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Exercise Blog

Stop Exercising to Lose Weight. Start Exercising to Live Longer.

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By: Karen Schwartz, DNP, WHNP-BC

For decades, many of us were taught that the primary reason to exercise was to lose weight or become thinner.

“Burn calories.” “Lose inches.” “Get bikini ready.”

While those messages were well-intentioned, they unintentionally overshadowed the greatest benefit of exercise: helping us live longer, healthier lives.

Today, research tells a much more powerful story.

Exercise is one of the most effective “medicines” we have. It lowers the risk of heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, dementia, osteoporosis, depression, and several cancers. It improves sleep, mood, balance, mobility, and cognitive function. It helps preserve independence as we age. Remarkably, many of these benefits occur even when the number on the scale doesn’t change.

You Don’t Have to Become Thinner to Become Healthier

In other words, you don’t have to become thinner to become healthier.

In fact, studies consistently show that people who improve their fitness have a lower risk of premature death, even if they remain overweight. Fitness often predicts longevity better than body weight alone.

This shift in thinking is incredibly freeing.

Instead of asking:

“How many calories did I burn today?”

Ask yourself:

  • Did I make my heart stronger today?
  • Did I improve my balance?
  • Did I preserve my muscle?
  • Did I invest in my future independence?

One of the greatest changes we see with aging is the gradual loss of muscle mass and strength. This process contributes to falls, fractures, disability, and loss of independence. Regular resistance training and physical activity help slow this process, making everyday tasks, from climbing stairs to carrying groceries, easier for years to come.

Exercise is also one of the most effective treatments for fatigue, anxiety, and poor sleep. While it may seem counterintuitive, moving your body regularly often creates more energy rather than less.

A Word of Caution

Not everyone should focus on increasing exercise in the same way.

For individuals who are underweight, frail, recovering from illness, or experiencing significant muscle loss, the priority is often rebuilding strength and improving nutrition rather than burning calories. In these situations, exercise should be individualized and designed to preserve or restore muscle, improve balance, and support overall function, not promote further weight loss.

The New Goal

The goal of exercise is not simply to look better.

The goal is to:

  • Maintain muscle as you age.
  • Protect your heart and brain.
  • Preserve your balance and mobility.
  • Reduce your risk of chronic disease.
  • Maintain your independence.
  • Improve your quality of life.
  • Increase your chances of living a longer, healthier life.

If weight loss happens along the way, that’s perfectly fine. But it should be viewed as a possible side effect, not the primary purpose.

The next time you lace up your walking shoes, head to the gym, or take a bike ride, remember this: you’re not just exercising for today.

You’re investing in the ability to enjoy your grandchildren, travel, play golf, garden, dance at family weddings, and live life on your own terms for as long as possible.

That’s a goal worth moving for.

Lake Country Medical Group is accepting new patients.

📞 706-485-4004
🌐 www.LakeCountryMedicalGroup.com

strong bones osteoporosis

Strong Bones, Stronger Future

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By Dr. Eric Silver and Karen Schwartz, DNP, WHNP-BC

A Conversation on Osteoporosis and Women’s Health

It usually does not start with a diagnosis.

It starts with something small. Maybe your back feels a little different. Maybe your posture has changed over time. Maybe someone mentions you seem a little shorter than you used to be.

Or sometimes, there are no signs at all. Until there is a fracture.

That is what makes osteoporosis so easy to overlook and so important to talk about.

So we sat down with two of our very own to ask the questions many women are not always thinking about, but should be.

Eric Silver, MD and Karen Schwartz, DNP, WHNP-BC shared their insight on what osteoporosis is, why it matters, and what you can do to stay ahead of it.

What is osteoporosis, and why does it matter?

Dr. Silver:
Osteoporosis is a condition where bones become weaker and more fragile over time. The challenge is that it develops quietly. Most people do not realize it is happening until a fracture occurs.

Karen:
And by that point, bone loss has often been happening for years. That is why awareness and early conversation are so important.

Why are women at higher risk?

Karen:
Women naturally have lower bone density than men, and hormonal changes play a big role. Around menopause, estrogen levels drop, and that can accelerate bone loss.

Dr. Silver:
When you combine that with longer life expectancy, the risk increases over time. It is something we want to be proactive about, not reactive.

Are there signs women should be watching for?

Karen:
There are not always obvious symptoms, which makes it tricky. But there are a few subtle signs we talk with patients about.

