Page 34 - Christiana Care Focus August 2018

Commit to summer fun and fitness
Summer is a great time to commit to be fit because there are fewer barriers to getting up and moving. You don’t have to bundle up and head to the gym. You just open the door and head outside.
Casey Brinker and Christine Ingargiola are ACE certified health coaches and Carelink CareNow healthy lifestyle coordinators. They work with individuals to develop personalized wellness plans.
“In the summer, there are endless opportunities to make exercise a part of your life, both when you are home and when you are on vacation,” Ingargiola said.
Get the whole family involved. Start by telling the kids to put down their smartphones and get ready for a picnic.
“Exercise is part of the experience, but it’s combined with spending fun time as a family as you walk together to your picnic place,” Brinker said. “Because you pack your own food, you can control the portions and you know that the food is healthy.”
Visiting a farmer’s market is another activity that combines fitness, nutrition and group energy. As you walk through the market, challenge yourself to find a few foods that you have never tried before. Let the kids pick the vegetables, then go home and cook a healthy meal together.
Want to learn more?
If you don’t yet work out on a regular basis, start with walking. There’s little impact on the joints and it’s a great way to get moving.
Incorporate walking into your vacation plans. Take a long stroll on the beach. Hike in the park. Instead of driving to the restaurant, take an evening walk.
“Swimming is good, too, especially for people with chronic pain,” Brinker said. “Floating in water takes pressure off the body.”
State parks are great resources for outdoor exercise, including hiking, canoeing and kayaking. Visit http:// www.destateparks.com to learn what activities are available at various locations.
Don’t forget to pack the sunblock. Apply it liberally and often, especially if you are swimming or perspiring. Wear a hat and sunglasses to protect your head and eyes.
Carry water or a sport drink that includes electrolytes with you. Don’t wait until you are thirsty to start sipping. Drink at least 16-ounces one to two hours before an outdoor activity. After that, drink six to 12 ounces of fluid every 10 to 15 minutes that you are outside.
“If you need extra motivation, invite a friend to exercise with you,” Ingargiola said. “You are more likely to put in the time when you are accountable to another person — and you will both have fun.” 
Contact a health coach at christine.ingargiola@christianacare.org or casey.l.brinker@christianacare.org.
CHRISTIANA CARE COMPLIANCE HOTLINE
Christiana Care’s Compliance Hotline can be used to report a violation of any regulation, law or legal requirement as it relates to billing or documentation, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Callers may remain anonymous. The toll-free number is: 877-REPORT-0 (877-737-6780).
To learn more about Corporate Compliance, review the Corporate Compliance Policy online or contact Christine Babenko at 302-623-4693.
Let’s Commit To Be Fit |
32 CHRISTIANA CARE HEALTH SYSTEM