Burke Primary Care will not have evening hours starting May 23, 2025 until after Labor Day.

Get moving Burke County; it's good for every aspect of your health

June 14, 2025, 10:50 a.m.
Elizabeth Hawes Health News

Original article published in The Paper

By: Elizabeth Hawes

PA-C Burke Primary Care 

Growing up in Burke County, I was fortunate to have the Blue Ridge Mountains, Lake James, and miles of trails as my playground.

Whether hiking through the Linville Gorge, biking along the Catawba River Greenway, or kayaking on a crisp morning, I’ve always believed that an active lifestyle is one of the best ways to stay healthy and enjoy life.

Now, as a physician assistant at Burke Primary Care, I encourage my patients to incorporate movement into their daily routines — not as a chore, but as a way to improve their overall well-being.

Why Physical Activity is Essential for Health

Staying active isn’t just about weight management or fitness — it’s about total-body health. Regular physical activity has profound effects on both physical and mental well-being, including:

  • Improved heart health — Exercise strengthens the heart, lowers blood pressure, and reduces the risk of heart disease.
  • Better mental well-being — Movement releases endorphins, helping to relieve stress, anxiety, and depression.
  • Chronic disease prevention — Staying active helps prevent conditions like type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis, and certain cancers.
  • Enhanced mobility and strength — Regular movement improves balance, flexibility, and joint health, making daily activities easier.

How Family Medicine Supports an Active Lifestyle

At Burke Primary Care, we understand that every patient has unique health concerns, fitness levels, and goals. That’s why we integrate physical activity guidance into our care plans.

Whether it’s helping someone start small with a daily walk or offering treatment for an injury, we aim to support and encourage movement at every stage of life.

We also recognize that barriers — such as chronic pain, past injuries, or time constraints — can make it challenging to stay active. That’s where a trusted relationship with your healthcare provider comes in.

Together, we can create an approach to physical activity that works for you, focusing on progress over perfection.

Our Commitment to Keeping You Moving

Burke Primary Care offers services to support active lifestyles, including:

  • Burke sports medicine & injury care — From sprains to joint pain, we help patients recover and stay active safely.
  • Preventive screenings — We assess heart health, mobility, and risk factors to get you started and keep you moving comfortably.
  • Individualized activity plans — Whether you’re managing a health condition or looking to improve fitness, we create tailored recommendations to fit your lifestyle.

A Call to Action: Get Moving in Our Community

Living in Burke means having access to incredible outdoor spaces and the best of Western North Carolina. I encourage my patients to take advantage of these natural resources — not just for fitness, but for overall health and enjoyment.

The key is to start where you are. Take a short walk, join a local hiking group, or try a new activity like paddleboarding or cycling. The goal isn’t to be an athlete; it’s to move in ways that bring you joy and improve your health.

At Burke Primary Care, we’re here to help you take those steps — literally and figuratively — toward a more active, fulfilling life. If you have questions about how to safely incorporate movement into your routine, we’re happy to guide you.

Let’s keep Burke County moving — one step, one stretch, and one adventure at a time!

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