I apologize if it seems like I am “in hiding” when it comes to this blog!  I am most definitely around and always thinking of ways to bring you more healthy information that you can use in your everyday lives.  I would have written sooner, but I have been keeping myself busy with a lot of different projects—and I know everyone can relate.  Nowadays, it seems we take on so many duties, jobs, projects, engagements, etc…that even spare time is spent just catching up!

I have discovered that our ambitions can sometimes leave little room for a consistent exercise program, because we are always trying to do more with the same 24 hour day we have always had.  Don’t worry, I am very guilty of this too!

Most of us know the infinite amount of health benefits that exercise brings to our minds and bodies—so it is important to find solutions to this certain “time barrier” that we place in front of ourselves.  It might take putting together a bag o’ tricks to help you fit in a workout OR you might just have to suit up and jump right in each day!  But it is important that we find ways to fit exercise into even the busiest schedules…because it is important to maintain life-long health.

Here are a few tips that might help you:

• Keep a set of dumbbells or resistance band in your car, at your desk, or at home so you can workout during a 5-10  minute break.
• Make your quality time with your family based around activity and exercise.
• Wake up a little bit earlier a couple days a week to go on a nice walk (the weather right now is great for this!)
• Inquire about your workplace wellness and/or fitness programs to find ways you can exercise before you even get home!
• Take advantage of pool time right now!
• Workout during commericals of favorite TV shows or while you are waiting for a pot to boil (take advantage of your “wait” times—it will add up!)

As you flip through your appointment calendar (or Blackberry, iPhone, Palm, etc.), set a new re-occuring appointment to stay active and exercise.  That way you will be less likely to forget about it and more likely to accept it as a part of you daily schedule.  Just remember:  Even though we are busy with many wonderful activities, it is important to keep up the BEST activity for your health…exercise!

If there were a little-to-no cost medication that would cause weight loss, prevent diseases, boost confidence, and improve all bodily functions … would you take it?

Well this is one prescription that you can ask from your doctor that won’t have you heading straight to the pharmacy. Many people don’t realize that exercise (yes, exercise!) is another form of medicine that does more than just shape your body—it cures and prevents illnesses better than any drug on the market.

So you may be wondering why you haven’t ever been prescribed this miracle drug … and there really isn’t one single answer to that question. But two well-known health organizations know the miraculous effects that regular exercise has on a person’s overall health, and they are urging doctors and patients to make exercise and physical activity discussions a part of a regular check-up.

The American College of Sports Medicine and the American Medical Association have teamed up to launch an initiative called Exercise is Medicine™ that brings attention to the fact that exercise is the most powerful, preventative and disease-fighting medicine that can be prescribed. They created this program because there has been an overall lack of this discussion in the past and because they believe people should be educated about the importance of staying physically active. Whether it is because the doctor is too busy or the patient doesn’t know what to ask, they realize this opportunity hasn’t been available to everyone. As a result, the Exercise is Medicine™ program is providing resources that promote and guide this conversation, so everyone can have a chance to discuss this topic with a physician.

Your doctor’s office is one of the safest places to receive advice about how to start and maintain an exercise program, because your primary care physician knows about your health and history. It is also a great place to receive referrals for fitness professionals and trainers and learn about how to keep your body healthy. The next time you visit your doctor, try taking a moment to mention the Exercise is Medicine™ initiative and ask for your personal exercise prescription, so you can start taking the healthiest medicine around.

Exercise is the kind of medicine that works to keep our bodies healthy all the time—and not just when we are sick. But in order for it to work, you will have to stay motivated and keep up with your program. It isn’t like a pharmaceutical medication—you can’t just take it when you feel bad. It is a preventative and curing medicine that requires you to treat yourself to any activity … like a long walk in the evening or an exciting game of tennis with your friends … almost every day. Once you begin to exercise, you will feel the results both physically and mentally—and you won’t have any crazy side effects to worry about!

Find out more about how make physical activity a topic of discussion at your next visit by logging on to www.exerciseismedicine.org.

