Dr. Curtis McElroy

Tag: exercise

  • Exercise Ideas When You Are Over 50

    Exercise Ideas When You Are Over 50

    The intent of the following discussion is to give you some exercise ideas when you are over 50.

    The fact that you have reached age 50 is not an excuse to give up on getting fit and staying healthy with exercise.

    The following tips on exercise ideas for people over 50 are sure to give you some great ways of getting fit, staying healthy and maybe even looking and feeling younger.

    Find Your Passion

    With retirement not far off, now’s the time to think about joining up to some local groups to keep yourself occupied and active throughout your retirement.

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                          Getting Fit After 50

    If you have a garden, it may be a good idea to get out in your garden more often to develop your passion for gardening and to get exercise that you need.

    Gardening is a great way to move more, including bending and twisting that is often seen in the activity.

    Man’s Best Friend

    A dog is not only a great companion to have, but it is also a great way for you to keep healthy over 50. You will need to walk your dog several times throughout the day, and this can be a great excuse for getting out and enjoying some exercise.

    Not only is walking the dog necessary, but the dog will remind you when it needs walking. This is a great way to keep you active as well as being a talking point when you meet people walking their own dogs.

    Do Not Rush Things

    When you are exercising, you should make sure that you have plenty of time to work out. The older you get, the more important it becomes to incorporate a decent warm up and cool down into your routine.

    If you want to go out running for example, you should set aside time for stretching your muscles before you begin, and then start off with a

    runningover50
    Running For Fitness Over 50

    moderate pace to gradually build up your heart rate and warm up your muscles.

    If you do not leave yourself enough time to do this, you will find that you end up with tired muscles and even pains and trapped nerves.

    Consider Joining A Gym

    If you are over 50, you will probably find that you do not know many people who want to work out with you in your age group. In order to stay motivated, it is a good idea to join a gym.

    Many gyms have exercise classes and you can choose the class that is best for you from the selection offered. There is no doubt that you are likely to be able to meet other people who have similar fitness goals to you and this will help keep you motivated.

    weighttrainingafter50
    Weight Training after 50

    If the classes are not for you, then the equipment at the gym will be a great way for you to work out regardless of the weather. Let’s face it, the older we get, the less time we want to spend out in the cold and rain exercising. The gym is always a pleasant place for you to exercise.

    Take Up Swimming

    If you have any joint problems, you will know how painful it is to do most forms of high impact exercising. Knee, hip and joint pains prevent most people from doing things like running but there are plenty of low impact exercises you can do. One great exercise that is good for those over 50 is swimming.

    This is low impact and there is no way that you could possibly fall or cause any injury to yourself.

    You will be able to build muscle, strengthen your joints, enjoy a cardiovascular workout, and enjoy the soothing effect that swimming has on tired muscles too.

    It is crucial to add exercise to your routine when you are over 50. So, if you want to achieve or maintain optimal health and longevity take advantage of the above exercise ideas when you are over 50.

  • Get Up And Move To End Emotional Eating

    How To End Emotional Eating

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                             End Emotional Eating

  • The Most Common Causes for Childhood Obesity

    The Most Common Causes for Childhood Obesity

    Childhood obesity is a significant problem that will not just go away.

    The lifestyle your children are living today, will determine their health 10, 20, 30, 40 and more years from now.

    No parent wants that 3 am phone call from the hospital emergency room informing them their child has suffered a heart attack or some other obesity related illness and may die.

    Children as young as five are so overweight that they cannot be children.

    When your children are overweight they may lack the motivation and physical stamina to run and play. The ability of your child to stay active is one of the essential elements of getting and staying healthy.

    Children are meant to play and enjoy life.

    Childhood obesity causes a number of health issues. Children who are overweight tend to be sick more often, miss more days of school, get behind in school work, suffer poor self esteem.

    Poor self esteem can lead to your child staying in their room playing video games and being less active.

    Obesity in children becomes a vicious cycle if someone is not willing to step in and break the cycle.

    That someone has to be you, the parent.

    A better understanding of childhood obesity can help parents make decisions that will help reverse and prevent obesity so your children can start living a happier and healthier life.

    What Is Childhood Obesity?

    Childhood obesity is a health condition.

    When obesity is diagnosed, it’s generally based on a child’s BMI or body mass index.

    The Center for Disease Control defines obesity as a BMI greater than the 95th percentile. When you visit your pediatrician your child’s height and weight are ranked on a scale. The scale is then compared to the average child across the country and healthy levels.

    What Causes Childhood Obesity?

    There are actually many causes of childhood obesity. In some cases there are hereditary elements involved.

    A child may inherit a thyroid problem or another hormonal problem.

    If parents and other family members are obese, then children are more likely to be obese as well. However, there are other environmental factors that may have more significant bearing on a child’s health.

    Most commonly childhood obesity is caused by poor eating habits and inactivity.

    Many obese children live on a regular diet of starchy carbs and high fat foods.

    A fast food diet is a prime cause of obesity amongst children.

    A diet that is high in sugar, white flour and fat will quickly cause children to have imbalanced blood sugar. They’ll have blood sugar highs and lows which lead to cravings. Cravings lead to more unfortunate food choices and the cycle can quickly get out of hand.

    The problem is only further enhanced when parents are unable to or do not provide healthy options. When cupboards are stocked with junk food, children almost always choose the junk over a healthy snack.

    Couple the issues of an unhealthy diet with inactivity and you have the makings for childhood obesity.

    More and more children are left home to fend for themselves after school. When they’re home they sit on the couch and watch television. They play video or computer games.

    They’re not active outside.

    They’re not moving their body.

    They’re not playing.

    The bottom line is children are consuming way more calories than they burn.

    The calories they do consume are not providing them with the nutrients they need.

    Overweight and obese children face a life of ridicule by their peers. They face health challenges most adults cannot fathom.

    They also face a shorter lifespan.

    It’s a very sad prognosis.

    The good news is that childhood obesity can be reversed.

    Children are incredibly adaptable. They can learn hew habits. But they cannot do it alone. They need support.

    They need adults who can help them make responsible and healthy decisions.

Copyright @ 2017 DrCurtisMcElroy