February is American Heart Month.

So now is the perfect time to show your heart some love.

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Did you know heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States? High blood pressure, high cholesterol, and smoking are a few of the top key risk factors for heart disease.

Fortunately, in most cases, heart disease is preventable with the adoption of a healthy heart lifestyle.

Get Moving to Keep Your Heart Healthy

Keeping your body moving regularly throughout the day can make a big difference in your health, if only for a few minutes. Here are some tips for including more activity into your day:

Set a reminder on your smartphone to remind you to get up and move.
Stand up or walk around during phone calls.
When you’re out running errands, park farther away from the entrance to get in some extra steps.
When you watch TV, remember to stand up and walk around during commercials. (Or just pause that show for a few minutes.)
Take the stairs when possible.

Exercise to Keep your Heart Healthy

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, adults should get at least 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity aerobic activity or 75 minutes per week of vigorous aerobic activity.

Aerobic activity, aka “cardio,” helps get your heart pumping faster and increases oxygenated blood flow, which improves your cardiorespiratory fitness. In addition to this type of activity, we also recommend strength training and stretching exercises.

AEROBIC ACTIVITIES (Moderate-Intensity)

Walking
Dancing
Gardening
Water aerobics
Biking

AEROBIC ACTIVITIES (High-Intensity)

Hiking uphill
Running
Swimming laps
Heavy yard work
Cycling (10 miles per hour or faster)
Jumping rope

Physical Therapy for A Heart Healthy

We all know exercising regularly is good for your health; however, getting started can be daunting and possibly scary if you have an old injury or are experiencing pain. The good news is you don’t have to begin your journey alone. We are here to help!

Our licensed physical therapists are experts in the musculoskeletal system. We will work with you to create a customized plan for your ability level and fitness goals and restore maximum function and range of motion. In addition, our physical therapists help build muscle strength, coordination, and overall health through specific exercises, stretches, and more.

Posted on 2022-02-01