Innovative Program Helps Sedentary Adults

BIDMC Contact: Heidi Duskey
Phone: 781-449-2332
Email: mpantridge@bidneedham.org

On January 25, Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital-Needham will introduce an innovative program than can help participants become fit without undertaking a regime devoted solely to exercise. The 14-week program, "Active Living Every Day," takes a behavioral approach to helping participants achieve fitness goals by walking, climbing stairs and other everyday activities. The effectiveness of the Active Living Every Day approach to achieving fitness while lowering blood pressure, blood cholesterol and body weight has been proven in clinical trials. The premises of the program are:

• Moderate amounts and intensities of physical activity provide significant health benefits, especially for sedentary people
• Lifestyle physical activity provides an important alternative for people who cannot or will not fit traditional exercise into their daily lives
• People are more likely to become and stay physically active when they are taught appropriate lifestyle skills based on their readiness to change behavior.

The course, which is cosponsored by HealthFit Fitness Center, will be led by Heidi Duskey, an experienced health educator licensed to teach Active Living Every Day. The cost is $200 for the general public and $150 for patients of Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital-Needham. The course will be held Wednesdays from 7-8 p.m. beginning January 25 in Conference Room A at the hospital, 148 Chestnut Street, Needham. For more information or to register, call Heidi Duskey at 781-449-2332.