[April 22, 2014] |
|
BlueCross and BlueShield of Georgia Offers Six Tips for Spring Workouts
ATLANTA --(Business Wire)--
With spring arriving in Georgia, many people are motivated and eager to
revamp their physical fitness routine. Reaching an optimum level of
physical fitness is a great goal; however, those who haven't exercised
consistently throughout the winter months should ease into an exercise
routine. Doing so will reduce the chances of having an accident or
injury that leads to a short-term or long-term disability and
essentially turns their workout dreams into a living nightmare.
No one anticipates slipping, straining or falling during a regular
workout, but injuries and disabling accidents occur all the time. The
National Safety Council's (NSC) Injury Facts says falls are one of the
leading causes of unintentional injuries in the United States and
account for almost 8.9 million visits to the emergency room each year.
And, the Life and Health Insurance Foundation for Education reports
nearly one in three women and one in four men can expect to suffer a
disability that keeps them out of work for 90 days or longer at some
point during their working years.
When people have accidents or injure themselves while they're working
out, not only are they affected physically, but it can also impact them
emotionally and financially. However, having disability insurance can
put a person's mind at ease during these unexpected events because it
helps replace a person's income when they can't work due to a disabling
injury or illness.
"We understand the impact an accident or injury has on a person," said
Morgan Kendrick, president of BlueCross BlueShield of Georgia. "When it
comes to providing disability benefits, we make sure we offer programs
that provide more than a benefits check. We help people move beyond a
disability by providing resources and programs that also help them
improve their physical and emotional well-being."
As people get ready to ramp-up their spring exercise routines, Mark
Kishel, M.D., Medical Director for BCBSGa, offers a few tips that can
help people avoid experiencing a disabling accident or injury this
season.
-
Set realistic goals - Don't overdo it in the beginning. Set realistic
and achievable goals, and be consistent. The Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends adults get at least 2 hours
and 30 minutes (150 minutes) of moderate-intensity aerobic activity
(such as brisk walking) each week and muscle-strengthening activities
twodays a week that work all of the major muscle groups (such as the
legs, hips, back abdomen, chest, shoulders and arms). Also, check with
your primary care physician before starting an exercise program
because they can help with setting goals that are safe and effective.
-
Warm-up, stretch and use good form - Experts at the CDC suggest doing
dynamic stretching at the beginning of a workout and engaging in
static stretching at the end. Dynamic stretching helps people prepare
for an athletic activity, and involves movements that closely resemble
what the body does when it's engaged in a sport (such as light
jogging, kicking, serving a few tennis balls, wide arm swings) but
without the bouncing that often takes place in static stretching.
Static stretching is used to improve flexibility and cool down the
body after an exercise. It often includes stretching to a point of
tension and holding the stretch for a few seconds.
-
Choose the right shoes - Shoes made for running are very different
from shoes made for playing basketball, tennis or hiking. The American
Podiatric Medical Association suggests using a sport-specific shoe
when engaging in a particular sport at least two to three times a
week. In addition, the Mayo Clinic recommends runners replace their
shoes every 300 miles they walk or run, or at least twice a year for
those who exercise regularly. Those who exercise on a less regular
basis can replace their shoes annually. Also consider going to an
athletic store where the staff will evaluate the way a person walks
and runs to ensure they purchase the correct shoes.
People can
also consider having a spotter who will watch their form, or working
with a personal trainer to help improve their skills. Following the
correct technique helps prevent injuries.
-
Stay hydrated - Think of the body as a car engine and water as engine
oil. Exercising without proper hydration is similar to driving a car a
long distance when it needs oil. Eventually, the car won't go because
it doesn't have the oil it needs to run properly. Trying to drive the
car can damage the engine. The same is true for exercising without
being properly hydrated. Eventually, a person runs out of steam and/or
becomes overheated, which can lead to injuries.
-
Mix it up and make it fun - People should choose exercises they enjoy.
If running isn't fun, consider following a brisk walking program. If
climbing heights or skiing isn't appealing, then consider weight
lifting, cycling or swimming to get in shape. Try various exercises.
Engaging in a variety of activities in moderation helps prevent
injuries due to overusing the same set of muscles.
-
Get disability insurance - Many people underestimate the chances of
becoming disabled for a period of time. According to the U.S. Social
Security Administration, 64 percent of wage earners believe they have
a 2 percent or less chance of being disabled for three months or more
during their working career; however, the actual odds for someone
entering the workforce today is about 25 percent. In addition, the
U.S. Social Security Administration says about 100 million workers are
without private disability income insurance.
Although unexpected injuries and accidents can occur when people are
working out, this shouldn't keep a person from doing their workouts.
Following the tips listed above will help diminish the chances of
experiencing a disabling injury. However, in case the unthinkable
happens, people should consider getting disability insurance from
companies such as BlueCross Blue Shield so they have access to the
resources and programs that will help them during the difficult times so
they can return back to living healthy and productive lives.
About Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia, Inc.
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia, Inc. and BlueCross BlueShield
Healthcare Plan of Georgia, Inc. (collectively "BCBSGa"), the state's
largest and longest-standing health solutions company, serves nearly 3
million members, offering a variety of healthcare plans, including
medical, dental, life and specialty programs. BlueCross and BlueShield
of Georgia, Inc. and BlueCross BlueShield Healthcare Plan of Georgia,
Inc. are independent licensees of the BlueCross and BlueShield
Association®. The BlueCross and BlueShield names and symbols are
registered marks of the BlueCross and BlueShield Association. Additional
information about BlueCross and BlueShield of Georgia is available at www.bcbsga.com.
[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]
|