Heart Health and physical therapy
February is American Heart Month. The impact of heart disease is significant, since it affects the quality of life.
The good news is that lifestyle changes can make a difference. Your physical therapist can play an important role in improving your heart health. Don’t wait until your physician tells you it’s time to exercise, take some pre-emptive action. Call our office today and ask us to craft a “heart healthy” exercise program. Even if you have never exercised before, we’ll improve the health of your heart with a safe, progressive exercise program. Expect to work closely with us, and together as a team, we’ll improve the way your heart functions.
If you currently suffer from heart related issues, your physical therapist can help you regain an active lifestyle by working on three specific areas:
Mobility issues
Healthy eating and lifestyle changes
Physical activities geared towards your specific abilities and goals
The Heart – An Amazing Organ
The average heart rate of an average adult is 72 beats per minute. If you live to be 80 years old, your heart could beat almost 3 billion times. The heart is an amazing organ that keeps beating involuntarily and powers blood circulation for the entire body. Here are some important considerations for heart health.
Understand the impact of lifestyle – While genetics play a part in heart disease, lifestyle choices have a significant impact. Smoking, overeating, eating unhealthy food and a sedentary lifestyle are factors that must be improved, especially when heart disease runs in the family.
Eat healthy – Minimize the consumption of sodium and trans fats. Eat healthy fruits and vegetables daily (try frozen versions when fresh produce is not in season as they hold the most nutrients).
Join heart healthy programs – Several programs can help you achieve a heart healthy lifestyle. In September 2011, the CDC launched a national initiative called A Million Hearts that includes a list of partners (federal and private sector) committed to keeping people heart healthy. Among those participating are the American Heart Association, the YMCA, Walgreens, and numerous health insurance companies. You may want to consider challenging your family and friends to take the Million Hearts™ pledge (or taking the pledge yourself) at the millionhearts website
Keep Moving – Being active doesn’t mean having to run on a treadmill or attend a workout class. Simple things like taking a daily walk, taking the stairs instead of the elevator, parking farther away from your destination and walking to it can make a difference. Just keep moving!