Health Directions

Health Directions Lexington Medical Center Health Directions has more than 35 years of experience in providing health We encourage comments and hope you will join discussions.

It is essential that you consult your physician about any individual health concerns you may have. Please do not accept information from this website as professional advice or official communication related to your specific health condition or situation. We can't respond to every comment, particularly ones related to individual medical cases and issues. Please be respectful to others. LMC staff may remove inappropriate comments at our discretion. For your own privacy, consider how much personal medical information you post in your comments.

09/12/2025

Wellness Talk - How To Defeat Anxiety
Wednesday, September 24, 2025
12:00 PM

Have you ever felt captive to anxious thoughts and feelings? Come join Health Directions' Tami Waters as we uncover more tools to break free from the chains of anxiety. This hour-long experience includes exploring the stress response, identifying root causes, and learning practical applications to release unwelcome emotions.

Noon Boot Camp - THIS MONTHMondays & Wednesdays at 12:00 PMSeptember 29 to November 19Email twpernell@lexhealth.org to r...
09/11/2025

Noon Boot Camp - THIS MONTH
Mondays & Wednesdays at 12:00 PM
September 29 to November 19

Email twpernell@lexhealth.org to register today!

Well-being Wednesdays w/ TamiSeptember 10, 2025One of the negative impacts on our aging population was the Covid-19 pand...
09/10/2025

Well-being Wednesdays w/ Tami
September 10, 2025

One of the negative impacts on our aging population was the Covid-19 pandemic. The accompanying social isolation was devastating. Feelings of loneliness were profound as friends, family, and daily contact stopped in the need to protect them from this disease. Fear of not only catching but spreading the virus stopped healthy interactions. Lockdowns deprived many of their support systems. The world switched to online interactions; those who didn’t have digital skills felt even more secluded. This loss of connection was overwhelming mentally through perceptions of loss and neglect. Emotionally, they felt lonely and afraid. Physically, all of the stress caused immune system impairment. As a society, we witnessed the importance of social interactions on our overall well-being.

What benefits do social connections offer for healthy aging?

· Provides brain stimulation
· Slows cognitive decline
· Boosts mood by releasing endorphins
· Fosters a sense of belonging
· Combats feelings of loneliness
· Provides a sense of purpose
· Reduces feelings of anxiety and stress
· Encourages healthier habits
· Increases safety through a support network

Whether it is done digitally or in person, social connection increases our lifespan. Participating in a community with similar interests offers us something to look forward to. Building a positive support system provides a sense of belonging as well as avenues to get help when we need it. Having strong ties keeps us active and supported.

This encouraging 3-minute video allows the elderly to tell their connection stories.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wZEdurClVrQ

🎉Chad Rawls's Inspiring Success Story 2.0 as an HD Member🎉We initially shared Chad's inspiring journey in February 2022....
09/08/2025

🎉Chad Rawls's Inspiring Success Story 2.0 as an HD Member🎉

We initially shared Chad's inspiring journey in February 2022. Since that time, he has experienced an astonishing transformation after overcoming a minor setback. Therefore, we believe it is essential to celebrate his remarkable success once again.

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Upon joining Health Directions, Chad teamed up with Dr. Cline at Lexington Family Practice, who helped him set a practical weight loss goal. Given Chad's extensive history of morbid obesity, his doctor suggested a target range, leading Chad to focus on achieving a weight of 225 pounds.

According to Chad, he faced several significant risk factors. At just 51 years young, he was managing diabetes, high blood pressure, and weighed over 350 pounds. Aware that any of these conditions could impact his health at any time, Chad understood the pressing need to take action before it became too late.

👉“I've lost almost 140 lbs. to this point. I didn't realize how many more changes that would lead to. I've reduced my blood pressure dosage by 75%, and my numbers have been so good. I hope to be completely off the meds on my next doctor's visit. My resting pulse rate has dropped almost 25 points. I'm no longer taking medication to control my diabetes. There have been a lot of great changes.”👈

Chad was initially invited to share his success story 2.0 in June 2025. However, he chose to postpone it until he achieved his goal. As of September 4, 2025, Chad is thrilled to announce that he has not only reached his goal but exceeded it. He surpassed his target by 9 pounds and now weighs 216 pounds!

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Chad has noted that his training routine has transformed over the course of his journey. As he loses weight, enjoys enhanced well-being, and experiences a boost in energy, his training adjusts to match these changes. So, what does Chad's current training schedule look like?

💪 He walks an average of 5 miles each day.
💪 He engages in strength training 3-4 days a week at HD.
💪 He incorporates higher intensity cardio, such as cycling and High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) on the treadmill at HD.
💪 When time permits, Chad enjoys hiking and kayaking as well.

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When asked what advice would you offer others facing challenges similar to yours?

👉“Be patient and take the small wins. You're not going to hit home runs every week. I wanted to lose over 130 lbs. That was going to take time, and I'm not particularly patient. The good weeks motivate you, but you can't let slow weeks discourage you. There are plenty of both along the way. Stick with your plan. It's a marathon, not a sprint.”👈

When asked how have Health Directions helped you improve/reach your goal?

