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Rewarding for you and us Defeat Diabetes Foundation Defeat Diabetes
Foundation 150 153rd Ave, Suite 300 Madeira Beach, FL 33708 |
Fitness and ExerciseWe see or hear the term "Health and Fitness" all the time. However, "Health" and "Fitness" are two distinct, but overlapping subjects. A person can be clinically healthy and at the same time not physically fit. Another person may exercise, jog, walk, even go to a health club. They may be physically fit, but not necessarily healthy. The distinction between Health and Fitness is important to everyone, but especially to someone with diabetes. The diabetic or pre-diabetic (potentially every one of us) needs to be aware of these distinctions and take an active role in becoming both Healthy and Fit. Being both Healthy and Physically Fit are two of diabetes worst enemies. By taking a proactive role in your own health and fitness, you are achieving a strong first line of defense against the progressive and debilitating effects of diabetes. Before you begin any form of exercise be sure to talk with your doctor or health care provider. Have a medical check-up, especially if you are over 35 years of age. Regular Exercise may help you: (Your body and your diabetes attain the following benefits) • Control your weight Walking is one of the easiest forms of exercise. It is low impact and is the preferred choice of exercise by health experts. After all, with the exception of a small percentage of the population, we all started doing it between 12 and 18 months of age and it’s something we do every day. All you need is a good pair of shoes, comfortable clothing, and the ability to open the front door!Fitness and Exercise
Okay for most people exercise is a dirty word. It brings up thoughts of gym class, climbing that awful rope, getting creamed at dodge ball, locker rooms, horrible shower facilities and of course showing the world how inept at sports we are. Bad memories. So how do we turn that around? First of all don’t think of it as exercise, think of it as physical activity and with the idea of being more fit. The martial arts are more than just a system of combat techniques and the practice has been around for over 4,000 years. Today’s practice of martial arts can be thought of as a path to being a better person. It’s about much more than punching or kicking. Most martial arts schools expect their students to adhere to certain tenets: courtesy, integrity, perseverance, self control and strength of spirit. These characteristics are much more important than executing the perfect flying side kick. In fact, all martial arts emphasize non-violence. The skills are only to be used to defend or to counter attack and practitioners are trained to only use the force necessary to end a fight. Along with the fighting skills that are learned the martial artist must also learn responsibility. Other Ways to Get Active Most of us aren’t complete couch potatoes. There are all things that we do either everyday or once in awhile that contribute to our activity level. Sometimes it’s easy to forget or keep track of just how much activity we really get in a day or a week. The Presidential Champions Program shows ways for individuals to raise their activity levels and receive positive feedback for their efforts. Our Executive Director, Andy Mandell – Mr. Diabetes® is an Active Lifestyle Presidential Champion Gold Award recipient (quite a mouthful!). Andy has been able to attain this level of accomplishment by walking every day. But walking isn’t the only way to attain the award. The guidelines are simple. We encourage you to be active; at whatever your particular passion happens to be. Whether it’s running or cycling, kayaking, or a stroll in the park – in the motto of a famous athletic company “Just do it!”
But for some of you who like to take it to the next level there are plenty of organized events just for your particular passion. Here are some links to help you find out what is going on in your community.
Updated 2010 |
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