Walking and Cycling

February is heart month–love your heart!

 

In my early career as a teacher, I participated yearly in an event called “Jump Rope for Heart.” Perhaps you’ve participated? Or your children or grandchildren?

Jump Rope for Heart is a fundraiser for the American Heart Association. We planned our event for February–Heart Month! My elementary students would get their parents’ permission, seek donations for the Heart Association, and stay after school for an afternoon of jumping rope (a heart healthy exercise). It was a fun event for a great cause.

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States.

 

On the news recently, a medical professional stated that there are three important things we can do to take care of our heart:

  • Exercise regularly
  • Eat a healthy diet
  • Don’t smoke

Sounds simple doesn’t it? After all, these are choices that we make. We’re in control of whether we exercise, what we eat and if we smoke.

We can choose to be healthy.

Last week I challenged you to give a special gift to your loved ones–a healthier you! I recommended five things you can choose to do to be on the road to better health. Getting 30 minutes of activity each day was on the list.  That’s Number 1 of the above three goals.

Sounds easy? Yet, we know it’s a challenge to maintain healthy habits.

But, why is it so hard? If it were so simple to accomplish the above three goals (exercise regularly, eat healthy and don’t smoke), would so many people be dying from heart disease? More than 60% of adults in the US are overweight. Being sedentary (not exercising regularly) is a major contributor to those extra pounds that many of us are carrying around. Not being physically active is also a major factor in whether we develop heart disease.

 

Can we agree that making healthy choices is hard? What are some of the reasons we don’t exercise?

  • Busy schedule (no time for exercise)
  • No place to exercise (too cold, too hot, too rainy, etc.)
  • Health Club or YMCA membership is costly
  • No one to encourage us. No exercise partner.
  • We just don’t want to

What are some other excuses we use?

Now let’s take a look at some of the benefits of exercise (regular physical activity):

  • Strengthens our heart muscle
  • Strengthens bones and muscles
  • Reduces our risk of developing heart disease
  • Reduces our risk of developing diabetes
  • Helps us lose weight (if needed) and achieve and maintain a healthy weight
  • Improves mental health/helps relieve stress
  • Reduces risk of developing osteoporosis
  • Reduces brain cell loss and helps prevent Alzheimer’s Disease
  • Improves balance and reduces risk of falling in older adults

WOW! What an awesome list of benefits! Being physically active for a lifetime helps us live longer–with a better quality of life.

Heart healthy exercises include walking, jogging, cycling, jumping rope, aerobics, zumba, dancing, climbing stairs and any activity that increases your heart rate (Remember, if you aren’t currently physically active, consult with your health care provider before beginning an exercise program).

February is not only Heart Month–it’s the month when we celebrate Valentine’s Day–a time when we think of our loved ones and how important they are to us

You can choose to make a decision to lead a healthier lifestyle that is going to benefit you and will be a gift to your family. I’m praying for you!