Winter Does Not Have To Equal Weight Gain

11/19/10

As the year winds down, the number on the bathroom scale often goes up. In fact, a study done by researchers at the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development found that while Americans gain only about a pound during the winter holiday season, this extra weight gain accumulates through the years and may be a major contributor to obesity later in life.

Trying to prevent the annual weight gain is the best strategy. Although leading an active lifestyle can help keep the pounds at bay, anyone with chronic health issues or who finds it difficult to start or maintain a regular exercise program, can find that keeping weight gains at bay can be a major challenge. Others may just be unsure of what specific exercise program might work best for them.

“That’s where Memorial Hospital’s Heart Health and Wellness Program can help,” said Tanya Carbonaro, RN, Heart Health and Wellness Coordinator, who helps oversee the program.

“We’re here for anyone who feels that they want the safety and security of being in a supervised program. We have patients who have challenges beyond just a lack of overall fitness —they may have diabetes or peripheral artery disease, for instance, or may have experienced a stroke or other debilitating condition. Perhaps they are a smoker or overweight. In these cases, some professional health monitoring and education might be helpful,” explained Carbonaro.

The program is also geared towards those who think they might benefit from having asocial network to help keep up their motivation, or who have been thinking about starting an exercise program, but don’t know where or how to choose a safe and effective program.

“We’re here for anyone who feels that they want the safety and security of being in a supervised program. We have patients who have challenges beyond just a lack of overall fitness —they may have diabetes or peripheral artery disease, for instance, or may have experienced a stroke or other debilitating condition. Perhaps they are a smoker or overweight. In these cases, some professional health monitoring and education might be helpful,” explained Carbonaro.

The program is also geared towards those who think they might benefit from having a social network to help keep up their motivation, or who have been thinking about starting an exercise program, but don’t know where or how to choose a safe and effective program.

Bruce Libby, who joined the program after having a heart attack, says that the socialization and support aspects of the program make it very special, “You get to know everyone and you get a caring sense from the staff who work here. I now feel in better shape than ever before.”

Jean Moore, who joined the program at the suggestion of her daughter, has seen a big improvement in her blood pressure and has lost over 20 pounds since joining the program earlier this year. “I go three times a week—and sometimes I stop by just to visit. I love the nurses— they’re wonderful—and the ‘the regulars,’ who form a very nice support group. I like being in a monitored program. It gives me extra energy. I feel so much better now!”

“Exercising at Memorial Hospital as part of our Heart Health and Wellness Program can provide many benefits,” said Carbonaro. “Registered Nurses have participated in special training programs to develop and monitor individualized exercise programs that are then custom-tailored to the needs of each participant. Taking into careful account what exercise you may have engaged in previously, and what fitness levels you aspire to—or that are recommended by the American Heart Association— we assess your heart rate and blood pressure levels to determine what you could or should be doing to maximize your overall heart health.”

"Our dedicated staff are also trained in how to handle the occasional emergency," said Carbonaro. “A big benefit for participants who exercise in a hospital setting is that medical providers and the emergency department are only a few hundred feet away.”

“The winter months are a great time to join the Heart and Wellness Program, since it is a time when many of us huddle in front of a TV, or generally lead more sedentary lives, even when we’ve spent the spring and summer trying to get into shape, said Carbonaro. “If you start, and then stop an exercise routine, it only takes 10 to 14 days to lose the fitness level that you reached over the summer months.”

Anyone who is looking for a supervised exercise program is welcome to join Memorial Hospital’s Heart Health and Wellness Program with a physician’s referral. For more information, call Memorial Hospital at 356-5461 ext 417.