Daily Local News (West Chester, PA)
‘IT’S A MATTER OF THE HEART’
Residents of Ken dal~ Cross lands Communities, a continuing care retirement community located in Kennett Square, share their heart healthy secrets.
Peggy Draegert
I summarize the benefits of my heart healthy initiatives as “life is more fun if you feel good.” I walk probably more than a mile a day and I’m always rushing to go somewhere — so I walk fast, too. I have been doing group water exercises for the past 17 years and lately, we have begun putting exercise bikes in the water. It’s great. You get the support and buoyancy from the water, the water is warm, and the resistance provides an added workout benefit. Today, my muscles are not sore, my joints are very mobile, and our trainer helps to provide varied challenges. There is a tremendous amount of support here too. You have the camaraderie of interacting with your fellow neighbors, not only in an exercise class but also in sharing a meal and working in the community. I am still having a lot of fun and I enjoy my life and I feel great.
Wendell Lofland
Wendell chuckles and says “I’m still here”! I’ve always exercised and realized the health benefits of moving and exercising. About 5 years ago, I had a minor pain in my chest while walking. I had a “stress test” — and failed. But that was a good thing and I consider myself lucky. It was an early warning sign of some heart troubles that were caught and fixed early. I use five different exercise machines three days per week and if I miss a day, I make it up. And, I watch what I eat. I don’t eat sweets and I’ve maintained my weight. I continue to get regular checkups at my cardiologist to make sure my heart stays in good shape. Still here after all these years and I owe it to my heart healthy lifestyle.
Alma Szablewski
It takes discipline — discipline to watch what I eat. For instance, I don’t use extra salt and when I eat a salad, I use a low fat dressing. I’m eating more fruits and vegetables than ever before too. But exercise is very helpful for my heart health. I’ve always been active. Living in New York City, you walked whenever possible since it was often quicker than public transportation — an good exercise. Now I walk on the treadmill three times per week. I’m indoors if it’s bad weather, otherwise, I walk outdoors and enjoy the beautiful campus. My hip used to bother me and now it doesn’t. Exercise keeps me moving, it keeps
me limber, and healthy. My trainer watches me so that I don’t get bored and provides an atmosphere where you are encouraged and supported with your heart health activities. Coincidentally, I’m meeting with her next week to create a new work out routine.
Stan Hughes
You know the ‘ol saying “I used to walk to school, both ways, uphill.” Well, I did walk to school or rode my bicycle and so movement and exercise has always been a part of my life. I used to run competitively in High School and College but then had to give it up eventually when my knees didn’t like the sport any longer. Keeping yourself physically fit provides me the ability to do things that, at my age, I didn’t think I could do. My philosophy is that the more active you are, the less difficulties you’ll have as you age in place. For me, it’s great to have access to regular and standard physical group exercise classes. I do a combination of two-three days per week of aerobics and weight training and then at home, I have a treadmill and cardio-fit machine and weights. So, overall I work out five days per week. I took a mediation course some years ago and practice still helps me fall asleep. I have a normal diet and everything in moderation and I’ve kept my weight under control and I see my doctor regularly and although walking isn’t my exercise of choice, I am mobile and my heart is happier.
Compiled and submitted by Michele Berardi, Director Community Outreach, Kendal— Crosslands Communities, Kennett Square.