Clergy Care health notes

Thanks to all clergy and laity who are participating in the new Southwest Texas Conference wellness program, “Clergy Care.” The response has been most gratifying. The payoff will be an increased wellness consciousness and improved health.
By the way, clergy have until Dec. 31 to complete their Physicals and Wellness Conversations if they desire to participate fully in the Clergy Care program.
Periodically we will have trained health professionals contribute articles related to wellness issues.
The following article is by Annita Edgar, wife of the Rev. David Edgar, San Angelo District superintendent. Annita has been a fitness instructor for 25 years and has numerous certifications including ACE and ACSMcPT.
Rick Waters
Director of Health and Education

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“The body was designed to move.”
This quote is so famous, and yet few of us can remember who said it. But if you look at the statistics on overweight and obese people in our country, it’s obvious that there isn’t enough movement in our everyday life.
If exercise is a part of your lifestyle, you have permission to stop reading and go back to your workout. If not, let me offer a couple of ideas that make the transition from a sedentary lifestyle to an active one a little easier.
Walking is something that most all of us can do. Right now the weather is so nice outside. A walk would be a great activity for fitness.
Start with 20 minutes a day. Stay with that for about a week, and then add 5 minutes a day the next week.
When that seems manageable, add another 5 minutes.
Enjoy the company of a partner to walk with. Otherwise, the first time a better offer comes along, there is the temptation to skip a daily walk.
If someone else is counting on you, chances are you will be more faithful to your exercise program. You have most likely heard that before, and if you have tried it, you know it works.
Find something you enjoy doing, and do it. If you love to dance, push back the rugs and dance. We can do that.
If you have fun with groups, join a class. If you live in a rural area, you may want to start your own group.
It is hard the first few weeks, and that is why I encourage you to start at an easy pace. If you have not exercised in years, an hour of walking will set you back for several days.
Even with 20 minutes or so you will be aware of the heart beating a little faster (that’s a good thing), your legs starting to feel like rubber (it’s OK) and the sweat running down your face (the joys of exercise).
In the end the benefits of exercise are too numerous to mention. Start small. Find something you love to do, and do it.
Remember every day that “the body was designed to move.”
—Annita Edgar
NOTE: Before starting any exercise program, please consult your physician.