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KEY Reasons You Need to “Catch Some Z’s”
Too many people in today’s world don’t get enough sleep. We just don’t want to miss out on anything and there are so many available distractions in the comfort of our own bedrooms, whether it be binge watching your new Netflix series, browsing your latest Facebook news, or reading your latest book. Yes, there’s nothing wrong with having hobbies such as these, but your body needs its rest. Ideally, you need to get at least 7 hours of sleep per night. In this blog from our mid-Missouri health clinics, you will find KEY reasons why you should really get the proper amount of sleep every night.
KEY Reasons Why You Need the Proper Amount of Sleep
Concentration and Productivity Can Improve
SLEEP is crucial for brain function! Your:
- Cognition
- Concentration
- Productivity
- Performace
…are all affected by sleep deprivation in a negative way. Good sleep has been known to improve problem-solving skills AND enhance memory performance of both children and adults.
Poor Sleep Can Make You Gain Weight
Trying to lose weight? Getting the proper amount of sleep is extremely important. The effect of sleep on weight gain is considered to be related to a number of factors including hormones and the motivation to want to exercise. Basically, people who experience short sleep duration can be associated with a major risk of weight gain and obesity. This goes for both children and adults.
Poor Sleep Can Lead to Risk of Heart Disease and Stroke
Sleeping less than 7 hours per night can be linked to an increased risk of heart disease and stroke. According to HealthLine, short sleepers were revealed to be at far greater risk or heart disease or stroke than those who sleep 7-8 hours of sleep per night during a review of 15 studies.
Poor Sleep Can Be Traced to Depression
Poor sleeping quality and sleeping disorders are strongly linked to mental health issues, such as depression. Poor sleep has even been known to be traced back to an increased risk of death by suicide. According to HealthLine, people with sleep disorders, such as insomnia or obstructive sleep apnea also report significantly higher rates of depression than those without.
Having Trouble Sleeping?
Central Ozark Medical Center chooses to help lead the way to healthier communities. Eating right, exercising regularly and getting the right amount of sleep have been known to be the pillars of GOOD health. If you are experiencing trouble sleeping, we urge to you to make an appointment at a local Lake of the Ozarks health clinic and see a health care professional before the problem gets worse. Our primary care providers see patients of all ages for a variety of illnesses, injuries, and ailments. We see patients with and without insurance and offer a sliding fee scale based on income and family size.
Central Ozarks Medical Center
Keeping Lack of Insurance From Being a Roadblock to Quality Healthcare
For Appointments Call
573.765.5141 — Richland
573.302.7490 — Osage Beach
573.346.4446 — Camdenton
573.317.9200 — Stone Castle
573.765.2510 — Dental
Serving Camdenton, Laclede, Pulaski, and Miller Counties
It’s National Health Center Week!
It’s National Health Center Week! In honor of this week, our health clinics in Mid-Missouri would like to highlight our services we provide and the mission and really define the mission Central Ozarks Medical Center has.
The Central Ozarks Medical Center Mission
Central Ozarks Medical Center is a federally qualified health center and strives to deliver quality healthcare to our communities. We are committed to leading the way to healthier communities. As a federal qualified health center, we are non profit. We focus on medically underserved communities and bringing affordable healthcare to all in need.
Central Ozarks Medical Center Services
Central Ozarks Medical Center provides a wide variety of services, including:
- Primary Care
Our primary care providers or family practice providers see patients of all ages for variety of illnesses, injuries, and ailments.
- Obstetrics
Our OB providers know that every birth is special and they are privileged that you have chosen them to guide you during pregnancy and prenatal care. Their ultimate goal is for your continued good health and the delivery of a healthy newborn.
- Pediatrics
Chid focused health care and parent education is the practice of our providers from birth to 18 years of age. Our comprehensive services include well-child exams, diagnostic tests, follow-up of chronic problems, sports screenings, as well as evaluation and management of growth and health maintenance.
