STHS To Launch Heart & Soles Club To Encourage Community Members To Get Moving

To combat the increasing prevalence of chronic conditions like diabetes, heart disease and obesity in the Rio Grande Valley, the Heart & Soles Club aims to get residents to take steps to improve their health by walking

It’s no secret: a sedentary lifestyle poses significant health risks, including an increased risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes and certain cancers.

Unfortunately, about 25% of U.S. adults are considered physically inactive, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, meaning they haven’t taken part in leisure-time physical activity in the last month. Meanwhile, half of the U.S. population spends nearly 10 hours per day sedentary.

In addition to increases the risk of various health problems, a sedentary lifestyle contributes to weaker bones, poorer circulation, inflammation and potential hormonal imbalances.

The good news: taking simple steps – like walking 30 minutes a day – offers numerous physical and mental health benefits, including reducing the risk of heart disease, improving cardiovascular fitness and boosting mood.

“Physical activity doesn’t need to be complicated,” says Tom Castañeda, System Director of Marketing & Public Relations, South Texas Health System. “Something as simple as a brisk walk can help you lead a healthier lifestyle. Studies show that walking regularly for about a half-hour a day can help you maintain a healthy weight and lose body fat, improve cardiovascular fitness and reduce stress and tension.”

So, to help the community take important steps towards improved health, South Texas Health System has partnered with Prominence Health to launch the Heart & Soles Club, a free community walking club at STHS Edinburg.

“The prevalence of diabetes and obesity in the Rio Grande Valley is higher than the national average, and we must take action to change that,” says Veronica Galligan, Community Relations Representative, Prominence Health. “This walking club aims to get individuals to start improving their healthy by taking part in physical activity for an hour once a week, with the hope that it will become a healthy habit over time and lead to their improved health.”

Welcoming individuals of all ages and fitness levels, the Heart & Soles Club meets every Wednesday, rain or shine, from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the main entrance of STHS Edinburg, which is located at 1102 W. Trenton Rd. in Edinburg. Participants are led on a guided walk around the facility while learning more about fitness and nutrition from healthcare professionals.

“Once you take that first step, you’re on the way to an important destination — better health,” says Castañeda.
“So, whether you’re an avid walker or taking the first steps to becoming more physically active, joining the Heart & Soles Club will help you get healthy and make new friends in the process. So come walk with us!”

For more information on the Heart & Soles Club, contact Veronica Galligan at veronica.galligan@uhsinc.com.

About South Texas Health System
South Texas Health System is a multi-facility healthcare system serving patients throughout the Rio Grande Valley. The system includes four acute care facility campuses with specialties in pediatrics, heart and vascular services, maternity and women’s health and trauma services. Inpatient and outpatient treatment for behavioral health needs and addictive disorders is also provided through the system’s South Texas Health System Behavioral facility. South Texas Health System is affiliated with the South Texas Clinical Partners ACO, Prominence Health Plan, and Cornerstone Regional Hospital. The system operates an advanced Level I Trauma Center at South Texas Health System McAllen, the first and only freestanding children’s facility and pediatric ER at South Texas Health System Children’s, the region’s only freestanding heart hospital and specialized cardiac ER at South Texas Health System Heart, and six freestanding emergency rooms located in and around Weslaco, Mission, Edinburg, McAllen and Alamo. For more information about the system and its comprehensive services, please visit www.southtexashealthsystem.com.

About Prominence Health
Prominence Health began in 1993 as a health maintenance organization (HMO) and became of a subsidiary of Universal Health Services, Inc. (UHS) in 2014. They provide coverage to more than 60,000 fully insured, self-funded and Medicare Advantage members throughout Nevada and parts of Texas. Prominence operates seven Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs) in California, Florida, Nevada, South Carolina, Texas and Washington D.C., which are managed care systems that benefit communities by providing coordinated, high-quality care to Medicare patients. For more information about Prominence Health, visit ProminenceHealthPlan.com or ProminenceMedicare.com.