A recent article in The Bulletin told the story of a 6-year-old boy who, along with
his mother and others, was rescued at sea by the U.S. Coast Guard. The
group was escaping oppressive conditions in Haiti 18 years ago. The young man decided that he would
eventually serve in the Coast Guard like his rescuers. Last week, he graduated from the Coast
Guard Academy as an officer.
This story exemplifies the fact that children are
impressionable and often emulate both the positive and negative behaviors of
adults. Health and fitness habits
are no exception.
More than 60 million Americans are considered obese or
overweight. This epidemic has
carried over to the pediatric population and the connection is more than
coincidence. The solution may be
establishing healthier role models.
The transition to a healthy lifestyle often requires
professional support. Wellness programs provide a variety of options for
comprehensive diet, exercise and stress management.
Wellness councilors serve as coaches through what is
hopefully a dramatic change for the individual and their entire family. Although the approach is
multidisciplinary, exercise is a crucial element.
Regular fitness activities can reduce stress by providing an
outlet. Both aerobic and resistive
exercise can improve sleep habits and reduce food cravings. Many people have used regular exercise
as a substitute for smoking.
“Wellness programs are designed to re-energize a person’s
life by attaining health goals and managing risk factors for chronic disease,”
said Sheri McNally, a local wellness counselor who provides programs for
employers. McNally utilizes Skype,
email and telephone conversations in addition to personal attention to support
participants.
Many people are concerned with the financial legacy they
will leave their heirs. A legacy
of good health by setting an example may have the greatest value of all.
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