- Behavioral Health
Our belief is that physical health is affected by a patient’s emotional and behavioral health and that both aspects must be treated for a positive outcome.
- Women’s Health
Through each stage of a woman’s life, our physicians tailor wellness and preventative care to meet you where you are.
- Senior Health
The number of individuals over the age of 65 is growing and more than ever. This is partially due to the improved and specialized health care developed for adults in this age category. Which is why it’s important to take advantage of the enhancements that have made in health care to make the senior stage of your life all you have dreamed it would be.
- Dental Services
We provide dental services at our Richland location and we enjoy making the world a brighter place, one bright smile at a time.
Why Central Ozarks Medical Center?
We have excellent board-certified providers. Also, several recent studies have found that patients who regularly use community health centers at the Lake of the Ozarks, like Central Ozarks Medical Center, have lower total annual healthcare costs when compared to patients who use other primary care providers, such as HMOs, hospital outpatient units or private physicians. On average, these studies show that the cost associated with using a community health center is 22% to 33% less expensive than using other health care avenues. Central Ozarks Medical Center has a highly trained staff that can focus on you and your health! If you are in need of quality health care, call one of our health clinics today.
Central Ozarks Medical Center
Keeping Lack of Insurance From Being a Roadblock to Quality Healthcare
For Appointments Call
573.765.5141 — Richland
573.302.7490 — Osage Beach
573.346.4446 — Camdenton
573.317.9200 — Stone Castle
573.765.2510 — Dental
Serving Camdenton, Laclede, Pulaski, and Miller Counties
National Immunization Awareness Month
It’s National Immunization Awareness Month. This is a great time to promote vaccines and remind your loved one to stay up to date on their shots. Immunization or vaccines can help prevent dangerous and sometimes deadly diseases. Immunization isn’t just for children, but for adults too. Immunization is vital to stay protected against serious illnesses like the flu, measles, and pneumonia. In honor of National Immunization Awareness Month, Central Ozarks Medical Center is going to give you some tips on how to spread awareness about Immunization Awareness, resources to access that gives detailed information on the importance of immunization awareness, and why people of all ages need vaccines.
Tips on How to Spread Awareness about Immunization Awareness
Our health clinics in Mid-Missouri would like to use this month to raise awareness about vaccines and share strategies to increase immunization rates within our community. We encourage you to:
- Speak to friends and family about how vaccines aren’t just for children. People of all ages can get vaccines that help protect them from serious illnesses and diseases.
- Encourage people in your community to get a flu shot every year.
- Try inviting a doctor or nurse you may know to speak to parents at local schools about why it’s important for all kids to get vaccinated.
Resources About Immunization Awareness
There are tons of resources out there regarding immunization awareness. There are communication tool kits online you can try. The National Public Health Information Coalition has some great resources for or about:
Reasons People Of All Ages Need Vaccines
Getting your regular vaccines are very important for people of all ages. Here’s some significant reasons that people need vaccines throughout their lives.
- Seniors may need 1 or more vaccines, even if they have received vaccines as a child or as a younger adult.
- Parents can protect their babies and children from 14 serious childhood diseases by age 2.
- Preteens and teens need vaccines too! Adolescents getting vaccinated protects their friends and family members too.
- Adults need to stay up to date on vaccines to help prevent getting illnesses as well.
Feeling Ill & Need a Doctor YOu Can Trust?
Central Ozarks Medical Center is dedicated to leading the way to healthier communites. Part of that is encouraging people to stay up to date on the vaccines and immunizations. Staying up to date on your vaccines and immunizations not only helps protect you but others around, including family members, friends, co-workers, classmates, and just other people you care about. If you ever have a question about what vaccine or immunization you may need, consult one our doctors. Call one of our health clinics at the Lake of the Ozarks today to schedule an appointment.
