This article is sponsored content from Conway Regional Health System.
The prevalence of chronic disease in the United States has been rising over the past 20 years. In February of 2024, the CDC estimated that 129 million Americans have at least one major chronic condition, such as heart disease, cancer, diabetes, obesity, or hypertension.
In a time when the numbers are moving in the wrong direction, healthcare providers can find comfort in the development of medical fitness programs. These programs can help people manage several chronic conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease, Parkinson’s disease, obesity, and other conditions.
Medical fitness programs teach fitness techniques to make patients stronger and more flexible as they follow an exercise routine designed around their individual needs, diagnosis, and capabilities. They require a provider’s order. One such place that offers these programs is the Conway Regional Health and Fitness Center (CRHFC).
The eight-week Script to Fit program is designed to help people with heart disease, diabetes, chronic arthritis, and other risk factors such as obesity and hypertension. Rock Steady Boxing is specifically designed for Parkinson’s disease patients. Mallory Lefler, a certified personal trainer with more than 14 years of experience, has seen dramatic participant improvements.
“In Script to Fit, we have seen participants decrease their body fat percentage, increase their muscle mass, and increase their walking endurance. We’ve had patients reduce the amount of medication they are taking. We hear patients talk about how much better they feel when doing their everyday activities,” said Lefler. “As far as Parkinson’s, we’ve seen walking gaits improve and overall strength increase so they can do their everyday activities.”
Funding from the Conway Regional Health Foundation reduces the cost for participants in the medical fitness classes by 50 percent, making the programs more accessible and reducing stress on participants. The Foundation’s annual Arkansas Duck Derby provides the funding.
The sixth annual Arkansas Duck Derby kicks off on Friday, Jan. 10, 2025, with a hunt, live and silent auctions, raffles, food, entertainment, and much more. The community is invited to the banquet at the University of Central Arkansas HPER Center regardless of whether individuals participate in the hunt. The event will begin Friday morning with the much-anticipated competitive hunt, winners of which will receive 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place prizes. To learn more about the Arkansas Duck Derby visit, https://www.arkansasduckderby.com
