dba
Building Bridges to
Healthier Communities 

The Importance of Regular Physical Activity

By Terra Brantley

            As a working, married mother of two I am a firm believer in the need for mental, emotional and physical well being.  Prior to having children I was very active in school as a cheerleader, basketball player and track runner.  I also taught dance lessons.  After I got married and had my first child, my physical sporting activities dramatically decreased and by the time I had my second child, I no longer had a regular physical fitness routine.  It wasn't until my children entered elementary school, that I began to refocus my energies on getting back in good physical sh ap e and the driving force was and still is my parent’s health history.

Both my parents have medical problems, and as their offspring, I run the risk of developing them myself.  My father is a prostate cancer survivor.  He also has high blood pressure and must take medication to control it.  My mother has hypothyroidism, meaning she suffers from an under active thyroid which can lead to weight gain and fatigue.  She must take medication to regulate her condition.  Both my parents have increased their physical activity, but they’re still suffering from these conditions.    

Like so many women who've had children, I gained weight, my clothes size grew from a size eight to 14.  One of the best things I did for my family to increase our physical fitness, was get a family membership at Fort Wayne’s Southeast YMCA.  We signed up in April 2002.  Now, six years later, I've lost two dress sizes and I did it without crazy diets.  It took awhile to notice results, but at a slow steady pace, the results I have achieved are now easy to maintain because I changed my lifestyle.  I jog about two miles, three to four times a week, eat smaller servings of food and I don't eat after 5:30 p.m.  These changes have worked well for me.  I feel better at age 44, than I did when I was 34.  My energy level soars and I've managed to steer clear of a number of debilitating conditions and the health problems that plague my parents.  I feel very blessed that I don’t have a thyroid condition or high blood pressure.  In fact, I maintain a very healthy blood pressure around 117/72 and I get regular cancer screenings and checkups to monitor my health.  I also conduct self breast exams and get annual mammograms.  
 

Fort Wayne’s YMCA is dedicated to building strong kids, strong families and strong communities.

My family has come to rely on the Southeast YMCA as a great source for not only physical renewal but also emotional well being.  The staff treats us like good friends and family.  In addition to the workout areas, indoor track, indoor pool, child care facilities and other features, it also offers aerobics classes four times a week.  Fort Wayne ’s YMCA is accepting summer memberships through September 13^th.   The fee for adults is $199.  Students can sign up for $115.  Call 447-4567 for more information.

Terra Brantley is the morning and noon anchor at WANE-TV/News Channel 15 and a supporter of the
Fort Wayne African American Cancer Alliance .