By Mary Ann Cockram, MS, RD While February is known for Valentine's Day and love, any time is a great time to show that you "love your heart."
Avoid Heart Disease
In addition to diet, lack of physical activity is a risk factor for heart disease and stroke. In 2006, the American Heart Association® (AHA) published revised Diet and Lifestyle Recommendations to help reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Being physically active is one of the seven goals in these recommendations.
Exercise That Muscle
Your heart is a muscle and needs to be exercised just like other muscles in your body. Regular physical activity can help with weight loss and weight maintenance, decrease blood sugar levels, improve blood pressure, and decrease blood fat and cholesterol levels — which, in turn, can enhance heart health.
Follow Recommendations
The AHA recommends that all adults accumulate approximately 30 minutes of physical activity most days of the week. If you need to, try spreading your physical activity throughout the day — in 10-minute blocks, for example.
Start Moving With These Guidelines
Before you begin any physical activity, take a moment to review these guidelines:
- Before you start a program, check with your physician.
- Start out slow. As you become more fit, gradually increase the length of time and how hard you work.
- Pick activities that are fun and enjoyable.
- Think of ways to move, rather than being moved. For example, take the stairs instead of the elevator, escalator, or moving sidewalk.
Get physical and show your heart you care!