  • Loss of height over time
  • Changes in posture
  • Back pain without a clear cause
  • Fractures that happen more easily than expected

Dr. Silver:
Even small changes like those are worth paying attention to. They can be early indicators that something is changing with your bone health.

When should women start thinking about prevention?

Dr. Silver:
Earlier than most people think. Bone health is something you build over time.

Karen:
The habits you develop in your 20s, 30s, and 40s make a big difference later on.

Dr. Silver:
That includes getting enough calcium and vitamin D, staying active with weight-bearing exercise, and avoiding smoking.

Karen:
And understanding your personal risk factors. Family history, medications, and certain health conditions all play a role.

When should you be screened?

Karen:
For many women, bone density screening starts around age 65.

Dr. Silver:
But some women may need to be screened earlier depending on their risk factors.

Karen:
That is why it is important to have a provider who knows your history and can guide you based on what is right for you.

How does bone health fit into overall wellness?

Dr. Silver:
It is all connected. Bone health is not separate from the rest of your health.

Karen:
It ties into hormones, nutrition, physical activity, and even long-term independence and quality of life.

Dr. Silver:
That is why we take a comprehensive approach. We are not just looking at one issue. We are looking at the whole picture.

What is the biggest takeaway for women?

Karen:
Osteoporosis is common, but it is not something you have to wait for.

Dr. Silver:
There are steps you can take now that make a real difference later.

Karen:
And those steps do not have to be complicated. They just have to be consistent.

Let’s Start the Conversation

Your health is built over time. The earlier you start the conversation, the more you can protect what matters most in the years ahead.

If you have questions about your bone health, your risk factors, or whether it is time for screening, we are here to help.

📞 Call us at 706-485-4004
🌐 Visit lakecountrymedicalgroup.com

Now Accepting New Patients

Taking Care of You, Today and Every Day

Taking Care of You, Today and Every Day

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By Lake Country Medical Group

At Lake Country Medical Group, our goal is simple. We want to help you live your healthiest, fullest life. Good health is not just about treating problems when they happen. It is about planning ahead and taking steps to prevent issues before they start. Prevention allows you to maintain independence, enjoy time with loved ones, and stay active doing the things you love.

That is why we encourage everyone on Medicare to schedule their Annual Wellness Visit. Many people do not even realize this valuable visit is available to them at no cost. The Annual Wellness Visit is a special time for you to sit down with your healthcare provider, talk about how you are feeling, and build a personalized plan to keep you well.

This visit is designed to be different from a routine physical. It focuses on prevention and personalized care, helping identify potential health risks before they become bigger problems. It gives you and your provider the chance to work together, setting goals and making decisions that fit your lifestyle and needs. Taking this step now can help you stay healthier longer and improve your quality of life.

During the visit, we will review your medical history and your family’s health. We will check basic measurements like blood pressure and weight. We will also talk about your day-to-day activities and safety. This helps us understand your unique health situation and the challenges you might face at home or in your daily routines. Most importantly, we will listen carefully to understand your concerns, your lifestyle, and your goals. Together, we create a prevention plan tailored to your unique needs.

An important part of this plan is making sure your immunizations are up to date. Vaccines protect you from serious illnesses like the flu, pneumonia, and shingles. These illnesses can be more severe as we get older. Staying current on vaccinations not only protects you but also those around you, including family and friends who may be more vulnerable.

We understand life is busy, so we have made it easy for you to stay protected by offering convenient vaccine clinics at Lake Country Medical Group. These clinics are scheduled for the following dates:

  • September 12th
  • September 19th
  • October 17th
  • October 24th
  • November 14th

At these clinics, we will be offering flu and pneumonia vaccines (Prevnar 20). COVID-19 vaccines are also available upon request.

To help us ensure the right supply is available for you, please call ahead to schedule your vaccine appointment.

Whether you come in for your Annual Wellness Visit or just need a vaccine, our friendly team is here to make the process simple and comfortable. Our focus is on keeping you healthy so you can spend more time enjoying the things and people you love.

If it has been a while since your last visit or if you have not yet scheduled your Annual Wellness Visit, now is the perfect time to call us. Let us work together to keep your health on track for today and the years ahead.

Visit us at 119 Harmony Crossing, Suite 3, Eatonton, GA 31024
Call 706-485-4004 to schedule your Annual Wellness Visit or your vaccine clinic appointment.