Earlier this year, Woman’s Center for Wellness became the first in Louisiana to receive facility certification from the Medical Fitness Association (MFA),which recognizes facilities that feature the professional expertise and programming necessary to safely and effectively provide medical exercise and promote health and wellness. Adding to its unique and specialized offerings, Woman’s Center for Wellness has welcomed Samantha Preston, certified ACSM medical exercise physiologist, to its team.
A medical exercise physiologist (MEP) is a medically trained and certified professional that focuses on improving the health and fitness conditions of those with different medical concerns by designing and supervising exercises for individuals with acute and chronic health disorders, including but not limited to cardiovascular disease, metabolic disorders, and cancer. An MEP assesses a patient’s abilities and works with them to improve overall health and mobility by providing specific health education and exercise programming.
“Exercise is not one size fits all, especially for those affected by chronic disorders,” said Preston. “The Medical Exercise Program is a specialized program that is created based on each individual patient’s needs and current fitness level.”
Using a series of tests and evaluation tools, the MEP designs a unique fitness plan that will meet the patient’s goals and needs, including building endurance and strength, and increasing flexibility and overall fitness. The main aim of an MEP is to:
- Improve the quality and efficiency of movement
- Reduce pain and limitations
- Restore function to patients so they can enjoy and/or return to a more active lifestyle
Woman’s Center for Wellness has implemented programs to serve prenatal and postnatal women, cancer survivors, those suffering with arthritis, and those at-risk for developing diabetes. The facility also offers several weight management options. With the aid of an in-house wellness navigator, members, patients, and clients are easily transitioned between fitness, medical exercise, and therapy.