Setting Realistic Goals

I need to... lose weight, exercise more, get a new job or go back to school. Sound familiar? As we get ready to end 2013 and venture into 2014, conversation turns to goal setting. For some, goal setting is a dreaded phrase, but without it, we wouldn’t have the United States Constitution, the Hoover Dam or iPhones. “We set goals all the time,” says Carl Benedict, a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor at Meritus Health’s Behavioral Health.

Whether it’s painting the exterior of your house or enrolling in a painting class, goal-setting tips can turn an often-considered ambition into a reality.

Female Support Problems

Dr. Jay Greenberg, FACOG, FACS

     As women age, urinary incontinence becomes more common. For some women, laughing, coughing, sneezing or exercising can cause an embarrassing leakage known as stress incontinence.

     “Stress incontinence is really under-reported because women just don’t want to talk about it,” says gynecologist Jay Greenberg, M.D., FACOG, FACS of Meritus Health Women’s Health Center at Professional Court.

Stress incontinence occurs when the pelvic muscles cannot prevent urine from flowing—especially when pressure is placed on the bladder.

Four Moves for a Strong Core and Fab Abs

It’s that time of year again when elastic waist pants are the preferred wardrobe item. The holidays bring extra calories, hectic schedules and less time to exercise. But fear not, with four simple exercises, you can keep your abdominal muscles in check—if not toned throughout the holidays and well into 2014.

Advantages of a strong core
     Core muscles include the abdominal muscles, back muscles and the muscles around the pelvis. Strong core muscles make it easier to do many physical activities like shift our body in any direction or control our movement.

Surviving Family Gatherings during the Holidays

     Holidays are a time of joy and celebration, but family gatherings can turn into family conflict. If the thought of spending quality time with family brings on a migraine, think preparation and preservation says Julie Kugler-Bentley, LCSW-C, CEAP, RN of Meritus Health’s Behavioral Health.

Healthy Employee Spotlight: Tim Thorpe: a Man in Motion

     Tim Thorpe knows that a man has to know his limitations, but at age 60, Tim’s boundaries are far-reaching. For the last 15 years, Tim has pumped out ten-to-50 mile rides with fellow cyclists and once a year participates in a 100-mile bike ride through Washington County—the equivalent of a runner’s marathon. In good weather, Tim commutes to work by biking 15 miles each way from Williamsport to Hagerstown. 

    This spring, Tim took a cue from Meritus Health President and CEO Joe Ross and with the help of fellow biker Pam Peitz, launched a bike club. They led a group of employees on ten to 30 mile rides through the Washington County countryside. 

The Meritus Health Bike Club