CVMC Adds Exercise Options for Moms March 14, 2007 CVMC Adds Exercise Options for Pregnant, Postpartum Moms; Walking for Parents Strolling Babies

Catawba Valley Medical Center (CVMC) recently added several exercise options for pregnant and postpartum mothers as well as for parents wishing to begin a walking program while pushing their babies in strollers. Because labor and delivery are relatively strenuous processes, physicians and nurses for pregnant and postpartum moms frequently recommend exercise. To meet this need, CVMC's Health First Center at Valley Hills Mall is offering Prenatal and Postnatal Exercise Classes each Tuesday and Wednesday at 2 p.m. Any expectant or new mom is invited to join the no-charge classes. Designed to maintain or improve muscular strength and cardiovascular fitness, improve flexibility and posture, the classes also offer fun and fellowship with other new mothers. Medical consent from your physician or midwife is required. To learn more or to get a medical consent form, contact the Health First Center at 828-485-2300. Another exercise offering for new parents is the Stroller Strides for Moms and Dads. Held each fair-weather Tuesday at 12 noon, this program is tailored for those new parents who would like to energize their lunch hours out of doors while strolling their young ones at the walking track located in front of Fitness Plus on the CVMC campus. Stroller Strides offers new mothers and fathers the opportunity to enjoy fresh air, meet other new parents and get heart healthy. It is recommended that participants wear tennis shoes, comfortable clothing and bring a water bottle or even lunch. In the event of inclement weather, Stroller Strides will be cancelled. To learn more, please call the Health First Center at 828-485-2300. The Health First Center at Valley Hills Mall is a service of Catawba Valley Medical Center, a not-for-profit healthcare system providing and promoting the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual well-being of the public in addition to serving as a center for health education, wellness services, preventative medicine and acute care. The Center serves as a convenient location for health education and wellness services. CVMC, recognized by the American Nurses Credentialing Center as a Magnet facility, was recently named a Hospital of Choice by the American Alliance of Healthcare Providers.