Introducing a New Blog: 'Off The Couch...'

Allow me to share some crucial medical advice that could change your quality of life: "Get Off the Couch." 

Why is this so important?

In 2011, a majority of U.S. hospitalizations and deaths are due to chronic illness, and therefore preventable.   Health care resources in the country are frequently aimed at treating these  conditions in the more severe, later stages.  

The take home: Individuals need to be proactive (literally) if they want to  insure a healthy future.  

A sedentary lifestyle has major long- term health implications.  These include preventable illnesses such as  obesity, heart disease, and diabetes, to name a few.    Unfortunately,  less than a quarter of Americans get optimal physical activity. 

How does one get started in the de- couching effort?  

Grab a friend or family member and go for a walk, hike, swim ,bike ride, or whatever you prefer.  Start with 10 minutes at a time.  The goal is 150 minutes of physical activity per week, according to the U.S. Surgeon General and Centers for Disease Control.  That is five sessions of 30 minutes each.   Find ways to fit physical activity into your day.  Take the stairs.  Park a little further away from the supermarket and walk a few extra steps. 

 The couch will be there.   It will probably feel better when you get back. 

Welcome to our new blog: "Off the Couch."

My physician colleagues and I will present a series of articles for those who may share our interest ( or at least consider our ideas) in preventing illness and maintaining wellness.  

This is the first in a series of health blogs to challenge readers to become engaged and active in decisions.  These are daily decisions that can affect positive or alternatively, negative health outcomes.

 We have learned that in medical practice, the best disease is the one prevented. 

 Dr. Joe Fuscaldo