Central Ozarks Medical Center
Keeping Lack of Insurance From Being a Roadblock to Quality Healthcare
For Appointments Call
573.765.5141 — Richland
573.302.7490 — Osage Beach
573.346.4446 — Camdenton
573.317.9200 — Stone Castle
573.765.2510 — Dental
Serving Camdenton, Laclede, Pulaski, and Miller Counties
Raving Reviews About Central Ozarks Medical Center
Central Ozarks Medical Center (COMC) has had the pleasure of providing quality health care in Central Missouri since 1979. We are committed to leading the way to healthier communities. Throughout time, we have been fortunate enough to meet some great people at our health clinics in Mid Missouri. We are delighted to share some of the great reviews we have received.
Raving Reviews About COMC
I have seen all 4 doctors in the Richland office during my pregnancy and would recommend ALL of them to anyone looking for a doctor. As a plus sized woman, I am always nervous about how I will be treated by doctors because of some very negative experiences I’ve had with other places in the past. However, the doctors in this office have been nothing but respectful, knowledgeable and helpful to me.
I like going to them way better than Lebanon and Phelps. They treat you like a person rather than a number. You get seen quicker than just sitting around half the night or day and I have 3 girls that were born at the lake and the Dr’s came from central Ozarks medical center. They are awesome. I will tell everyone to go here.
My daughter has a severe food allergy. The Drs. Warren are great when dealing with her and her issues. They are compassionate and treat you like family. Dr. Warren part 1 (Barton) always asks what we are reading currently as he knows that is what we do. Dr. Warren revisited (Ashley) is eager to learn and doesn’t claim to know all. I would never replace them and fight with my insurance when they try.
I have been treated very well by doctors, nurses and all the staff here. I like having a Lab in the facility so there is no need to make another appointment elsewhere.
I’ve used COMC for more than 25 years for health care services. I’ve never had a bad experience or had any dissatisfaction with their care.
I only use doctor Warren not sure what I’ll do when he retires hopefully not for many many years. But he makes me feel comfortable and having crazy blood pressure and fibromyalgia I love that he knows my case and doesn’t try and pass me off. We work together on this to try and give me the best life medically I can have. He is amazing. I love how he works with me with everything. We are a team and that’s how a doctor patient relationship should be. Dr. Warren is the best.
In Need of a Reliable Healthcare Facility?
Our providers see patients of all ages for a variety of illnesses, injuries, and ailments. All of our locations are community practices and serve everyone from newborns to the elderly. We accept patients with and without insurance and offer a sliding fee scale based on income and family size. Visit our website for more information and contact us today to make an appointment.
Central Ozarks Medical Center
Keeping Lack of Insurance From Being a Roadblock to Quality Healthcare
For Appointments Call
573.765.5141 — Richland
573.302.7490 — Osage Beach
573.346.4446 — Camdenton
573.317.9200 — Stone Castle
573.765.2510 — Dental
Serving Camdenton, Laclede, Pulaski, and Miller Counties
Your Trusted Resource for Behavioral Health
Our providers believe that physical health is affected by a patient’s emotional and behavioural health, both aspects must be treated for a positive outcome. Our experienced medical staff at Central Ozarks Medical Center practice cooperative health care and are able to offer tools and programs such as assessments, private consultations, family counseling and when needed; referrals to other specialized resources. In this blog, we will discuss the benefits of family counseling, private counseling, and our behavioral health providers at the Lake of the Ozarks.
Family Counseling
If a family has experienced a stressful event that has put a strain on their relationships with one another, they could possibly benefit from therapy. Family counseling aims to promote understanding among family members in order to solve the problems of one or more individuals.
Private Counseling
Depending on what behavioral health issue you may have, one of our provider may suggest private consultations. Behavioral therapy can change how we act. Don’t avoid situations and other people because you don’t feel comfortable or confident. Behavioral therapy can provide that step you need to feel more comfortable in situations that may cause you anxiety.
Our Behavioral Health Providers
Our behavioral health providers are Michael Stone, PsyD, Elizabeth Ewers Teel, Ph. D., and Danette Harrington, LCSW.
Prior to joining Central Ozarks Medical Center, all of our behavioral health providers had experience in their perspective fields and have always shown great passion for what they do.
