Albertans in their 40s and 50s are often at the peak of their careers, busier than ever with work and family. Too often, however, the hectic pace that keeps it all going begins to take a toll on our bodies. Shelly Storozuk, RN, is the Team Leader for the Health Management Clinic offered by the South Calgary PCN. "We start to see large numbers of people developing problems between 40 and 50," says Storozuk.
These are successful people in so many ways, but they've been neglecting their most important asset, their health. "They're not exercising enough and they are eating fast food on the run far too often." Patients referred to the Health Management Clinic have diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol and obesity.
Storozuk's team includes Kinesiologists, a dietitian and behavioural health consultants (one social worker and one psychologist). Patients meet with the team leader first, who connects them with the team members they need. "Our aim is to educate the patient, help them establish goals, and support them with a plan of action," says Storozuk.
The clinic now sees close to 500 patients and is heartened by the results. "Simple things make the difference," says Storozuk. "We help them read labels and track the food they eat so they can be more aware of the choices they're making."
What surprises patients most, says Storozuk, is that when they take better care of themselves, they are better able to meet the other demands in their lives. Their energy returns, they enjoy life more, they even look younger, says Storozuk.
Tips to get you moving • Park further from work or shopping if you live too far away to walk. • If you work in an office, take the stairs at least part of the way. Gradually increase the number of stairs you do. • Now that spring is in the air, plan a hike and picnic for family and friends, perhaps to see your favourite summer spot in a whole new light. • If you really can’t stand the outdoors, or don’t want to risk falling, try mall walking.
Canada’s Food Guide Recommendations & Tips Canada’s Food Guide says fruits and vegetables should make up the largest portion of our diet. We should eat three times more servings of fruits and vegetables than meat and alternatives and more fruits and vegetables than grains. *Adult recommendations shown.
Fruits and vegetables • 7 to 10 servings a day • Eat at least one dark green and one orange vegetable each day (build a rainbow of colour on your plate) • Have vegetables and fruit more often than juice
Grain products • 6 to 7 servings a day • Make at least half of your grain products whole wheat
Milk and alternatives • 2 servings a day • Choose skim or 1% milk • Choose lower fat alternatives when choosing yogurt, cheeses etc.
Meat and alternatives • 2 to 3 servings a day • Choose meat alternatives such as beans, lentils and tofu often • Choose fish at least twice a week • Choose lean meats and alternatives (remember, a portion of meat is about the size of your palm, or a deck of cards)