HEALTHPLEX ASSOCIATES INC., a national leader in medical fitness and wellness for more than 25 years is proud to announce a number of changes in leadership. The Company, which has been privately owned by Mark Nadel and Stephen Robbins, Esq., will now be owned by Don Doyle, HPA’s Senior Vice President and an industry veteran for more than thirty years.

Nadel and Robbins have been planning for several years to assure that the transfer of the business is done in a way that creates a smooth transition for clients and employees as well as creating future growth for the company they founded as they retire.

“We have a unique approach to assisting and advising clients that is hands-on while emphasizing partnerships. This will not change with this new transition. By focusing on supporting the community of people who work at our facilities, we can continue to have a positive work environment that encourages productivity and teamwork” said Doyle who now becomes President and CEO.

Both Steve Robbins and Lynn Robbins, HPA’s former President, will stay on as consultants to further aid in the transition. Renee Clark-McDonald, former Vice President of Human Resources, will take over the COO role. Renee has been a Healthplex Associates employee since March 2017 leading the Human Resources and Financial Coordinator departments.

Helpful Hints to Increase Endurance After the Age of 65:

·         Start slowly and gradually increase the intensity of your workouts. As you get older, it’s important to be more cautious about starting new exercise routines. It’s best to start slowly and gradually increase the intensity of your workouts over time. This will help to prevent injuries.

·         Choose activities that you enjoy and that are appropriate for your fitness level. There are many different types of exercise that can help to improve endurance. It’s important to choose activities that you enjoy and that are appropriate for your fitness level. If you’re not sure where to start, talk to your doctor or a certified fitness trainer.

·         Be consistent with your workouts. The key to increasing endurance is to be consistent with your workouts. Aim to exercise for at least 30 minutes most days of the week. If you can, try to break up your workouts into shorter sessions throughout the day.

·         Listen to your body and take breaks when you need them. It’s important to listen to your body and take breaks when you need them. If you’re feeling pain, stop exercising and consult with your doctor.

·         Eat a healthy diet. Eating a healthy diet is essential for overall health and fitness. Make sure to include plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains in your diet. You should also limit your intake of processed foods, sugary drinks, and unhealthy fats.

·         Get enough sleep. Sleep is essential for physical and mental recovery. Aim to get 7-8 hours of sleep each night.

·         Stay hydrated. It’s important to stay hydrated, especially when you’re exercising. Drink plenty of water before, during, and after exercise.

·         Manage stress. Stress can take a toll on your physical and mental health. Find healthy ways to manage stress, such as exercise, yoga, or meditation.

Following these tips can help you to increase your endurance and stay active as you get older.

Marilyn Alvarado

Wellness Director / Fitness General Manager
Matagorda Wellness & Rehabilitation Center

“According to aarp.org, nearly half of U.S. adults -over 100 million Americans- have hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, the leading risk factor for heart disease. Approximately 30 million of those Americans have stage 1 hypertension, for which blood pressure-lowering medication is not recommended. If left untreated, high blood pressure can lead to strokes, heart failure, heart attacks and kidney disease, especially among men of color.

Adjustments in lifestyle like reducing sodium (salt) intake, exercising, losing weight, drinking less alcohol and reducing stress are effective ways to control hypertension according to research. Here is a list of additional strategies, but remember that you should never stop taking blood pressure medication without consulting your doctor.

1. The DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet is the “The blood pressure diet”, similar to the Mediterranean Diet. It emphasizes fruits and vegetables, lean proteins and low sodium and calls for 6-8 servings of grains, 4-5 servings of fruit, 4-5 servings of vegetables, 6 or less 1oz servings of lean meat, poultry or fish, 2-3 servings of low-fat dairy daily. It also recommends 4-5 weekly servings of nuts, beans or seeds. Salt, sugar and fat are allowed sparingly.

2. Tai Chi is a gentle exercise involving slow, flowing movements and deep breathing, which can improve hypertension, relieve stress and even boost brain health.

3. High –intensity breathing using a device that creates resistance when you inhale, like the Power Breathe, can lower blood pressure over time.

4. Taking 8,200 steps every day not only lowers blood pressure, but also helps keep weight under control.

5. Just stretching for 30 minutes, five days a week leads to greater improvements in blood pressure than five days of 30 minute walks. Stretching literally stretches our blood vessels which reduce arterial stiffness, lowering blood pressure. Try stretching the big muscles in your lower body, the hamstrings, quadriceps and calves, for the greatest effect and added flexibility.

If you have had a history of high blood pressure, or are 60 and over, it’s important to check your blood pressure regularly. Automatic home blood pressure devices are a quick and easy way to achieve this or stop into the Wellness Center and we’ll check it for you! “

Marilyn Alvarado

Wellness Director / Fitness General Manager
Matagorda Wellness & Rehabilitation Center

I became a member of the Wellness Center in early 2019 after begging my parents for a membership for Christmas.
They were weary of how much I would utilize it, but they claim now it was the best gift they ever could have gotten me, and I agree. I fell in love with training and the ideas of getting better every day, but I was soon injured playing football. I was forced to take a year off. During which time I studied, researched, and documented physical training and exercise. I was fascinated with health, especially strength and what the body is capable of. I returned to the gym, implementing a slow and methodical approach, ensuring health and no more setbacks. However, this time, I had new goals. I had found the sport of strongman, which tests functional strength. It is without a doubt very unconventional, but it is now my passion, one which I hope to share with others! I have been back at the gym for two years, and it’s been a year since I have started competing. I have been so blessed along my fitness journey, whether growing friendships in the strongman community, traveling all over the country to compete, or building relationships and meeting new people here at the Wellness Center. Most recently, I competed and won my division at Central Georgia’s Strongest Man, and will travel to San Francisco, CA in July to compete at America’s Strongest Teenager. I currently attend the University of Georgia and major in Kinesiology (Exercise and Sports Science), with hopes of eventually attending Physical Therapy School. Physical Health and Wellness has become a major part of my life and the Wellness Center has been instrumental in that. I can’t wait to come back, grow more relationships, learn, and get better!

-Highland Roberts