Dr. Stone operated a private psychological practice in the Osage Beach, and Jefferson City areas. His specialty areas of practice are psychotherapy with adults and older adult populations as well as psychological testing and assessments.
Dr. Teel worked for the State Department of Mental Health, Comprehensive Psychological Services Division for 18 years; the last 6 as the Chief of Children’s Community Operations for the Central Region (31 Counties). She left this position to join Pathways Behavioral Health Care for the past 5 years as a Clinical Psychologist in their Jefferson City and Waynesville Offices.
Danette practiced in an outpatient mental health clinic. Danette also worked as a medical clinical social worker with hospice, home health care, ER, nursing home and dialysis patients. Danette utilizes a service dog, Dollie, in her practice for those patients who desire to interact with pet therapy
Contact Central Ozark Medical Center to Schedule Your Appointment
We conveniently have 5 mid Missouri health clinics, including our locations in Richland, Osage Beach, Camdenton, Stone Castle (also located in Camdenton), and our Dental office (located in Richland). To schedule an appointment regarding behavioral health, you may call one of the following clinics:
- Richland Medical Center – 573.765.5141
- Osage Beach Medical Center – 573.302.7490
- Camdenton Medical Center – 573.346.4446
- Stone Castle Medical Center – 573.317.9200
We accept all patients with or without health insurance. We pride ourselves on offering quality healthcare that works best with your financial situation.
Central Ozarks Medical Center
Keeping Lack of Insurance From Being a Roadblock to Quality Healthcare
For Appointments Call
573.765.5141 — Richland
573.302.7490 — Osage Beach
573.346.4446 — Camdenton
573.317.9200 — Stone Castle
573.765.2510 — Dental
Serving Camdenton, Laclede, Pulaski, and Miller Counties
Happy National Blueberry Month!
July is National Blueberry Month! Blueberries are full of nutrients and can be eaten freshly picked or in a variety of delicious recipes. There are many possible health benefits to blueberries. In honor of National Blueberry Month, Our health clinics at the Lake of the Ozarks will be giving you possible health benefits to eating blueberries.
Fighting Wrinkles
Your skin’s support system is collagen.Collagen relies on Vitamin C to work as an antioxidant to help prevent damage caused by the sun. Did you know that just 1 cup of blueberries provides almost a quarter of your daily need for Vitamin C?
Weight Loss Management
Dietary fiber is an important factor in weight loss. High fiber foods reduce your appetite and make you feel fuller for longer. Blueberries are a great source of fiber.
Improving Your Mental Health
Studies have shown that blueberries can reduce the risk of getting Parkinson’s disease, a chronic and progressive movement disorder resulting from cell death in parts of the brain.
Warding Off Potential Heart Disease
The fiber within blueberries helps lower the amount of cholesterol in your blood, thus decreasing the risk of heart disease. Blueberries consist of:
- fiber
- potassium
- folate
- vitamin C
- vitamin B6
This coupled with the blueberries lack of cholesterol, both support heart health.
Managing Your Diabetes (If You Have Diabetes)
Studies have shown that those with type 2 diabetes who consume high fiber diets have improved blood sugar. Those who have type 1 diabetes who consume high fiber foods have lower blood glucose levels. One cup of blueberries consists of 3.6 grams of fiber!
Maintaining Your Healthy Bones
Blueberries have:
- iron
- phosphorous
- magnesium
- calcium
- manganese
- zinc
- vitamin K
All of which contribute to building and maintaining and contributing bone strength and structure.
Lowering Your Blood Pressure
Blueberries are naturally free of sodium. They also contain potassium, calcium, and magnesium, which have been known to decrease blood pressure. In order to lower your blood pressure, it is essential that you maintain low sodium.
Healthy, Delicious Dishes To Make that Contain Blueberries
There are so many delicous things to try that have blueberries. How about one of the following?
