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Taking the First Step to a Healthier Life, Move More, TreatYourself CENLA Blog

Taking the First Step to a Healthier Life

Getting in shape can be a daunting task, but there are a number of easy ways to get started. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned athlete, there are simple steps you can take to improve your fitness level and achieve your goals.

One of the easiest ways to get in shape is to start walking or biking more.

This can be as simple as taking a walk around the block or biking to work instead of driving. Not only is this good for your physical health, but it can also improve your mental well-being by reducing stress and anxiety.

Another easy way to get in shape is to incorporate strength training into your routine.

This can be as simple as using your own body weight for resistance, such as doing push-ups or squats. You can also use household objects, like a backpack filled with books, to add resistance. Strength training can help improve your muscle tone, reduce the risk of injury and increase your metabolism.

In addition to exercise, it is important to focus on your diet as well.

This doesn’t mean you have to give up all your favorite foods, but rather, focus on eating a balanced diet that includes a variety of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins and whole grains. This can help you maintain a healthy weight and give you the energy you need to stay active.

Ultimately, the key to getting in shape is to start small and make gradual changes to your routine.

By incorporating more physical activity and eating a healthy diet, you can improve your fitness level and enjoy the many benefits of a healthy lifestyle.

The Rapides Foundation is a philanthropic organization that develops initiatives and provides grants to organizations in its nine-parish service area that share the Foundation’s Mission to improve the health status of Central Louisiana. Through its Healthy Behaviors Initiative, the Foundation addresses the health behavior priorities of tobacco prevention and control, alcohol/substance abuse prevention, healthy eating and active living. For more information, visit www.rapidesfoundation.org.

Swimming, How to Stay Cool and Stay Fit This Summer, Move More, TreatYourself Blog, TreatYourself Cenla

Swimming: How to Stay Cool and Stay Fit This Summer

There’s truly nothing like a Louisiana summer (hello, humidity and mosquitoes), and we understand how hard it is to stay active when it’s this hot and humid. A good way to beat the heat while still getting a great workout is swimming. Swimming is an awesome form of cardio as well as a full-body workout. So, here are a few tips to remember the next time you make a splash:

Swim in the morning.

Swimming in the morning is not only a great wake-up call, but a cardio workout like swimming first thing in the morning leaves your body in a metabolic state ready to burn fat as energy the rest of the day.

Swim faster.

Swimming is a great calorie burner because it involves the entire body. It increases your heart rate and utilizes nearly every muscle in the body. The faster you swim, the faster your heart rate will rise, and the more calories your body will burn.

Use water weights in between laps.

Water weights are designed to use the water as resistance to build your strength rather than weighted material like traditional weights. You can incorporate water weights into your workout to increase the intensity and your overall results.

Try out water aerobics.

Water aerobics is exactly what it sounds like – an aerobics class in water. You can expect exercises like water walking, bicep curls and leg lifts, using the water as resistance. This is a great low-impact option for people who can’t participate in traditional aerobic exercises due to age or injuries.

Overall, swimming is a great way to stay cool while sticking to your exercise routine this summer.

The Rapides Foundation is a philanthropic organization that develops initiatives and provides grants to organizations in its nine-parish service area that share the Foundation’s Mission to improve the health status of Central Louisiana. Through its Healthy Behaviors Initiative, the Foundation addresses the health behavior priorities of tobacco prevention and control, alcohol/substance abuse prevention, healthy eating and active living. For more information, visit www.rapidesfoundation.org.

Becoming the Healthiest, Happiest You, Healthy Life, Self Care, TreatYourself Blog, TreatYourself

Becoming the Healthiest, Happiest You

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Treating yourself to a healthier life can be a great way to improve your overall well-being and happiness. There are many ways to do this, and it is important to find what works best for you.

One way to treat yourself to a healthier life is to make small, positive changes to your daily routine. This can include things like incorporating more fruits and vegetables into your diet, reducing your intake of processed foods and sugary drinks, increasing your water intake and getting regular exercise. These changes may seem small, but over time, they can have a big impact on your health and well-being.

Another way to treat yourself to a healthier life is to prioritize self-care. This can include taking time to do things that you enjoy, exposing yourself to sunlight every day, getting enough sleep and practicing relaxation techniques like meditation or yoga. By taking care of yourself, you can improve your mental and physical health and in turn, reduce feelings of stress and anxiety.

Making changes yourself is the first step, but it is also important to surround yourself with supportive people who encourage you to maintain positive changes to your lifestyle. This can include friends and family members who share your goals and offer encouragement and support. In addition, seeking out the guidance of a healthcare provider or therapist can be beneficial for many people.

Ultimately, treating yourself to a healthier life is about making choices that are beneficial to your whole self – mental, physical and emotional. This can include making positive changes to your lifestyle, practicing self-care and surrounding yourself with supportive people. By making these changes, you can improve your health and happiness and enjoy a better quality of life.

The Rapides Foundation is a philanthropic organization that develops initiatives and provides grants to organizations in its nine-parish service area that share the Foundation’s Mission to improve the health status of Central Louisiana. Through its Healthy Behaviors Initiative, the Foundation addresses the health behavior priorities of tobacco prevention and control, alcohol/substance abuse prevention, healthy eating and active living. For more information, visit www.rapidesfoundation.org.

