On any given day, you see people showing off on Venice Beach in swimwear, Hollywood celebrities looking fit and trim in magazines and many others who are living active lifestyles. But in spite of these healthy examples, many Californians, like other Americans, are becoming overweight and obese.
We are getting heavier as measured by our Body Mass Index (BMI), a measure of body fat based on a person’s height and weight. Anyone with a BMI of 30 or higher is considered medically obese. Obesity increases the risks of high blood pressure, type-2 diabetes, coronary heart disease and stroke.
What can you do to help keep your weight in a healthy range? Start by making small changes in your eating habits and daily activity levels:
• Walk up the stairs instead of taking the elevator.
• Choose an apple over a donut.
• Drink lots of water and avoid sugary sodas.
• Eat a variety of fruits, veggies, and whole-grain products.
• Limit how much saturated fat you eat by choosing lean meat, poultry, and fish and avoiding fried foods.
• Eat a healthy mid-morning and mid-afternoon snack such as fruit, low-fat yogurt or nuts to keep you from feeling like overeating at meals.
Regular physical activity is as important as eating right. “Just 30 minutes of moderate exercise daily can make a difference in your health,” says Avinash Gururaja, MD, of HealthCare Partners. “Walking is a good way to start moving. The key is developing a regular program.” Dr. Gururaja is board certified in family practice and sees patients at HealthCare Partners’ newly opened medical office in Valencia on 23838 Valencia Blvd. “I see many people whose health is at risk because of their weight, and I want them to know that there is so much they can do to reduce that risk.”
It’s important to talk with your doctor before beginning any exercise program. And remember, it takes 21 days to form a new habit, so keep yourself motivated and soon exercise will be a normal part of your daily routine.
HealthCare Partners is recognized as one of California’s top medical groups and has a strong track record of patient satisfaction. Its newest office in Valencia joins more than 40 other locations in Southern California.
Call the Valencia office at 661-367-9200 for a no-obligation tour or to make an appointment with Dr. Gururaja or Dr. Amy Goff, who is also board certified in family practice. You can also visit healthcarepartners.com .