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Exercise for a Healthy Heart
Louise Roach
Do you exercise every day? If you want to live a long, healthy life,
maybe you should.
A recent study by Timothy Wessel, a physician at the University of
Florida, indicates one of the strongest risk factors for developing
heart disease is inactivity -– even more so than being overweight.
During the four-year study of 906 women, Dr. Wessel documented those
who were moderately active were less likely to develop heart disease
than sedentary women, no matter how much they weighed. The study
concluded: "These results suggest that fitness may be more
important than overweight or obesity for cardiovascular risk in
women."
In January, the updated U.S. Dietary Guidelines strongly urged that
everyone should take part in "at least 30 minutes of moderate-
intensity physical activity" on most days, above whatever activities
they do at home or work. To loose weight or to avoid gaining weight
as we age, 60 minutes of daily moderate to vigorous exercise is
recommended. And those who have already lost weight and are
attempting to keep weight off need 60 to 90 minutes of daily
exercise.
A study of 9,611 adults by the University of Michigan Health System,
found that people in their 50s and 60s who participated in daily
exercise were 35 percent less likely to die within the next eight
years than their inactive couch potato counter parts.
Convinced that it's time to add exercise to your day?
The Basics - Making Exercise a Life Priority:
- If you're not use to exercising, check with your doctor before
beginning any strenuous fitness routine.
- Start slow. If 30 minutes of exercise is too much, start with 15
minutes and add a few minutes each day.
- If you don't have time for 60 minutes of exercise, break it up
into two 30-minute sessions throughout the day.
- Schedule a specific time to exercise everyday – then keep to
your schedule!
- Take part in more intense activities that can improve your heart
health, such as: running, dancing, swimming, cycling, and climbing
stairs.
- Find exercise that you enjoy. You will be more likely to continue
and improve your daily performance if you look forward to a favorite
activity.
- Wear proper clothing and footwear. This has two functions. Clothing
and shoes that are suited to your activity will enhance performance
and offer the right kind of support for your body and feet. They will
also place you in a better frame of mind for exercise. When you wear
your favorite running outfit and slide into your special running
shoes, your mind says "it's time to get out the door and put
my feet in motion!"
- Add everyday activities to increase your overall fitness level,
such as gardening, housework, walking to the store, take the stairs
instead of the elevator, and raking leaves.
- Always drink lots of water.
- If you feel discomfort or pain after an activity, use ice therapy
immediately to reduce swelling and numb pain. Always have a cold pack
in your freezer, ready and waiting. Most aches and pains attributed
to exercise respond well to icing and will melt away within 24 hours
after applying ice for several 20-minute sessions. Using cold
therapy reduces down time, getting you back on schedule fast. (If the
pain does not lessen within 48 hours after using ice therapy, is
intense or becomes worse, see your doctor.)
Exercise every day…take care of your heart…live long!
Disclaimer: This information is not intended as a substitute for
professional medical treatment or consultation. Always consult with
your physician in the event of a serious injury.
About the Author: Louise Roach: health and fitness editor, marketing
specialist, product development consultant. Helps others find pain
relief through the use of SnowPack Cold Therapy products. Learn more
about the benefits of cold therapy at http://www.snowpackusa.com/
Sign up for *free* health/fitness e-newsletter at:
http://home.netcom.com/~newsflash/
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