Rejuvenate ...At Home

By Diane E. Robertson

Most of us are extremely busy these days and may find it challenging to relax. It is important to set the time to periodically pamper ourselves and reenergize for the next day’s adventures. One way to accomplish this is to plan a home spa session. Here are a few ideas to help you create a few relaxing moments designed to rejuvenate…

STEPHENSON EYE ASSOCIATES

Improving People's Vision Improves Their Lives

Located inside a quaint building at 200 Palermo Place is Stephenson Eye Associates, a state-of-the-art boutique ophthalmology practice operated by Dr. Dee Stephenson. The office, in a beautifully renovated house, reflects the comfort and understanding Dr. Stephenson offers her patients. “What this means,” she explains, “is that we give our patients the personal attention they deserve, along with state-of-the-art care. I am blessed, as a physician, to have an exceptional office and technical staff with the expertise I need to support both me and our patients.”

Helpful Tips to Happy Holiday Eating

Written by Betsy A. Eno

This time of year, tempting treats, savory sauces and decadent desserts seem to beckon us at every turn. While it’s easy to overindulge, a little discipline and planning will benefit you in the long run. Here are some tips that will help you to enjoy the season’s festivities and allow you to finish the holidays in peak condition.

Get Out… and Ride!

Written by Betsy A. Eno

reathe in the fresh autumn air, feel the warmth of the sun on your face, and drink in the sights and sounds of nature as you ride on canopy roads, soar down bike trails, and meander through county parks. Bicycling is a fun, recreational activity that can be enjoyed alone or with others. It’s a great way to improve personal fitness, enhance your energy level, reduce stress, and stimulate the immune system. In addition, cycling can also help improve cardiovascular health, strengthen muscles, and give you a sense of well-being.

Written by Betsy A. Eno

Do you want to feel good, get in shape, and have more energy? According to medical research, walking 30 minutes a day can help you achieve these goals, as well as alleviate stress, improve sleep, and reduce the risk of disease. Best of all, it’s a free exercise that does not require any special skill or talent, is suitable for all age groups, and can be done anywhere!

Before beginning any type of activity it is always recommended that you seek medical advice, especially if you have a pre-existing condition, such as diabetes, if you are recovering from an injury or illness, or it’s been a while since you’ve been physically active.

Take the Plunge
Towards a Healthier You! 

Studies have shown that exercise is extremely beneficial to an individual’s overall health. Regular aerobic activity combined with strength training is known to increase energy, build endurance, and reduce health risks, such as obesity, heart disease, and high blood pressure. Before starting any kind of exercise, talk to your doctor to make sure you are fit and healthy enough for vigorous physical activity. Start out slowly, and gradually increase your workout if you are just beginning a program or it’s been a while since you’ve been active.

If you’re looking for a safe, low-risk-for-injury activity, swimming is the ideal choice. Since the density of water is similar to that of the human body, the water supports one’s weight, which eliminates stress on joints. In addition, swimming improves your body’s use of oxygen without overworking your heart, giving you the cardiovascular benefits of aerobics along with the muscle toning effects of resistance from the water.

Warm up your muscles before working out to get your blood flowing and to avoid cramps while exercising. Many stretches can be done in the water, such as standing on your toes, squatting, or placing one arm at a time across your chest. Simple exercises, like walking 500 steps in the shallow end, criss-crossing your legs back and forth while resting your elbows on the side of the pool, or swimming laps across the width or length of the pool, can offer great results. You can also purchase water weights, fins and other equipment for many other workout options.

Pool exercises are ideal for those who are recovering from an injury, people suffering from obesity, those with disabilities, and women who are pregnant. It’s also a great way to stay active throughout the summer and get in shape without becoming overheated. However, you can still become dehydrated; so, it’s important to drink just as much water as you would for the same amount of land-based exercise.

Whether your agenda is to get healthy, lose weight or tone your muscles, this versatile sport offers a fun, fantastic workout with loads of benefits for all ages. No wonder some call it the perfect form of exercise!