WELL, DON’T JUST SIT THERE

Most people are aware that excessive sitting is a major culprit of low back pain. However, it can also increase your chances of experiencing heart failure. That’s what a 10year study conducted by researchers at Kaiser Permanente concluded after following more than 82,000 men between the ages of 45 and 69. Men who sat five or more hours each day were 34 percent more likely to develop heart failure than those who spend two hours or less sitting. Although it is nearly impossible to avoid sitting at work, here are a few tips to consider.

• If feasible, walk or bike to work. If driving is necessary, park at the far end of the parking lot.

• Try to stand when necessary. For instance, you can stand while talking on the phone, or you can eat snacks or lunch while standing. And instead of calling a coworker, consider walking to his or her desk.

• Take occasional breaks. Avoid the snack lounge and instead, take a brisk walk or engage in gentle stretching.

• If possible, trade your office chair for a stability ball. You will improve balance and tone core muscles while sitting at your desk.

• Bring fitness equipment to work. You could easily store resistance bands in your desk drawer and then perform arm curls between meetings or tasks.

Source: mayoclinic.org/office-exercise/art-20047394

Trivia Time

The National Training Center in Clermont is a state-of-the-art facility that has hosted hundreds of collegiate, professional, and Olympic athletes who participate in sports such as swimming, track and field, triathlons, soccer, cycling, rugby, and lacrosse. What year did the National Training Center open? Please make an educated guess before looking at the answer below.

WELCOME, CHIEF

Joshua B. Fleming is the new chief clinical officer and site administrator of Leesburg Regional Medical Center.

He has more than 15 years of healthcare leadership experience and most recently served as chief nurse executive and vice president of patient care services at Indiana University Health West Region.

“Leesburg Regional Medical Center has a long and storied history of making the health and wellness of the people in Lake, Sumter, and Marion counties its top priority,” says Fleming, who earned a master’s degree in health administration from Indiana University. “I am honored to be part of such a great organization and to be part of this rich legacy serving its community. I look forward to the opportunity to continue to focus on patient safety and outstanding clinical outcomes.”