B. Pat O'Rourke works out on the Scifit machine with Lee Memorial intern trainer Megan Triptree. / Special to news-press.com
Weekly tip
Dr. Sal says: Make it measurable
There is a saying, “You cannot change what you do not measure” and it appears to be true. That is why we ask: When you are exercising, are you measuring your results? For example, are you seeing a change in weight or waist size?
Even more important, are you seeing changes in your ability to do all the things you want in life? Can you walk up the stairs with less fatigue? Can you take the kids to Disney World and walk the park without becoming exhausted?
These are all results that come from getting fitter and healthier. Set goals and measure your success to live life to the fullest.
- Dr. Sal Lacagnina is vice president of health and wellness for LMHS and medical director for Healthy Horizon Challenge. Write to him at Dr.Sal@LeeMemorial.org.
About this series
B. Pat O’Rourke, business development specialist for Lee’s Economic Development Office and staff liaison to the Horizon Council, is taking part in Healthy Horizon Challenge.
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Going into my third week, I am 7 pounds lighter and one belt notch tighter!
While this is pretty good for me, I ran into Mike Quaintance, president of the Cape Coral Chamber of Commerce, who has just completed the chamber’s Lee Memorial Health System Wellness Challenge and lost 37 pounds. Wow, way to go Q. He said that he did it primarily with diet change but is now looking into a wellness training program to continue his personal challenge.
I now am working out at least six days a week for about 40 minutes, mostly on the treadmill, where I seem to burn the most calories. Dean Mantion of Lee Memorial’s Carrell Road Wellness Center went over the results of the 75-question questionnaire with me. The results tell me where I really need to do a lot of work. Thankfully, I have never smoked and don’t drink alcohol.
He has introduced me to a number of machines that should help with my upper and lower body strength.
As a diabetic, my blood sugar is now in the 95 to 106 range, down from last week. I can’t wait to see my A1C blood glucose level at the end of 12 weeks.
