A diagnosis of diabetes can feel like a death sentence.  I remember observing the faces of the participants in a diabetes education program, as the nutritionist described how to gain control of their blood glucose by controlling portions and by eating more nominally- processed foods and fewer sweets, sugary beverages and processed baked goods.

Ed has been a member of Milestone since 2004.  He knew he needed to exercise, as his occupation necessitates a lot of sitting.  So, in order to get active, he came to Milestone because it is in close proximity to his home and gave him no excuse to not exercise.  When he first came to Milestone, he met with a personal trainer, Alison Cardoza, in order to learn the basics of how to exercise correctly, proper form for lifting weights, and how to use the cardio and strength training machines.  He was sporadic with his exercise schedule at first, attending a few days a week and doing light cardio and light strength training exercises.  He eventually hit a plateau in his fitness and was uninspired with his exercise routine.  Eventually two years ago, Ed started thinking about his retirement.  The thought crossed his mind, “When I retire, I want to be able to do anything I want.  I don’t want to be limited in the activities I can do because of my (lack of) fitness.”  So, he decided to make a change and go to the next level in his fitness. 

Why Kids Yoga?

Now that the holidays are here and your kids are home, the gym might be your last priority.  Being a mom of two, I fully understand the challenges that the holidays bring.  However, don’t worry, you can still get a worthwhile workout in a small amount of time.  Considering, here are a few exercises that you can do at home that will help keep you in shape, keep you healthy and motivated to keep working towards your personal goals!

The holidays are approaching and times are getting busier by the day.  So how do you plan to keep your workout schedule on track through the holidays, instead of pushing your fitness goals off to the start of the New Year?

Milestone member Dr. Jan Anderson wrote a feature for TOPS Magazine (Sept. 2018) about "Aging Well".  Healthy individuals from each decade, ages 30 - 100, were interviewed about their most valuable tips for staying fit and active through the years.

Ten years ago, then-24-year-old Brett Workman was rushed to the hospital for the fight of his life.  Extreme stomach pain associated with complications from that which would later be officially diagnosed as Crohn’s disease, warranted an emergency appendectomy.  Brett was given a 40% chance to live through that first night in the Intensive Care Unit.  Just having found out a couple weeks before that his wife was pregnant, Brett channeled all his willpower to make it through those long hours, so he could be a part of his daughter’s life.  He had more living to do and more he wanted to accomplish.  Brett refused to let this be the end for him. 

Short days and long nights can actually expand our waistline and cause us to gain up to 5 -10 pounds this season, but here’s a few suggestions on how to stay fit and slim as the cold months approach us.

Fergie the assistance dog visits Milestone a few days a week, with member Meryl Kasdan.  Fergie helps Meryl with many things, including handing her a towel, picking up paperwork and cards off the floor, handing her keys, giving her the medicine dispenser, and much more!  Fergie is a beloved member of Milestone and we appreciate her service!

Joseph has been attending Milestone since 2012 and working out with Personal Trainer Alison Cardoza since 2013.  He expressed that self-starting is not a strength of his and that he does better with someone to nudge him.  Alison has been the one to push him to exercise consistently.  Joseph says of Alison, “She’s so bright and cheerful all the time, and also knowledgeable.”