Good morning friends. I will not prolong my introduction. So join me in the second part of the article …
There is a good effect if you exercise frequently. Exercise causes the heart to get stronger, enabling it to move more blood with each heart beat. It takes fewer beats to get you through the day. With the heart rate drop, the heart is able to enjoy a well-deserved rest. Exercise also removes “bad” LDL cholesterol from the blood, reduces triglycerides and increases “good” HDL cholesterol.
Exercise wards off stress, builds endurance, prevents bone-thinning or osteoporosis. Importantly, it reduces blood pressure and blood sugar. Exercise stimulates the release of endorphins or the “feel-good hormones”. It is one good antidote for depression. It is an instituted fact that depression increases the risk of heart attacks by 50% or even higher.
Some asked, what is the exercise should you dig yourself into? For how long and how hard?
You need not be a gym addict to be fit. Generally, 30 minutes of moderate exercise like brisk walking, five times a week, or 20 minutes of more vigorous exercise, like cycling or jogging, thrice a week is recommended. Exercise need not be a humdrum, but rather, a pleasurable activity.
For those who have heart disease, a stress test may be needed so a safe level of exercise can be set. Your attending physician will advise you on your corresponding physical activity level. While more isn’t necessarily better, none may be worse than you will ever imagine. Little sweat a day can definitely work wonders. Investing in exercise not just for the short term but as regular daily routine is assured to give you the highest return: a healthy heart!
Reference: Dr. Ma. Belem Carisma, Cardiologist and President of the Philippine Heart Association (PHA) visit www.philheart.org or e-mail secretariat@philheart.org.
