Submitted by Mississippi Valley Surgery Center
Goodbye Christmas cookies, hello treadmill and dumbbells. If this sounds like your New Year’s resolution, you’re not alone. Many people put a renewed focus on eating less and moving more after the holidays. While many are motivated by a desire to look better or lose weight, the true value of becoming healthier is much greater.
A healthy weight reduces the risk of countless health conditions. What’s more, if you’re considering an outpatient surgery, being at a healthy weight can improve your surgical experience and outcome.
Dr. Doug Khoury, a surgeon with the Davenport Surgical Group who also performs many procedures at Mississippi Valley Surgery Center, emphasizes that the hard work of staying healthy pays off — especially when it comes to outpatient surgery.
“One of the many benefits of outpatient surgery is that it’s minimally invasive,” he said. “A minimally invasive surgical procedure means smaller incisions which allow patients to heal quickly. People who are already active and living healthy lifestyles before surgery often can have an even faster recovery than expected.”
Being fit before surgery will also help you recover mentally and emotionally. Exercise increases concentrations of norepinephrine, a chemical that can moderate the brain’s response to stress.
“Many people prefer outpatient procedures because it allows them to rest at home where they are comfortable and less stressed,” said Dr. Khoury. “You can reduce stress even more by being at a healthy weight and leading an active lifestyle before your outpatient surgery.”
Whether you want to be fit to prepare for surgery or prevent the multitude of health conditions associated with weight gain, let these three reasons to stay focused on your health inspire you.
- It gives you more energy.
It might seem counterintuitive, but when you are feeling fatigued, you should exercise. That’s because working out releases feel-good endorphins and boosts energy. Being alert and full of life before a surgical experience will set you up for a successful experience. - It helps you live longer.
There are countless scientific articles suggesting that living a healthy lifestyle that includes exercising, eating well, and staying on top of health screenings can keep you healthy longer. The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NIH) at www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health offers excellent resources for learning about the connection between a healthy lifestyle and longevity. - It makes you happier.
A study conducted by researchers at Duke University revealed that exercising for 30 minutes, three times a week, can help an estimated 60 percent of patients overcome depression without using anti-depressant medications.
To learn more about the Mississippi Valley Surgery Center, go to www.mvhealth.net and like them on Facebook at facebook.com/MississippiValleySurgeryCenter.
Photo credit: stevecoleimages/iStock
Practicing What They Preach:
Mississippi Valley Surgery Center Staff Focus on a Healthy Lifestyle
Nurses at the Mississippi Valley Surgery Center put an emphasis on a healthy lifestyle because they understand first-hand the negative effect of a few extra pounds.
Missy Soliz, Quality and Risk Manager (QRM) and Materials Manager for Mississippi Valley Surgery Center and Mississippi Valley Endoscopy Center, is very mindful of her Body Mass Index (BMI) and tries to exercise on a daily basis.
“People who are around me know that I’m very conscious about nutrition and exercise,” she said. “Missing a workout can change the course of my entire day because I don’t have that extra energy and those happy feelings you get as a result of the endorphins. It makes a huge difference.”
Deb Carlton, a pre-admission nurse at Mississippi Valley Surgery Center and Endoscopy Center, experienced firsthand what weight gain can do to your health when three years ago when she was diagnosed with a rare heart condition called myocarditis. The condition caused Deb to have shortness of breath during exercise or exertion, heart palpitations, and chest pain.
“The symptoms led me to live a more sedentary lifestyle,” said Deb. “I gained weight and then my blood pressure shot up, which in turn made all my joints hurt.”
As a healthcare professional, Deb understood the root of her problem was the added weight she was carrying. So she decided to take action. After talking to her doctor, she enrolled in a local weight loss program, Profile by Sanford. She selected the program because of the dieticians and counselors trained to customize programs for every unique individual. With the help of Profile by Sanford, she quickly got back on track.