Make Physical Activity a Priority for Heart Health

As Seen in Odessa American Medical Matters

http://www.oaoa.com/people/health/medical_matters/article_369863fa-0d09-11e8-a896-cb44244d4a62.html

With Heart Disease on the rise, it is vital to make cardiovascular exercise a priority. Most of us find it challenging to make time in our day to invest in our health. Although, rearranging your daily schedule and setting a reachable exercise goal every day is a start!

Benefits of cardiovascular activity:

• Decreases risk of coronary artery disease and stroke
• Reduces symptoms and decreases chances of another heart attack
• Improves heart and lung performance while creating healthy habits
• Improves blood pressure, blood sugar and blood cholesterol levels
• Maintains a healthy body weight
• Increases energy and stamina while decreasing stress levels

How to Get Started and What to Do. (Hint – Make it Fun!)

Create a specific exercise goal including frequency, intensity, time and type of exercise. Make a personal commitment to your plan. And get started!

Walking is an easy, safe and effective way to begin. Be flexible and make it fun! Start slowly and build up gradually to at least 30 minutes a day on most, or all, days of the week.

Make this a priority for one month and work out at the same time every day. By doing so, it will become a habit. After a month, evaluate your progress and make changes accordingly.

With time, this will create great changes and benefits to your health. The American Heart Association recommends at least 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity aerobic activity such as brisk walking and at least 75 minutes of vigorous activity, or an equal combination of both. Please note that heart patients and individuals with specific medical questions or needs should consult with their physician regarding what type of physical activity is safe for them.

Your health is so important and is worth the investment of time. Your heart will be happy you made this a priority!