Explore the Parks of Central Louisiana, Move More, Parks of Central Louisiana, Louisiana Parks, TreatYourself Blog, TreatYourself

Explore the Parks of Central Louisiana

Spring is in full bloom, and now is the ideal time to get outside and get moving. Central Louisiana is home to several beautiful and well-maintained public parks that are perfect for a variety of outdoor activities. Here are some of the top public parks located in Central Louisiana:

  • Buhlow Lake. Located in Pineville, Buhlow Lake is a popular spot for fishing, boating and hiking. The park features a large lake, as well as a nature trail that winds through the surrounding forest.
  • Catahoula National Wildlife Refuge. Located in Jonesville, the Catahoula National Wildlife Refuge offers opportunities for hiking, fishing and wildlife observation.
  • The Wild Azalea Trail (located in Kisatchie National Forest). The Wild Azalea Trail, located in Kisatchie National Forest, is a popular spot for hiking and mountain biking. The trail has endpoints at the Valentine Lake Recreational Area and Woodworth Town Hall and is accessible by road at several points in between.
  • Valentine Lake Recreation Complex (located in Kisatchie National Forest). The Valentine Lake Recreation Complex, located in Gardner, is known for its peaceful atmosphere, perfect for canoeing, camping and hiking. The complex includes the Valentine Lake Northshore Campground, access to the Valentine Lake Trailhead and two fishing piers.

You can find even more walking trails by visiting The Rapides Foundation’s Interactive Map of Healthy Activities and searching for sites near you. Central Louisiana is home to many beautiful and scenic public parks, so there is no shortage of outdoor recreational opportunities in the area. Whether you are looking for a place to fish, hike or simply enjoy the great outdoors, you will find a park that is perfect for you in Central Louisiana.

The Rapides Foundation is a philanthropic organization that develops initiatives and provides grants to organizations in its nine-parish service area that share the Foundation’s Mission to improve the health status of Central Louisiana. Through its Healthy Behaviors Initiative, the Foundation addresses the health behavior priorities of tobacco prevention and control, alcohol/substance abuse prevention, healthy eating and active living. For more information, visit www.rapidesfoundation.org.

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Treat Yourself to a Healthier Life

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Treating yourself to a healthier life can be a great way to improve your overall wellbeing and quality of life. However, many people struggle to make healthy changes and stick to them. Here are some tips for treating yourself to a healthier life:

  • Set achievable goals – It’s important to set realistic and achievable goals for yourself. This can help you stay motivated and on track. Start by setting small goals and then gradually increase their difficulty as you progress.
  • Find healthy activities you enjoy – It’s important to find healthy activities that you enjoy and look forward to. This could include going for a walk, joining a sports team, or trying a new fitness class. By finding activities you enjoy, you’ll be more likely to stick to them.
  • Surround yourself with supportive people – Surrounding yourself with supportive people who encourage and motivate you can make a big difference. This could include friends, family members, or a support group.
  • Treat yourself to healthy rewards – It’s important to reward yourself for making healthy changes. This could include buying yourself a new piece of workout equipment, treating yourself to a massage, or taking a day off to do something fun.
  • Be patient and persistent – Changing your habits can be difficult, and it’s important to be patient and persistent. Don’t be discouraged if you have setbacks or if it takes longer than you expect to see results. Keep trying and stay committed to your goals.

By following these tips and making healthy changes, you can treat yourself to a healthier and happier life.

The Rapides Foundation is a philanthropic organization that develops initiatives and provides grants to organizations in its nine-parish service area that share the Foundation’s Mission to improve the health status of Central Louisiana. Through its Healthy Behaviors Initiative, the Foundation addresses the health behavior priorities of tobacco prevention and control, alcohol/substance abuse prevention, healthy eating, and active living. 

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The Importance of Movement for Health

Movement is an essential part of our daily lives. Whether we are walking to the store, running to catch the bus, or playing sports, our bodies were designed to be in motion. However, in today’s sedentary world, many of us spend most of our days sitting at desks, in front of screens, or in cars, which can have a negative impact on our health.

Research has shown that regular physical activity is associated with a range of health benefits, including improved cardiovascular and respiratory function, stronger bones and muscles, and a lower risk of chronic diseases such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. In addition to these physical benefits, regular movement can also improve mental health, reduce stress and anxiety, and increase overall well-being.

Despite the many benefits of physical activity, many people struggle to incorporate regular movement into their daily routine. This is often due to a lack of time, motivation, or access to facilities. However, there are many simple ways to incorporate movement into your daily life, even if you have a busy schedule. For example, you can take a walk during your lunch break, ride your bike to work, or try a home workout using online resources or workout videos.

In addition to these activities, it is also important to prioritize movement throughout the day. This means standing up and stretching regularly, taking the stairs instead of the elevator, and incorporating movement into your daily tasks, such as gardening or housework. By making these small changes, you can incorporate more movement into your daily routine and improve your overall health and well-being.

In conclusion, movement is an essential part of a healthy lifestyle. Regular physical activity can improve both physical and mental health, and there are many simple ways to incorporate movement into your daily routine. By making a conscious effort to move more, you can improve your health and well-being and enjoy a better quality of life.

Source: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

The Rapides Foundation is a philanthropic organization that develops initiatives and provides grants to organizations in its nine-parish service area that share the Foundation’s Mission to improve the health status of Central Louisiana. Through its Healthy Behaviors Initiative, the Foundation addresses the health behavior priorities of tobacco prevention and control, alcohol/substance abuse prevention, healthy eating, and active living.