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Fight Deconditioning USE I T OR LOSE I T
Most people see exercise as a means of getting health ier . But this perspective comes with the assumption that without this good habit, your health remains static. However, more clinical professionals are pointing out that bodies never really remain the same. If you’re not getting stronger, you’re getting weaker. Doctors have begun referring to this gradual slip toward weakness as “deconditioning.” DOCTORS ON DECONDITIONING Doctors like Mayo Clinic physiologist Michael Joyner believe that a sedentary lifestyle should be treated as a medical condition. They argue that the deconditioning of a person’s body doesn’t just lead to adverse health conditions; it’s also an adverse health condition in itself, affecting everything from bones to heart rate. Structural and metabolic changes like these cause deconditioning to be harmful in the long run. A DOWNWARD SPIRAL The reason doctors want deconditioning taken seriously as a treatable condition is because of the consequences that spring from it. Before obesity, diabetes, and other sensational conditions set in, the subtle health problems that result from a sedentary lifestyle can make the more serious ones difficult to avoid. Muscle atrophy, decreased endurance, loss of range of motion, and a host of other issues can make exercise feel difficult and uncomfortable. If untreated, deconditioning can become a vicious cycle that leads to Doctors have also pointed out the sedentary behavior that leads to deconditioning can be viewed as an addiction, similar to cigarettes and alcohol. Dr. Joyner has called for “lifelong treatments” and “public health measures” to help fight the self-perpetuating cycle of remaining inactive. Unfortunately, the most at-risk groups have difficulty finding the strength to exercise again. WHO’S AT RISK? Anyone with a sedentary lifestyle risks deconditioning. Office workers, pregnant women, and medical patients who’ve undergone a long bed rest are all at risk of deconditioning. However, the most at-risk group by far is seniors. Indeed, many of the ailments we blame on “getting old,” like weak muscles and joints, are often due to deconditioning. Physical therapy can fight these health issues, gradually reconditioning you to an active lifestyle, so you can live life to the fullest. very serious health conditions. ADDICTED TO NOTHING
Recipe of the Month: WATERMELON CUCUMBER SKEWERS
Inspired by CookingLight.com
Skewers are a Fourth of July favorite, but these are not your classic kebabs. They’re a fresh, light, and fun way to start a barbecue. Oh, and they don’t require any actual cooking.
INGREDIENTS
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1 medium-sized watermelon, cubed 2 cucumbers, cut into 1/4-inch rounds
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1 bunch fresh mint leaves
Salt, to taste
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Equipment •
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1 block feta cheese, cut into small cubes
1 packet of bamboo skewers
DIRECTIONS
1. Assemble skewers by placing one watermelon cube, one cucumber round, one feta cube, and one mint leaf on skewer in that order. Repeat until skewer is full.
2. Lightly season with salt and chill in fridge until right before serving.
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