Get Moving for a Healthy Heart
Though there are many risk factors of cardiovascular disease that are out of our control, lack of exercise is a risk factor that we can control.
Exercise is an important part of heart health. It is good for your heart because it reduces the risk of heart disease by improving blood circulation throughout the body and improves blood cholesterol levels while managing stress and boosting energy level. It only takes low- to moderate-intensity exercise to benefit the heart.
Unfortunately, many Americans lack substantial activity in their daily lives year around, and even more become less active in the fall and winter months as the weather becomes colder. It is important, easy and fun to add physical activity to your daily routine by:
- Taking the stairs instead of the elevator
- Parking the car further away so you walk a little more to get to the store
- Taking a walk before breakfast, during your lunch hour, and after dinner
- Spending time doing housework
- Playing outside with your children, roller skating or riding bikes
The benefits of exercise for your heart are immeasurable. Aim for at least 30 minutes of physical activity three to five times per week to maintain a heart-healthy weight and decrease your risk of cardiovascular disease.
Brisk walking, running, swimming, and jumping rope are best for improving the fitness of the heart and lungs, but any exercise can benefit the cardiovascular health. Set a goal for yourself and keep track of your daily exercise to make sure your heart gets the best health benefits it can!
For more information about cardiovascular disease
and prevention programs, visit the Penn
Cardiac Care web site or call 1-800-789-7366.
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