Shannon Medical Center | Health Beat | Summer 2019

8 HEALTH BEAT Fitness PLAY IT SAFE. Get a doctor’s OK if you have a heart condition or other chronic health problem, or if you’re older than 40 and have been inactive. HAVE A CLEAR GOAL. For better health, a good overall goal is to get a brisk, 30-minute walk in five days a week. TRY MINI-WALKS TOO. Three 10-minute walks still boost health. GO EASY. A five-minute walk is fine at first, and don’t worry about speed. ADD ON. As walking gets easier, go farther and faster. You can even head for hills to help tone your legs. SPLIT THEM UP. Divide your walks into three parts. Warm up with a slow pace, then walk briskly, then cool down with a short stroll. BE KIND TO YOUR FEET. Your shoes should fit right, have good arch support and well-cushioned heels. STRIDE SMART. Practice good posture by keeping your head lifted, tummy pulled in and shoulders relaxed. Swing your arms naturally. BE SEEN. Wear light or reflective clothing, especially when visibility is low. KEEP MOVING. Walking isn’t all or nothing. Any exercise is always better than none. Sources: American Council on Exercise; American Heart Association; National Institutes of Health Walk your way to better health R eady to take a step in the right direction for your health? Then lace up your sneakers. Walking lowers blood pressure and cholesterol, keeps weight down, helps bone health, and can lift your mood. These 10 tips can help you succeed at a walking program: 3 2 1 5 4 6 7 9 8 10 HEALTH BEAT is published as a community service for the friends and patrons of SHANNON MEDICAL CENTER, 120 E. Harris Ave., San Angelo, TX 76903, telephone 325-653-6741. Len Mertz , Chairman, Board of Directors Shane Plymell , President and CEO Lyndy Stone , Editor Kori Knappe , Contributing Writer Information in HEALTH BEAT comes from a wide range of medical experts. If you have any concerns or questions about specific content that may affect your health, please contact your health care provider. Models may be used in photos and illustrations. 2019 © Coffey Communications, Inc. All rights reserved. SUMMER 2019 shannonhealth.com Shannon Medical Center complies with applicable federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex. Language assistance services, free of charge, are available to you. Please call 325- 653-6741, ext. 6541. Shannon Medical Center cumple con las leyes federales de derechos civiles aplicables y no discrimina por motivos de raza, color, nacionalidad, edad, discapacidad o sexo. ATENCIÓN: si habla español, tiene a su disposición servicios gratuitos de asistencia lingüística. Llame al 325- 653-6741, ext. 6541. Shannon Clinic–Beauregard 120 E. Beauregard Ave. 325-658-1511 Shannon Clinic–Pediatrics 225 E. Beauregard Ave. 325-481-2287 Shannon Clinic–Harris 220 E. Harris Ave. 325-658-1511 Shannon Clinic–Jackson 2237 S. Jackson St. 325-658-1511 Shannon Clinic–Magdalen 102 N. Magdalen 325-658-1511 Shannon Clinic–Southwest 4450 Sunset Drive 325-658-1511 Shannon Clinic–Sunset 4235 Southwest Blvd. 325-481-2197 Shannon Clinic Urgent Care–North 2626 N. Bryant 325-481-2271 Shannon Clinic Urgent Care–West 4251 Sunset Drive 325-481-2226 Shannon Clinic Urgent Care–South 3502 Knickerbocker Road 325-481-2222 Shannon Clinic– Red Arroyo 3016 Vista del Arroyo 325-949-9408 Shannon Clinic– College Hills 4141 College Hills 325-481-2320 Family Health Center–Ozona 102 Ave. H 325-392-3788 Shannon Clinic– Big Spring 2503 Gregg St. 432-606-5178 HEALTH BEAT As walking gets easier, go farther and faster. You can even head for hills to help tone your legs.