- breakfast smoothie
- blueberry muffins
- energy bars
- yogurt
- granola
- freeze blueberries in ice cubes to put in water, (flavored water)
- chicken and blueberry pasta
You may search recipes for any of these delicious options online or you may just try adding blueberries to one of the options listed above, For example, if you already have store bought yogurt, try adding blueberries for some more fiber.
Central Ozarks Medical Center is committed to leading the way to healthier communities, part of that is supporting a healthy eating culture. Eating blue berries is a great, healthy choice. For health care questions or if you have a specific health care need, please call one of our convenient mid-Missouri health clinic locations.
Central Ozarks Medical Center
Keeping Lack of Insurance From Being a Roadblock to Quality Healthcare
For Appointments Call
573.765.5141 — Richland
573.302.7490 — Osage Beach
573.346.4446 — Camdenton
573.317.9200 — Stone Castle
573.765.2510 — Dental
Serving Camdenton, Laclede, Pulaski, and Miller Counties
Meet Our Oral Health Providers: Part 2
We accept all patients, with or without insurance at all of our health clinics in mid-Missouri. We are committed to leading the way to a healthier community. We wouldn’t be able to do that without our committed providers. Last week, we introduced two of our fantastic oral health providers at the Lake of the ozarks, Evan Reynolds, DDS and Shayna Mattox, DDS. In this 2 part blog series, we’d like to continue introducing you to more of our great oral health providers. In this blog, we are featuring Emily Taylor, DDS and Allen D. Rodgers, DDS.
Emily Taylor, DDS
Dr. Emily Taylor joined the Central Ozarks Medical Center Dental clinic in August of 2016.
Dr. Taylor grew up in Trimble, MO and graduated from Notre Dame de Sion High School in 2006. She then received her Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Science from Creighton University in 2010. Dr. Taylor attended University of Missouri Kansas City School of Dentistry where she received her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree in 2014. Her pediatric dentistry training and Masters of Science in Dentistry was completed at Indiana University – Riley Children’s Hospital in June 2016.
Dr. Taylor is a member of the American Dental Association, Missouri Dental Association, and American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry.
Dr. Taylor lives in Rolla, MO and enjoys hunting, fishing and kayaking in the Ozarks. She is excited to join the COMC dental group!
Allen D. Rodgers, DDS
Allen Rodgers, D.D.S., is a graduate of Northeast Louisiana University with a Bachelor’s of Science degree and Louisiana State University School of Dentistry as a Doctor of Dental Surgery (D.D.S.).
Dr. Rodgers has been practicing Dentistry for 29 years and has been with Central Ozarks Medical Center since 2002.
It is extremely important to use that you your receive quality healthcare. We pride ourselves on offering quality healthcare that works best for YOUR financial institution. We accept patients with or without health insurance. We offer a sliding fee scale based on income and family size. For more information on insurance acceptance, the sliding fee scale, and insurance enrollment, please visit our website. We provide a wide variety of services including, primary care, obstetrics, pediatrics, behavioral health, women’s health, senior health and dental health. All of our locations are community practices and we serve everyone from newborns to the elderly. We are truly committed to leading the way to healthier communities & our dedicated staff is such a huge part of that. Stay informed on all of our services and providers by visiting our website and social media pages.
Central Ozarks Medical Center
Keeping Lack of Insurance From Being a Roadblock to Quality Healthcare
For Appointments Call
573.765.5141 — Richland
573.302.7490 — Osage Beach
573.346.4446 — Camdenton
573.317.9200 — Stone Castle
573.765.2510 — Dental
Serving Camdenton, Laclede, Pulaski, and Miller Counties
Meet Our Oral Health Providers: Part 1
At Central Ozarks Medical Center, we have been providing healthcare in Central Missouri since 1979. Our staff members are committed to leading the way to healthier communities. In our past blog, we have had the pleasure of introducing you to our Primary Care Providers, Pediatric Provider, OBGYN Providers and Behavioral Health Providers. We are happy to introduce a couple of our fantastic Oral Health Providers in the first part of our 2 part blog series.
