BCHS physician to discuss health benefits of regular exercise
 Following a regular exercise routine through middle age can delay biological aging by up to 12 years, according to a recent study reported in a recent issue of the British Journal of Sports Medicine.
Dr. James VanHuysen will present a program titled 'Improving Your Health Through Lifestyle & Exercise' on Thursday, May 15, at Burnham Brook. Senior Health Partners presents the program as part of its 'Aging Well' series, during the daylong Active Aging Health Fair, which is free to the public.
A light luncheon will be served at 11:30 a.m. followed by Dr. VanHuysen's presentation at noon. Seating is limited. Reservations can be made by calling Senior Health Partners at (269) 441-0948.
"Studies show that regular exercise substantially reduces the risks of obesity, maturity onset diabetes mellitus, hypertension, myocardial infarction (heart attack), some forms of stroke, several forms of cancer, and osteoporosis, not only in middle age but also during the retirement years," Dr. VanHuysen states. "There is also the known benefit that exercise can improve your mood and help you to better manage stress."
There are the known benefits that daily physical activity can help prevent heart disease and stroke by strengthening the heart muscle, lowering blood pressure, raising high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels (good cholesterol) and lowering low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels (bad cholesterol), improving blood flow, and increasing the heart's working capacity. In addition, regular aerobic exercise improves muscle strength, balance and coordination that can significantly reduce a person's fall risk.
For the greatest overall health benefits, experts recommend that a person do 20 to 30 minutes of aerobic activity three or more times a week and some type of muscle strengthening activity and stretching at least twice a week. However, if you are unable to do this level of activity, you can gain substantial health benefits by accumulating 30 minutes or more of moderate-intensity physical activity a day, at least five times a week.
If you have been inactive for a while, you may want to start with less strenuous activities such as walking or swimming at a comfortable pace. Beginning at a slow pace will allow you to become physically fit without straining your body. Once you are in better shape, you can gradually do more strenuous activity.
Senior Health Partners, a collaboration of Battle Creek Health System, Burnham Brook Center, and Summit Pointe, works to expand wellness and educational offerings to senior citizens in Calhoun and surrounding counties. For more information about senior programs, visit the Burnham Brook web site at http://www.burnhambrook.com , or call (269) 441-0948.
About the Presenter:
James VanHuysen, DO is a member of the Battle Creek Health System medical staff and is in the practice of DayOne Family Healthcare. He received his medical degree from the Michigan State University, College of Osteopathic Medicine.
Dr. VanHuysen completed his family medicine residency at MSU/Sparrow Hospital and a Fellowship in sports medicine with a 'certified additional qualification' (CAQ) designation in sports medicine.
Battle Creek Health System, sponsored by two parent organizations--Trinity Health (the fourth largest Catholic health system in the U.S. with 12 hospitals, 9 nursing homes, 19 senior house facilities, 8 home health care agencies, and 4 hospices in Michigan alone) and BCHS Community Partners, is accredited by the Joint Commission on the Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations. Battle Creek Health System as a recipient of the 2008 HealthGrades Orthopaedic Surgery Excellence Award(tm). HealthGrades is a leading health care information company that provides objective 'report card' ratings nationwide. BCHS provides excellent health care for the community and promotes wellness for the whole person with access and compassion for all. For the latest medical information, visit the BCHS web site at www.bchealth.com or call the BCHS Marketing Department at (269) 966-8132.
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