If your doctor has suggested that you begin a physical-activity program, follow that advice. People who don’t get enough exercise are much more likely to develop health problems. Regular, moderate-intensity physical activity, at just 20 minutes per day, can lower your risk of heart disease and heart attack, high blood pressure, high total cholesterol, high LDL (bad) cholesterol and low HDL (good) cholesterol. It can help prevent overweight or obesity, diabetes and stroke, as well.
Physical activity also strengthens your heart, lungs, bones and muscles. It gives you more energy and strength and helps control your weight and blood pressure. It helps you handle stress and helps you sleep better. (And, not surprisingly, it helps you feel better about how you look.)
You don’t need to be an athlete to lower your risk of heart disease and stroke. If done on most or all days, you can benefit from moderate activities like these: brisk walking, gardening and yard work, moderate to heavy housework, dancing and exercising at home with your favorite exercise DVD or online program. More-vigorous physical activity can further improve the fitness of your heart and lungs. Start slowly and build up as your heart gets stronger. Start with light or moderate intensity activity, for short periods of time (like 20 minutes!). Spread your sessions throughout the week and build up gradually to a healthier, stronger heart, lungs and body.
Your doctor can provide advice about the types of activities that would be best for you if you haven’t exercised in some time. Think out of the box and try hiking in a new-to-you area, cross-country skiing or line dancing. The possibilities are endless. Exercise with a friend to make it more fun and to add accountability. When your exercise buddy is waiting for you for that 6 a.m. walk, you have to get out of bed and lace up your walking shoes.
At work, take a walk for 20 minutes during your lunch break. Bring your walking shoes to work and stash them under your desk for quick exercise breaks. Take the stairs instead of escalators and elevators. Park farther from the store and walk through the parking lot. You can pack a lot into that 20 minutes of activity per day. Soon you’ll be on your way to a healthier heart!
—Source: American Heart Association
Good Neighbor Pharmacy Health Connection, February 2014
Share with Friend
