Put on your shoes to change your lifestyle

By Dana Kabbani, MD

Get up and move. The sentence that is seemingly easy, but probably one of the most difficult to execute.

A lot of women have different questions regarding how to exercise, what to eat and where to start their journey. Those who choose to join a gym tend to become overwhelmed—asking questions like, “Do I do high intensity training? Do I lift, push or pull?”. The answer is simple: whichever one gets you moving.

It can be very intimidating to start an exercise regimen. However, it all begins with putting on your shoes. That will be the hardest part of your day.

So, where to start? Start by putting on your shoes and moving your body. Eat a little bit better today than you did the day before and start with small goals. I like to tell my patients to start by cutting out soda and to walk a little bit more today than you did yesterday. The smallest changes are the most sustainable ones.

Exercising and eating nutritious foods are important for women’s health:

• >40% of women aged 20 and over are obese.
• >45% of women aged 20 and over have high blood pressure.
• Less than 50% of women aged 18 and over meet the federal physical activity guidelines.
• The leading causes of death in women are heart disease, cancer and stroke.

There are numerous scenes in which a TV or movie character has fallen to the ground clutching their chest because of a heart attack. Very rarely, if ever, this character is a woman. This theme is not only in the media, but in perceptions of women’s health. We do not view women as having a risk for cardiovascular related death. The perception is men are the people who have heart attacks when in reality the leading cause of death in men AND women is heart disease.

The most important investment you’ll ever make is in yourself. Invest in yourself by taking a few extra steps today, parking a little bit further, eating a little bit healthier and taking a minute to breathe. The smallest changes can make the biggest difference towards your health.

National Women’s Health and Fitness Day in on September 29, 2021

Make an appointment with a Wayne Health Provider.