National Healthy Weight Week is observed in the third week of January to raise awareness on the importance of maintaining a healthy weight and lifestyle. It was first inaugurated in 1994 and this year it falls during January 19th- January 25th. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), obesity affects more than 40% of American adults and can lead to various health complications such as heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and certain types of cancer.
Eating a well-balanced and healthy diet as well as exercising regularly are two pillars of maintaining a healthy weight and a key component of preventing weight-related health complications down the line. In honor of Healthy Weight Week, we want to highlight exactly what that means and how Gonzaba Medical Group can assist you in reaching as well as maintaining a healthy weight through healthy lifestyle choices.
You might wonder, what is a healthy diet, and how much exercise is considered regular exercise? According to the CDC, adults over the age of 60 require 150 minutes of moderate physical activity per week. This could be 30 minutes a day for 5 days out of the week and can include going for a walk, swimming laps, riding a bicycle, or practicing a sport such as pickleball. When starting your exercise journey, experts recommend starting slow and making small changes over time.
To start your exercise journey, Gonzaba offers free fitness classes to qualifying seniors that include zumba, chair yoga and more! With two convenient locations, 933 Pleasanton Road as well as 6487 Blanco Road, we have what you need to help you get active! Follow us on Facebook to see our full event calendar every month!
If you are experiencing any health setbacks in your physical activity, Gonzaba Medical Group has two in-house Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Centers to serve you located in South San Antonio and Northwest San Antonio. Ask your primary care provider about our physical therapy services to find out if they are a good fit for you!
A healthy diet varies per individual depending on their needs, but a general healthy diet for the average American defined by the CDC includes protein, fruits, vegetables and grains. It is also important to avoid certain foods such as ones high in sodium, saturated fats as well as added sugars. To find the best possible diet for you, talk to your primary care doctor in order to curate a plan that meets your individual needs.
Reaching your desired healthy weight can become more difficult if you are living with diabetes. At Gonzaba Medical Group, we have an in-house Diabetes Educator, Isela Perez, who specializes in educating individuals living with diabetes how to manage their condition. She offers individual consultations, group classes as well as cooking classes. Ask your primary care provider about our in-house Diabetes Education program and see if it’s right for you.
At Gonzaba Medical Group, our providers prioritize building strong relationships with their patients through meaningful connections and genuine care. One of the most essential parts of maintaining a healthy weight, or reaching a healthy weight, is learning what health plan is best for you. In having those meaningful conversations with your primary care provider about your daily habits; eating, exercising, drinking, etc, they will be able to curate the best healthcare plan possible. Your Gonzaba primary care provider wants to help you reach and/or maintain a healthy weight to avoid any health complications down the line and ensure that you can Keep Doing the Things You Love.
If you have any concerns about your weight, physical activity, or diet, call now to schedule an appointment with your primary care provider. At Gonzaba Medical Group we treat you Como Familia, Like Family.