Jennifer Closshey appreciates the support her column has gotten from regular readers and the Plant City community.
Another year has flown by. Hopefully, we are all wiser and better prepared for tomorrow.
It was just a little over a year ago that I started sharing specific facts and ideas to improve health and lifestyle choices. Researching and preparing the Focus on Fitness column has positively impacted my life. Most significantly, I have been blessed by the community’s support and their questions and comments.
Take the high school students who wanted to learn about food choices to improve their sports activities. Student-athletes have stopped me on the walking trail to get hints about foods to support energy for their long days of practice after school. Slow-burning carbohydrates and foods with a low glycemic index added hours to their energy levels.
Seniors in the grocery store have inquired about supplements to help soothe muscle cramps and nightly leg pain. I reminded them of the Friday, April 29, column on the benefits of magnesium and its significance toward heart health. Magnesium and potassium are essential minerals needed for proper circulatory system function. You can eat a banana for potassium and try walnuts for magnesium. Or, you can ensure you’re getting a measured, balanced intake of both magnesium and potassium by using a reputable supplement every day.
Working adults have inquired about lower back pain, exercise shortcuts and how to avoid injury when active. Most of my columns have been written as a result of readers’ various questions. Remember, you can go online at PlantCityObserver.com to review previous articles.
It does my heart good to hear neighbors say they faithfully read Focus on Fitness every time it runs in the Plant City Times & Observer. I feel my efforts to bring good science and solid research into our community counts, as we can all benefit from making healthy lifestyle choices.
I want to say, thank you all for the feedback, and please keep it coming.
My goal is to share recent scientific research that identifies easy ways in which we all can improve our health. My long-term goal is for Plant City to be the healthiest community in the world. Even setting a world-class goal is achievable. You truly have the power to make this happen, using your choices to better your health and put Plant City on the map. In doing so, you may find that life is more enjoyable when you’re taking care of your body.
I want to thank you all for letting me be a part of your life. While my goal has been to help others through my work, I have been blessed, as well.
Happy Holidays. Enjoy your family and friends. Take care of yourself, and model for others good choices in all aspects of your life.
Jennifer E. Closshey, Ph.D., is a doctor of integrative health based out of Plant City. Contact her at JenniferClosshey@gmail.com.