Other helpful resources:

American College of Sports Medicine www.acsm.org

American Medical Association www.ama-assn.org

May-kit Happen www.may-kithappen.org

Cindy Mendez ran her first Indianapolis Mini-Marathon in 1988 with her good friend Betty Priest.  It was at that race that Cindy first started having symptoms of multiple sclerosis … which has since kept her from doing the sport she loved so much.  

This past year Betty Priest realized how much she missed sharing the racing experience with Cindy and knew there had to be a way to get Cindy back on the track.  They considered pushing Cindy in a wheelchair throughout the race, but after almost tipping it over during training, they realized that it wouldn’t be very safe. 

They learned about a safer, easier alternative that would be perfect for this experience.  The makers of BabyJogger strollers has also made a jogger for adult-sizes … but such a big piece of equipment would cost a big amount of money.

 After reaching out to their contacts, Cindy and Betty got in touch with The Running Company stores owned by Bob Kennedy and Ashley Johnson.  They heard Cindy’s story and knew immediately that they wanted to help.  The Running Company purchased the adult-sized jogger for Cindy and her team to use for the race, and they are now able to compete with everyone else! 

The Running Company owns the jogger and is willing to lend it out to people in similar situations.  You can find out more information by going to www.erunningcompany.com or by calling (317) 202-0202.  If you would like to stop by and check it out, it will be on display at The Running Company store on Broad Ripple Avenue.  

Last week, I had the pleasure of taking a walk on the Downtown Canal with Mrs. Cheri Daniels, and we didn’t talk politics…we talked fitness!  

Mrs. Daniels has launched a fitness walking program called Ready, Set, Walk! through the Governor’s INShape Indiana project this Spring.  It is a free program designed for all fitness abilities that turns a simple activity like walking into a simple exercise routine.  You can sign up online at www.inshape.in.gov or call 1-800-433-0746 to receive a tracking log, a coupon for a free pedometer (while supplies last!), and newsletters and video support from Mrs. Cheri Daniels. 

Both the Governor and Mrs. Daniels are working to make Indiana a healthier state by offering programs that can help you live a healthier lifestyle.  Mrs. Daniels expressed to me how important exercise is in her own life and how she has personally experienced the benefits of sticking with a regular program.  Her fitness accomplishments, which include lowered blood pressure, weight loss, and stress-relief, have all come from her daily walking routine.  But you probably won’t see her turning the block with Governor Daniels—he follows his own running program to stay in shape.  Instead, Mrs. Daniels has found that her solo walks are therapeutic, and she looks forward to using that time to think or just sing to herself. 

Join the First Lady and experience the feeling of better health through a regular fitness program like Ready, Set, Walk!  It begins April 14^th –and provides 12 weeks of support that can help you walk your way to better health.

The National President’s Challenge has started and it’s not too late to join in on the fun!  President Bush, President’s Council Member Eli Manning, Acting Surgeon General RADM Steven Galson, MD, MPH and Council Members kicked off the National Challenge on March 20th by calling on all Americans to participate in an active lifestyle. 
All it takes is 30 minutes of activity a day (60 minutes for kids aged 6-17), 5 days a week for 6 weeks.  You can log your activity @ www.presidentschallenge.org on a personal activity tracker, and watch as you work your way towards earning an award.  It’s easy, fun, free……and you CAN do it!

You can sign up through April 3rd.  To register or learn more about the National President’s Challenge, please visit www.presidentschallenge.org where you’ll find a variety of promotional items you can use to encourage your employees, organization and family members to participate.

In recognition of this challenge, the President’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports will be acknowledging governors of the top five states, as well as companies and schools with 35% completion rate. Check out the map on their website to see how Indiana compares to others!

This is a great way to stay motivated with your workout plan and encourage others as well!

Watch President Bush and Eli Manning talk about the importance of physical activity and healthy lifestyle choices at this link:  http://cosmos.bcst.yahoo.com/ver/256.0/popup/index.php?cl=7070400

The National President’s Challenge is a program of the President’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports.  www.fitness.gov

A Healthier Nation: It’s Everyone’s Challenge!