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Show l . m-. Axmmk,,;, ; , r "m w 4- mm, Cedar City Manager Joe Melling takes a pulmonary test by blowing into the machine. The test is to determine h how healthy the lungs are, and is being conducted as part of the VVMC Total Fitness ' ..' ! mm wnwrn Program. Program participants, including Melling, are given the test results and suggestions on health improvement. Time to get back in shape; VVMC program can help First-hand account By BRUCE LEE Record Editor CEDAR CITY - I'm in bad shape, I mean really bad shape. But it won't last for long. With the help of the new Valley View Medical Center's Total Fitness Health Program, I found out last week how bad of shape, I am in; but, more importantly, I found out how to change it how to lose that few pounds, how to lower that cholesterol level, how to cope with a stressful job. And in six months I will feel and look better. The VVMC Total Fitness Health Program is one new program being geared up at the hospital, and according to Physical Therapist Jim Keate, who is coordinating coor-dinating the program, it will be ready for the public around the first of June. I was one of several local officials and media members who were asked to participate in a trial run of the program. Why a fitness program? Simply because prevention is easier and less expensive than cures. In discussing the program, Keate said that in 1950 $12 billion or 4.5 percent of the gross national product was spent on health care. In 1980 that figure had risen to $240 billion or 10 percent. per-cent. He also noted that today most health problems heart disease, cancer and stroke are problems that can be prevented, but are generally tough to cure. "Lifestyle problems can only be prevented. They can't be fixed." Thus, this program, which is standard throughout I n -termountain Health Care facilities, has been established, to prevent disease," to help - em-" : ployees increase rrthe productivity of their workers. It will be offered through businesses and to individuals at a cost of $95 per person. According to Keate, an emphasis will be placed on businesses signing up employees, because the increased productivity will pay for the program several times over. The tests, completed in less than an hour, include a blood test, blood pressure, strength flexibility, skinfold and girth measurements, pulmonary tests and a bicycle ergometer test. Afterward, the participants par-ticipants are given a binder with their individual in-dividual test results, as well as suggested programs to improve in areas where needed. It is painless and even enjoyable. en-joyable. The second part of the program is the education phase, which includes four two-hour programs explaining in more detail how to get and stay healthy. " So, I'll be in shape in six months. How about the rest of Iron County? |