High blood pressure, heart disease, high cholesterol and obesity are expensive. Ask Phyllis Allen, a 70-year-old Ohio woman who has been taking blood pressure medication for years. "Each one of my blood pressure pills costs almost two dollars which really adds up, thirty pills cost $53.00. At one point I was taking two pills a day totaling over $100.00 per month. But now Allen says she is spending less money on her medication than ever -- $600 less each year.
No, the cost of the pills hasn't gone down. Allen's blood pressure has. She explains, "I've made changes in my life which have helped reduce my blood pressure so now I only need to take one pill each day, half of what I had been taking."
The changes Phyllis refers to involve participation in a consistent fitness routine. She and her husband, Jimmy are active members in a fitness program sponsored by Miamisburg 0hio's Park and Recreation Department Senior Adult Center. The program is called 'Merry Milers' and involves a combination of fitness walking and exercise classes to improve flexibility and mobility in older participants.
Allen recently took part in a 20 week study which measured the impact of this structured exercise program on senior citizens. The study which was sponsored by the Ohio Parks and Recreation Association, compared a group of "Merry Milers" to a control group of demographically similar non-participants.
Over twenty weeks the study conclusively demonstrated various benefits derived from participation in the simple walking regimen. Health benefits included increased cardiovascular health, improved mobility, range of motion, strength and endurance.
Seniors, like Allen, who participated in the fitness program study also experienced increased coping skills, personal responsibility, socialization, optimism for the future and self confidence. Allen adds, "We are like family. We have coffee together, talk, laugh and tell jokes. When I can't go, I really miss it."
Michelle Park, CLP, executive director of the Ohio Parks and Recreation Association stresses that, "These senior wellness programs are much more than fun and games. They are rapidly becoming (and will become) essential and expected public services to help our aging populations maintain quality of life." She explains that the Merry Milers program costs a Miamisburg taxpayer less than 25 cents per year. "Phyllis is just one example of how fitness and recreation programs help offset health care costs for senior citizens and their insurance companies. Recreation is a great economic investment."
For a copy of the report "Determining the Benefits of the Merry Milers Walking Program, Miamisburg Parks and Recreation Department," a summary brief by Alicia Eckhart for Ohio Parks and Recreation Association, contact Michelle Park, Executive Director, at 614-895-2222. Check out your own community and see what is available for your heart health.
RESOURCE: Ohio Parks and Recreation Association, Inc., PRNEWSIRE
*The purpose of this page and linked pages is to answer common questions for health problems as well as to present unique ideas towards taking care of your health. The ideas, procedures and suggestions are not intended as a substitute from the medical advice of a trained health professional. All matters regarding our health require medical supervision. Consult your physician before adopting the suggestions in this book, as well as about any condition that may require diagnosis or medical attention. The authors disclaim an liability arising directly or indirectly from the use of techniques described here.
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