Testimonials
Adela Florendo
It took some major life changes to get Adela Florendo off the couch and into the gym. Before that, she described her fitness program as sitting with the remote control. "My thumb got a real work out," she said jokingly.
By her 50th birthday, her priorities changed. "I started thinking about my own health issues. All my kids were out of the house so I finally had time for me," she said with a smile. Adela started her road back to fitness by lifting weights on her own, but she missed the fellowship of other women.
During a routine SEARHC check up, she learned that her weight, blood pressure and cholesterol levels put her at risk for future health problems. Not one to take this kind of news lying down, Adela joined the SEARHC WISEWOMAN program, which through a series of fun activities and classes, teaches women to reduce their risk for heart disease by eating right and being more physically active.
As a WISEWOMAN member, Adela received discounts for membership and passes to local fitness facilities to make exercise more affordable. Eventually, her regular physical activity included yoga, weight lifting, volleyball and water aerobics. She said that exercising in the pool is a great way to get a workout that is gentle on knees and joints.
Last April she joined the SEARHC StrongWomen program and now enjoys a fun, challenging weight-training program along with other women enrolled in the program. The class is held twice a week at the SEARHC Juneau Medical Center.
Over time Adela lost 30 pounds and got her blood pressure and cholesterol under control. Her favorite part about being in shape is that she has more energy. "I used to sleep till seven and go to work at eight. Now I'm in the gym by five-thirty." She also noted that her legs don't tire as quickly. "When I play volleyball, now I can hit the ball a lot further."
When asked what advice she has for others she said, "Get up and start moving! It's the only thing you can do."
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SouthEast Alaska Regional Health Consortium
