Health and Fitness

Heart Health and Cholesterol

Heart disease knows no age and can strike without warning. Eating habits and exercise regimen play an important role in the health of your heart. Cholesterol is a type of lipid that travels through the bloodstream in particles called lipoproteins. There are two distinct lipoproteins called LDLs - low-density lipoproteins - and HDLs -high-density lipoproteins.

LDLs are considered bad cholesterol because they can lead to a buildup of plaque in arteries. The buildup of plaque can narrow arteries and restrict blood flow. Everyone needs to keep the buildup of plaque to a minimum or it may lead to blood clots, which may cut off the flow of blood, oxygen and nutrients to the brain.

HDLs are considered good cholesterol because they pick up the LDLs clogging your arteries and take them to the liver, where they are processed and eventually excreted. Keeping your cholesterol lower may reduce your risk of heart disease. Diet can affect the amount of cholesterol you ingest. Some of the following foods help to keep your cholesterol at a lower level:

Almonds
Flaxseeds
Garlic
Oatmeal (whole grain type)
Apples
Beans
Soy protein

Regular exercise also can increase the good cholesterol, HDLs. Maintaining a weekly cardio program to speed up blood flow in your arteries will reduce your chance of inflammation and clotting. Work up to 30 consecutive minutes of some type of cardiovascular exercise i.e. recumbent bike, walking, swimming, and cross train to jump start a new you.

Here are some tips on how to get back on track with
your exercise program or start a new one.

Find fun and easy ways to exercise so it won’t seem like a chore.
Check with your health care provider if you are new to exercise or plan to make major changes in your exercise program.
Choose the time of day you feel you have the most energy.
Realize all the additional benefits from exercising such as stress relief, body trimming, increased sleeping and energy.
Set goals that are achievable and realistic.

If you have any questions on the information
in the Health & Fitness section, please call 363-1486.

Fitness Advisory Council
No meeting

Pool Schedule (printable)

Group Fitness Class Calendar (printable)
(Click the above link for dates, times and descriptions)

For your health and safety, please bring a towel and water to all classes.
Athletic shoes are required for ALL classes except yoga.

Equipment Orientation

Learn how to use the strength and cardio equipment in each fitness center. A fitness specialist will demonstrate proper equipment usage and answer your exercise questions. Classes are limited to five participants. Class lasts 45-60 minutes. Advance signup is required with the Fitness Monitor prior to day of class.

1^st & 3^rd Wednesdays
Desert Vista – 9 a.m.
Pinnacle – 10:15 a.m.
Mountain Shadows – 11:30 a.m.

Tennis Ball Machine

Tuesdays 1:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Practice on your own with our tennis ball machine. The cost is $2 per half hour per person. Advanced sign up is required at the Mountain Shadows Fitness Center.

All lectures require sign up at the Desert Vista Social Monitor Station, beginning the first of the month through the day of the event, unless otherwise indicated. Space is limited.

Join Valhalla Wellness Center and hand surgeon Dr. Jonathan R. Sorelle for a seminar regarding your hand and arm problems. The seminar will include an overview of arthritis and other causes of hand pain. Symptoms like numbness, tingling, pain, and arthritis in the hand and arm are often permanently correctable. Please sign up with any Social Monitor prior to the event.

Ray Izen from Palm Mortuaries and Cemeteries will answer your questions about pre-arranging funeral, cremation and cemetery needs. Honest answers to all your questions without cost or obligation will be offered. Nothing will be sold. Everyone attending will receive a free medical emergency card. Please sign up with any Social Monitor prior to the event.

Wednesday, February 15, 9:30 a.m. (by appointment)
Desert Vista community center

Join Pearl Vision for free vision screenings. Space is limited. Please sign up with the Desert Vista Social Monitor for an appointment time.

Join Mountain View Hospital and Dr. Vanessa Gastwirth for a seminar on heart health. Learn the differences in cholesterol, risks and tips for healthy living for your heart. Light refreshments will be served. Please sign up with any Social Monitor prior to the event.

Join CareMore Health Plan of Nevada for an informative lecture on the pain condition Fibromyalgia. Learn the signs, symptoms and diagnoses of fibromyalgia. Light refreshments will be served. Space is limited. Please sign up with any Social Monitor prior to the event.

Do you have trouble hearing? Join Dr. Rhett Heppler, Au.D. for hearing loss screenings. Dr. Heppler will test those with regular hearing, as well as those with hearing devices. No adjustments to the hearing devices will be made at this screening. If it is found that your hearing device is not working correctly, you will be referred back to your doctor for adjustment. Please sign up with the Desert Vista Social Monitor for an appointment.

“In April 2009 the book ‘Younger Next Year’ was recommended to me by a very good friend. She said it was the best book she had ever read. I read the book and found out it was most helpful to me,” wrote Bob Hiltz of Sun City Summerlin.

As a result, Bob explained how, “I stepped up my cardio exercise to a daily event and began attending the body sculpting class that Doris Carlson teaches on Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

“Just as I was rounding into top physical shape (for me) I began experiencing noticeable chest pain, while exercising on the treadmill. Within three days after notifying my doctor, I underwent quadruple bypass surgery. The day after the surgery, I was walking around, and I was released from the hospital earlier than normal. Within 30 days after my release, I had nearly returned to my previous exercise schedule. According to my doctor, my exercise regiment helped me lose 20 pounds and may have been responsible for identifying the heart disease earlier than would have otherwise happened. He stressed my recovery was much easier and faster because of my good physical condition.”

Following that experience, Bob said, “What I have learned over the past few years is:

All trainers are certified through nationally accredited programs
and authorized to train residents in all Sun City Fitness Centers.

Molly Sher L.M.T, LIC No. M12-00314-3-085104
Licensed therapist, $55/1 hr…………….240-1327
No gratuity accepted.