/bayat/14157817/

What’s one of the best ways to boost your heart health? Exercise! But be careful not to over-do it. Pushing too hard can deprive your muscles of needed oxygen, which leads to soreness and fatigue. In order to gain maximum health benefits from working out, the key is to reach–and maintain–your target heart rate.

It’s best to exercise within your target zone for 20 to 60 minutes per session. To find your target heart rate, choose one of two methods:

1. The Talk Test

You’ve found the right intensity if you can carry on a brief conversation while exercising. If you can easily carry on a long conversation, try pushing a little harder. But decrease your intensity if you have trouble getting out a sentence.

2. The Formula

For those who prefer the scientific method, follow this simple formula: 220 minus your age, multiplied by .55 to .85. In other words, your target heart rate is between 55 percent and 85 percent of your maximum heart rate.

Jump start your health with Fleet Feet Sports

Posted on February 18, 2013 by Admin. Tags: exercise, orthopedics. No Comments

NEW for 2013, Fleet Feet Sports (a local retail fitness business) is partnering with Affinity Orthopedics & Sports Medicine & Nike to introduce a safe, fun, Coach-led, four-week walking/running program sure to jump start your health. This program is targeted for beginners; individuals overwhelmed by the notion of getting moving, those wanting to safely transition from walking to running, or who benefit from the accountability and support of a group to keep them motivated.

The program includes a safe, guided training plan designed to allow individuals to work at their own pace in a non-threatening, non-judgmental environment. Throughout the program, participants will also be introduced to tools and resources within the community that can support their ongoing journey. Three four-week programs will be offered in 2013; beginning in April, June, and August.

At Fleet Feet Sports Fox Valley you will find a welcoming environment and unprecedented customer service that is the cornerstone of health and wellness in the community. Whether you walk, run, exercise or simply need advice and motivation to lead an active or pain-free lifestyle, the experts at Fleet Feet Sports can help.

For more information about the program, call (920 830 7867) or visit us online at: www.fleetfeetfoxvalley.com/training.