By Michael V. Hannigan/HCNow
Move it!
No, seriously, we have to get moving for our health. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), only 1 in 5 adults meet physical activity guidelines.
The CDC follows that up with statements like:
- “People who are physically active tend to live longer and have lower risk for heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, depression, and some cancers.”
- And, “Inactive adults have a higher risk for early death, heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, depression, and some cancers.”
So, we have to get moving or else and the Henderson County Medical Association is starting a Walk With a Doc program in Athens to help.
“There’s magic in motion in healthcare,” Dr. Douglas Curran told me the morning of the Hope Springs Water Turkey Trot. “If you can keep people walking it changes their world.”
Dr. Curran was at the Turkey Trot signing up folks for the Walk With a Doc program, which will be held 8 a.m. the third Saturday of each month on the Cain Center walking track.The program is free, so just meet up at Cain Park and walk.
“Bring your questions,” Dr. Curran said. “While we’re walking we can talk about anything anybody wants to talk about.”
The mission of Walk With a Doc is “to encourage healthy physical activity in people of all ages, and reverse the consequences of a sedentary lifestyle in order to improve the health and well-being of the country.”
Walking is a “miracle drug,” with entities like the Mayo Clinic, Harvard Medical School and Arthritis Foundation extoling its benefits. The benefits range from being happier to living a longer life and limiting the effects of disease.
And it is all for free … and now on the third Saturday of the month you can have a doctor walking with you as well. For more information, contact the Lake Medical Associates at 903-676-3200.
Don’t Forget to Give
Everyone knows today is Black Friday and many know that Monday has become Cyber Monday.
But did you know some folks are trying to make the next day into Giving Tuesday?
Since starting in 2012, Giving Tuesday “has become a movement that celebrates and supports giving and philanthropy.”
You can even win up to $10,000 for the non-profit of your choice by entering their #MyGivingStory contest.
So give … and give locally! We have plenty of non-profits here in Henderson County that are doing very important work and deserve our support. If you need a suggestion, email me at [email protected] and I will help.
(Follow Michael V. Hannigan on Instagram or Twitter @mvhannigan)