👉“I couldn't have done any of this without the support I receive from Health Directions. As a gym, it provides all the equipment, machines, and classes one would need to reach any goal. But it's way more than just a gym; it's the support from the staff and members. The encouragement I've received is the biggest single factor in my success so far. It's what drives me on the days I struggle to walk through the door. It's a very uplifting atmosphere—one I'm grateful I've become a part of.”👈

🎉Wonderful testimony, Chad! You are wise to invest excellently in your health and inspire others to do the same! Thank you for sharing your experience and trusting us to help you along your health and wellness journey. Your HD family is proud of you and looking forward to serving you for many more years!🎉

09/05/2025

Don't forget to register for the Tunnel to Towers Columbia, SC 5k Run and Walk! You won't want to miss this patriotic event honoring our fallen and catastrophically injured first responders, military heroes, and their families.

Register now: http://bit.ly/4lXnNNS

Well-being Wednesdays w/ TamiSeptember 3, 2025September is Healthy Aging month. As we age, the choices we make now can g...
09/03/2025

Well-being Wednesdays w/ Tami
September 3, 2025

September is Healthy Aging month. As we age, the choices we make now can greatly impact our future. It is especially important to keep active even if aging makes it harder to do so. Once we stop moving, our health takes a drastic decline. Our exercise doesn’t have to be strenuous or have us pushing through pain or injury. Getting moving can include walking, gardening, dancing, or any activity that you enjoy. Building strength in our muscles and increasing our bone density can be done through bodyweight exercises or resistance bands instead of heavy weights. Stretching for flexibility helps us recover from exercise, reduces the likelihood of injury, and helps us feel better.

What does staying physically active do for our bodies as we mature?

• Boosts our overall health
• Assists our coordination
• Reduces risks for dementia
• Improves our balance—reducing our risks for falling
• Promotes independence
• Improves cognitive function
• Decreases chronic diseases
• Builds our bone density and muscle strength
• Increases blood flow to reduce swelling and inflammation
• Increases our longevity

Moving our bodies enhances our quality of life. It is important to start small and gradually increase. The fitness industry no longer promotes “No Pain, No Gain.” Include a warm-up to prepare your muscles and a cool-down to gradually reduce your exercise. Set small, achievable, and realistic goals. Pay attention to how your body is feeling. Find movement you enjoy so you are likely to continue.

This fun, 2-minute video shows healthy aging in action.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WHPNZoUrO6I

09/02/2025
Group Fitness Schedule - September 2025(Effective September 1*)*Subject to changeNEW CLASSES!*Zumba Gold® - Mon & Wed 11...
09/01/2025

Group Fitness Schedule - September 2025
(Effective September 1*)
*Subject to change

NEW CLASSES!

*Zumba Gold® - Mon & Wed 11:00 AM (previously Zumba)

Enjoy easy-to-follow Zumba® choreography that focuses on balance, range of motion, and coordination, providing energetic yet low-impact dance fun! Come ready to sweat and prepare to leave empowered and feeling strong.

*Fitness Express - Tues & Thurs 3:45 PM

Make the most of your exercise routine in this dynamic 30-minute interval training class. Enjoy a comprehensive workout featuring a variety of exercises designed to help you burn calories, enhance your cardiovascular health, build muscle and strength, all while saving you time. All fitness levels are welcome!

*Strength - Wed 9:00 AM (previously Cycle)

*Line Dance - Fri 9:00 AM (previously Strength)

*Chair Yoga - Fri 10:00 AM (previously Line Dance)

Well-being Wednesdays w/ TamiAugust 27, 2025In order to effectively perform spiritual self-care, we need to understand w...
08/27/2025

Well-being Wednesdays w/ Tami
August 27, 2025

In order to effectively perform spiritual self-care, we need to understand what it means. Each of us is individual with our core values and search for ways to align them with our life. We all need to understand that life is greater than our individual role in it. Connecting to a bigger picture can help us live with more joy and more peace for our own well-being. This connection creates a sense of belonging and the realization that we are not alone. We search to find meaning for our lives which helps us discover and live out our purpose. Taking time to renew our spirit is vital in this process.

How do we take care of ourselves spiritually?
• Discover your sacred place that feeds your soul
• Connect daily through prayer or meditation
• Grow your faith through learning about topics that renew you
• Spend time appreciating nature through observation or gardening
• Create calming spaces through decluttering
• Journal through writing or creating art
• Practice silence or quiet reflection
• Make gratitude integral in your life
• Consistently perform acts of compassion
• Practice letting go of things that hold you back
• Find things that renew and restore you

As we discover our role in the greater picture, we begin to identify ways we can make a difference. By consciously taking time to renew our spirit, our perspective shifts to fulfill our higher calling in life.

This 2 minute video reminds us of the importance of letting go in taking care of our spiritual well-being.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nlTkL3frK6o

Address

3239 Sunset Boulevard
West Columbia, SC
29169

Opening Hours

Monday 5am - 8pm
Tuesday 5am - 8pm
Wednesday 5am - 8pm
Thursday 5am - 8pm
Friday 5am - 6pm
Saturday 7:30am - 12pm

Telephone

+18037912113

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