Meet Shayna Mattox, DDS
Dr. Shayna Mattox joined the Central Ozarks Medical Center Dental clinic as the Dental Director in July 2016.
Dr. Mattox grew up in Omaha, NE and became interested in dentistry in 8th grade while attending a career exploration program at Creighton University. She attended the University of Nebraska at Omaha and graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Science degree in biology and minor in chemistry in 3 years. Dr. Mattox was a member of the university’s swim team. She also met her husband, Dustin, and they married in 2013.
Dr. Mattox attended dental school at the University of Nebraska College of Dentistry and graduated with distinction in 2013. Dr. Mattox is a general dentist with interest in all areas of dentistry, and really enjoys seeing children. She is most excited to work with Dr. Taylor and expand dental care to children in the Richland and Camdenton areas!
Dr. Mattox is part of the American Dental Association, Missouri Dental Association, and the Academy of General Dentistry. Dr. Mattox enjoys spending free time at the lake boating, water skiing and relaxing with Dustin and their German Shepherd rescue, Sophie.
Meet Evan Reynolds, DDS
Evan Reynolds is an honors graduate of Vanderbilt University with a Bachelor’s in Mathematics and the University of Tennessee-College of Dentistry where he earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree.
Dr. Reynolds joined Central Ozarks Dental Center in May of 2015.
Dr. Reynolds is a member of the Academy of General Dentistry as well as a member of the Central Dental Association, Missouri Dental Association and American Dental Association and has a professional working proficiency in Spanish.
When he is not working in the clinic, Dr. Reynolds spends his time enjoying the many great fishing and hiking locations around the Ozarks, playing the piano and following his ill-fated Vanderbilt Commodore athletic teams.
Central Ozarks Medical Center is pleased to be able to offer so many different types of services including Primary Care, Obstetrics, Pediatrics, Behavioral Health, Women’s Health, Senior Health, and Dental. Visit our website for more information on our Oral Health services.
Central Ozarks Medical Center
Keeping Lack of Insurance From Being a Roadblock to Quality Healthcare
For Appointments Call
573.765.5141 — Richland
573.302.7490 — Osage Beach
573.346.4446 — Camdenton
573.317.9200 — Stone Castle
573.765.2510 — Dental
Serving Camdenton, Laclede, Pulaski, and Miller Counties
The Facts Behind Pregnancy Superstitions
There are many pregnancy superstitions out there. Central Ozarks Medical Center believes that knowledge and preparation are KEY to a healthy pregnancy. Our OB providers know that every birth is special and they are very privileged to have the chance to guide expectant mother throughout their pregnancies. Our health clinics in Mid Missouri are going to show you the facts behind some of them today in our blog.
The fullness of a pregnant woman’s face can determine a baby’s gender.
Yes, every expectant mother gains weight during pregnancy, but every pregnancy is different. Some people may tell you your face is round, so you’re having a girl. They may be correct, but it’s just as likely they’re incorrect.
Having a baby boy could mean a long, difficult labor.
According to CNN, researchers aren’t quite sure why this is true, but in 2003, a team of doctors looked at more than 8000 births at a single hospital in Ireland between 1997 & 2000, excluding women who delivered prematurely or needed to induce labor. When they ran the numbers, labor for boys lasted a little over 6 hours, while girls took a little under 6 hours.
Stay away from bananas, if you want to have a girl.
CNN shows, in 2008 a study published in the journal Proceedings of the Royal Society Basked 740 women who were pregnant for the first time to describe their diets leading up to conception. The women in the top third of the study, calorie wise, had boys 56% of the time, among the third that consumed the fewest calories, 55% had girls.
Heartburn could mean a hairy baby.
CNN also shows that in the second trimester of pregnancy, babies develop a coat of fine hair all over their bodies, called lanugo. Sometime, in the third trimester, they shed it and eat it. A baby’s first feces, in fact can be digested remains of their own body hair.
Your baby’s sex can be determined by the shape and height of your belly.
