The Holidays are coming up, and that usually represents a time of leisure and consuming far too much delicious food. Unfortunately, once the holidays have passed we’re left with all of the weight we’ve packed on as well as the lethargy that comes from inactivity. Why not take steps to change all that this holiday season? While enjoying all those delicious meals and heartwarming family moments, remember to stay active so you can start next year as strong as you started the holidays. Below we’ve provided a list of some tips to help you stay active during these long winter months.
Begin
By Planning Ahead
More
important than what you do to keep active is ensuring that you have a
plan to keep active. This is especially true during the chaos and
randomness of the winter holidays. If you’re heading out of town
find out where the local parks and such are, as well as any gyms that
may have a day pass. This planning process is a mental training step
towards committing to your workout.
Less
Is More
Don’t
think that you have to do workouts for hours at a time. When it
comes to working out less can be more, especially if you plan for
10-20 minute bouts during the day. Walking, running, and jogging can
all be done for short spurts and still result in visible benefits for
your long journey. If you’re really going for it you can consider
HIT, or High-Intensity Interval Training, to get the most out of your
time. They alternate between periods of high intensity and short
recovery periods and have been shown to be effective.
When
You All Pull Together
Holidays
are about family, and that can apply to holiday fitness as well. Get
with your friends, family, or coworkers to build an exercise regimen
and make a commitment to sticking to it. You may also discover that
family members who have been inactive start wanting to join you on
your journey to fitness during the winter.
Appreciate
The Season
Let’s
face it, getting out and exercising in the Texas summer isn’t the
greatest idea, especially when you’re first starting out. The
milder winter season is going to be a great time to start working out
and conditioning yourself for the months ahead. They also happen to
be the time when events like Christmas and Thanksgiving walking
marathons and fun runs are going on.
If
you’re looking for other ways to look after your health in the
months ahead then stop in at Conroe Family Doctor for a consultation
with Dr. Trang D Nguyen. Their team will help you go over your
current state of health and your fitness goals and help you design a
dedicated plan to reach your goals. Fitness isn’t just a momentary
thing, it’s a dedicated lifestyle change that can result in a
longer, healthier life. Don’t wait for the winter season to take
its toll on you, get out there and take strides to keep the weight
off and feel after the holidays!
If you’re like a lot of Americans you may be wondering why you should bother getting the flu shot. Every year we face the dangers of the flu and we have survived it without the benefit of one of these shots, so why start getting them now? Modern medicine and vaccines have been able to identify the most likely strains of influenza to strike in the upcoming flu season and provide protection against them. With over 200,000 people getting hospitalized due to influenza every year, it’s sensible protection to take.
The Flu Is That Serious?
Yes. For the very young, the very old, and those with impaired immune systems a serious case of the flu can be a death sentence. Even typically healthy people can be at risk if the case of the flu is bad enough. Every year 3,000 to 49,000 people die from symptoms associated with the flu. Certain people are at greater risk from the flu than others, including:
Patients who have had a stroke or have heart disease
Adults who are older than 65
Women who are pregnant
Patients with HIV or AIDs
Cancer Patients
Those with diabetes and asthma
Can The Vaccine Really Prevent The Flu?
Ongoing research has shown that those who get the flu vaccine are nearly 61% less likely to contract flu during any given year. While certain factors render the flu virus more or less effective, this rate has been consistent over multiple years.
What Kinds Of Flu Shots Are There?
You may have heard about different types of flu shots and been wondering what they’re all about. There are actually four different forms of the flu vaccine, with different recommendations as to who should receive each of them.
Standard Dost Trivalent Shots – These shots are given in the arm or a jet injector, and are appropriate for those between the ages of 18 and 64.
High Dose Trivalent Shot – These are form patients who are older than 65
Recombinant Egg-Free Trivalent Shot – Approved for those who have allergies to eggs and are over 18.
Trivalent with Adjuvant – Adjuvant is a substance that creates a stronger response in the body of the patient. Typically used in those who are over the age of 65.
What About Last Years Flu Shot?
Unfortunately, the shot you received last year won’t provide adequate protection against this year’s strain. The immune response generated by these vaccines decline gradually, so a new dose is needed every year. The flu viruses also change and evolve each year, requiring fresh vaccines to tackle them.
If you’ve been wondering whether you should get a yearly flu vaccine the answer is almost certainly yes. Stop in and speak to Dr. Trang D Nguyen at Conroe Family Doctor about getting you shot in the upcoming year. More than just protecting yourself, getting the flu vaccine protects those around you who may be more susceptible to the dangers associated with the flu. Call today to find out where you can get your shot in Conroe, TX.
If you’re like many Americans you’ve been struggling with reaching a healthy weight. While most of us can stand to lose a few pounds, there are those whose lives are seriously impacted by obesity who can’t seem to break its hold on them. In cases like this medical weight loss may be a viable option to help break the cycle and help them finally get down to a healthy weight. If you’ve ever considered medically assisted weight loss and want to know if it’s appropriate for you, then this guide is for you.
Your Initial Consult
When you first start discussing this condition with your physician may refer you to a specialist in this form of treatment. Throughout the consultation, they’ll discuss your medical history, including obesity-related diseases, and factors that may be leading to obesity. They will also include a physical examination as part of the visit, and a history of your weight including dieting attempts. In some cases, a psychological profile and history may be ordered.
In many instances, patients will arrive at the clinic with high cholesterol, diabetes that hasn’t been diagnosed, abnormal liver tests, thyroid disorders, and obstructive sleep apnea. Additional testing may be suggested depending on the details of this consultation. Once this is complete one or more treatment approaches may be suggested.
Behavior Modifications
The first wave of attack on excess weight is going to center around exercise and dieting, both conditions that patients with obesity may struggle with. Lifestyle changes need to be part of any approach to medical weight loss, even if other techniques are used.
Obesity Medications
There are numerous medications that have been approved for the treatment of obesity, but they all include the aforementioned behavioral modifications. These medications are prescribed in cases where obesity has been shown to be the result of medical conditions or cannot be achieved through the above modifications.
Surgical Options
In serious cases where other techniques have been tried unsuccessfully your physician may suggest treatment through lap-band surgery. This treatment is reserved for only the most serious cases, and these patients have to have shown that they’re capable of sticking to the regimen that comes with it. While effective these treatments need a patient who is willing and able to put in the work to limit their meal sizes and make meaningful changes to their lifestyle to maintain the weight loss.
If you think you might benefit from medically assisted weight loss then its time to connect with a specialist like Dr. Trang D Nguyen. Along with his team of experts at Conroe Family Doctor they’ve been helping patients struggling with obesity find hope in their battle against weight gain. If you live in the Conroe, TX area then give their office a call to request a consultation. Once scheduled you’ll be seen by Dr. Nguyen and your options will be discussed. Remember that medical weight loss is a process and that your consultation is just the beginning of a journey that will help you lose the weight.
Conroe Family Doctor (Dr. Nguyen) Office has moved about 1 block away from our old location. We look forward to seeing you at our new location at 1020 Riverwood Ct. Suite 100 Conroe, TX. 77304 for Driving Direction CLICK HERE or Call us at 936-441-2012