The economic impact of chronic disease goes well beyond the cost of providing medical care; it takes an even greater toll on productivity, in the form of sick days and reduced performance. The good news is that chronic disease, though among the most common health problems, are also the most preventable.

The UF Health Douglas Williams Executive Health is an early detection program promoting health and beneficial lifestyle changes. We offer a full range of advanced diagnostic services to detect life-threatening conditions and extend life through prevention and early intervention all in ONE productive and efficient day. Throughout your Executive Health Physical, you will receive a full comprehensive medical exam, empowering lifestyle modification tools, all your test completed, questions answered and test results back the SAME DAY!

Each month we have shared helpful strategies and information in order to increase your knowledge on the importance of creating a balanced healthy lifestyle. There are many factors involved in ensuring you are on the right path to healthy living. The Executive Health nurse, Destiny Knopf, will share additional tips and tricks, which will assist you in achieving your ultimate wellness goal.

“I know exercise is good for me, but I just don’t have the motivation to do it.” Sound familiar? That’s a common complaint, and motivation is especially difficult when you feel depressed, anxious, or tired all the time. Sitting in front of the television or browsing the web to “numb” your emotions and shut everything else out seems much easier. However, try to think of exercise not as a chore but as a way of releasing your bogged-down emotions, tensions, and anxieties.

Knowing about the benefits of exercise doesn’t necessarily mean we’ll get off the couch and do it. So below are several steps to help get you motivated to exercise.

• Don’t let the word “exercise” scare you
– Exercise doesn’t mean running a marathon or spending countless hours at the gym.

Anything that gets you off the couch and moving is exercise that can help improve your mood. Be creative and find something you enjoy doing. If you are participating in an exercise routine you absolutely loathe, it’s almost guaranteed you won’t stay consistent.

• Start slowly
– If you’ve been sedentary for too long, the key today is start out slowly and set small,
realistic, and measurable goals.

• Be flexible with your exercise routine
– You don’t have to do all your exercise at once. If you can, take 10-minute “exercise
breaks” a few days a week, it will help you get motivated to exercise more frequent.

• Exercise at the right time of day
–  If you have problems with insomnia, know that exercising within 5 hours of bedtime
may further interrupt your sleep, since exercise will stimulate your endorphins.

• Get support from a friend
– Find a friend who will motivate you, and if possible, work out with you. Make a set schedule of your workout times together and hold each other accountable.

• Reward yourself
– After tracking your progress each month, reward your good efforts. If a friend is working
out with you, the two of you can claim a reward together; go to a movie, for example.

Remember the biggest reward is that you’ll start feeling and looking better, and you’ll improve your health now and in the future.

For more information on the UF Health Douglas Williams Executive Health Program, visit www.ExecHealth.ufl.edu or contact us at 352.265.8262. Your health directly influences every aspect of your life. By taking just one day of your time, we can help optimize your health and enhance your well-being.