People have been known to say, if an expecting mother is carrying high, than the baby will be a girl, if they are carrying low than it will be a boy. This is not true. The shape and height of your stomach is justified by your:
- muscle tone
- uterine tone
- weight gained
- position baby is in
The best way to tell the gender of your baby is to talk to your doctor about an ultrasound. Don’t rely on superstition.
Our mid-Missouri obstetrics providers and their staff of nurses will work to keep you informed and answer all of your questions from pregnancy confirmation to your post-partum check-up. All of our locations serve everyone from newborns to the elderly. For more information on the services we provide, visit our website.
Central Ozarks Medical Center
Keeping Lack of Insurance From Being a Roadblock to Quality Healthcare
For Appointments Call
573.765.5141 — Richland
573.302.7490 — Osage Beach
573.346.4446 — Camdenton
573.317.9200 — Stone Castle
573.765.2510 — Dental
Serving Camdenton, Laclede, Pulaski, and Miller Counties
7 Ways Walking Is Good For Your Health
The science is undeniable – taking brief walks every day (even for only 30 minutes or so) offers numerous health advantages. In order to help you maintain a healthier lifestyle, Central Ozarks Medical Center has comprised a quick-hitter list of some of the important ways walking is good for your health. Pull out your favorite pair of walking shoes and head outside… you won’t want to miss out on any of these amazing benefits!
1. Increase Energy
You might be surprised to learn that walking is an excellent way to boost your energy levels naturally. Every cell in your body benefits from the increased circulation and oxygen supply generated by going on a brisk walk. Though it may sound counter-intuitive, try to get outside and get moving the next time you’re feeling drowsy.
2. Ward Off Dementia
Dementia affects thousands of aging adults in the United States. Characterized by increasing forgetfulness and loss of long-term memory, dementia can be a heartbreaking disease. Some studies have shown that seniors who walk a few miles per week are less likely to lose their memory as the years pass. It’s never too soon to start!
3. Improve Mental Health
Exercise is a powerful natural mood-booster. The endorphins released during exercise can help overcome feelings of stress and anxiety. In some situations, they can be just as effective as antidepressants. The next time you’re feeling stressed or overwhelmed, take a break and go for a brisk walk outside.
4. Tone Muscles
By giving them regular exercise, walking is a great way to tone the muscles in your calves, thighs, and rear. If you focus on maintaining a straight posture while you walk, you’ll also help tone your waist and abdominal muscles. Incorporating hills into your route will help you tone your muscles even more. (As an added bonus, keeping your legs toned will help prevent the appearance of varicose veins.)
5. Lose Weight
Walking is an excellent way to burn additional calories throughout the day, which helps boost your metabolism and makes it easier to lose weight. If you’ve been looking for an easy, low-impact way to up your activity level and potentially shed a few extra pounds, walking could be the perfect solution.
6. Strengthens The Heart
Getting regular cardio exercise is an important part of maintaining a healthy heart. Cardio exercise – such as walking – helps reduce high blood pressure (which lowers the risk of a stroke). It also helps increase levels of good cholesterol and decrease levels of bad cholesterol.
7. Prevent Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes often occurs in adults who are overweight or obese. By helping you to maintain an active metabolism and a healthy weight, walking can be an excellent way to prevent (or reduce the symptoms of) type 2 diabetes.
Consider COMC Your Local Healthcare Resource!
Here at Central Ozarks Medical Center, we make it our mission to help our patients be the healthiest versions of themselves. From prenatal care to senior care, we are proud to offer medical, dental, and behavioral care to patients of all ages. If you would like more information about our healthcare services in central Missouri, check us out online at www.CentralOzarks.org.
Central Ozarks Medical Center
Keeping Lack of Insurance From Being a Roadblock to Quality Healthcare
For Appointments Call
573.765.5141 — Richland
573.302.7490 — Osage Beach
573.346.4446 — Camdenton
573.317.9200 — Stone Castle
573.765.2510 — Dental
Serving Camdenton, Laclede, Pulaski, and Miller Counties
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