As the holiday season fills the air with festive joy, it’s easy to find ourselves caught up in the hustle and bustle of Christmas traditions. But amidst the celebrations, it’s essential to prioritize our health, especially for those managing diabetes, heart disease, or vascular conditions. At Louisiana Cardiovascular & Thoracic Institute (LACVT) and Diabetes Relief of Louisiana, we’re here to help you take steps toward better health—literally!

Walking is a simple yet powerful way to improve your cardiovascular health, manage diabetes, and prevent complications. Dr. Gary Jones’s “Keep Louisiana Walking” program promotes awareness, education, and early intervention for Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD). And what better time to embrace this initiative than during the holiday season? Whether it’s a brisk stroll through your neighborhood to admire Christmas lights or indoor exercises when it’s too chilly outside, staying active can make all the difference for your health.

Why Walking Matters for Diabetes and Heart Health

Walking is more than just a way to stay active; it’s a form of medicine for your body. Regular walking can:

• Lower blood sugar levels: Physical activity helps your muscles use glucose more effectively, making it a great tool for managing diabetes.
• Boost cardiovascular health: Walking strengthens your heart, lowers blood pressure, and improves circulation.
• Improve PAD symptoms: For those living with PAD, walking helps increase blood flow to the legs and reduces pain and discomfort.
• Support wound healing: Better circulation promotes faster healing of diabetic and vascular wounds.

Keeping Track of Your Progress

At Louisiana Cardiovascular & Thoracic Institute, we’re proud to offer our Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM) Program, which allows patients to track their progress from the comfort of home. With RPM, we can monitor your blood glucose levels, blood pressure, and other vital signs remotely, ensuring you stay on track with your health goals even during the busiest time of year. RPM gives you the tools to stay connected with our team, offering real-time feedback and guidance as you prioritize your health this holiday season.

Winter Walks and Wound Care

For patients managing diabetic or vascular wounds, walking might seem daunting, but it’s an essential part of improving circulation and healing. At our Diabetic & Vascular Wound Care Clinic, we provide personalized care to help you take those steps confidently. Our team works to ensure that wounds are properly treated while addressing the underlying causes, such as poor circulation or diabetes management.

Support for Diabetes at Diabetes Relief of Louisiana

At Diabetes Relief of Louisiana, we’ve seen the transformative power of regular exercise combined with advanced metabolic treatments. Many of our patients experience significant improvements in energy, circulation, and overall health after completing our program. Incorporating walking into your daily routine amplifies these benefits, making it a cornerstone of diabetes management.

Tips for Staying Active During the Holidays

1. Bundle up for outdoor walks: Enjoy the crisp winter air by taking a stroll through your neighborhood or a local park. Look for holiday light displays to make it more festive.
2. Get creative indoors: When the weather is too cold, try walking in place, climbing stairs, or doing a simple indoor exercise routine.
3. Make it a family affair: Invite loved ones to join you for a holiday walk. It’s a great way to bond while staying active.
4. Set realistic goals: Use our RPM Program to track your activity and health metrics. Aim for at least 30 minutes of walking most days of the week.

Walking Toward a Healthier New Year

This Christmas, give yourself the gift of better health. Whether you’re managing diabetes, heart disease, PAD, or healing wounds, walking is a step in the right direction. Dr. Gary Jones and the teams at Louisiana Cardiovascular & Thoracic Institute and Diabetes Relief of Louisiana are here to support you every step of the way.

As we walk through this holiday season, let’s also walk toward a healthier Louisiana. With initiatives like “Keep Louisiana Walking” and the cutting-edge care provided at LACVT, we’re committed to improving the lives of our patients and our community. So, lace up your walking shoes, breathe in the crisp winter air, and take a step toward better health—one merry stride at a time.
From all of us at Louisiana Cardiovascular & Thoracic Institute and Diabetes Relief of Louisiana, we wish you a Merry Christmas and a heart-healthy New Year!