Be Active, Be healthy!

We all know that exercise is good for the heart and physical well being.  How true is that?  According to the US Department of Health and Human Services, 2008 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans:

• Children and teens should be physically active for at least 60 minutes a day.
• Adults should do a minimum of 30 minutes to 2 hours of moderate activity per week.

Regular involvement in any physical activity can help lower LDL ( bad cholesterol) and manage weight to maintain a healthy heart. It also raises up HDL (good cholesterol) and lower triglycerides.  If we are thinking that we need to be athletic to be considered physically active, then we are mistaken.

If you are considering to be involved in any physical activity, consult your doctor.  If you had a go signal from your doctor, be sure to start slowly and gradually increasing your activities.

Starting an exercise routine is not an overnight deal.  It will take perseverance, time and effort to attain what you are aiming for.  Plan your activities that will work out with your lifestyle and personality.  It is much better that you are going to enjoy it, rather than having it as a burden.

Make fun habits to lower high cholesterol level.  Consider this as a family thing and involve our kids.  Let’s just put it this way, “A family that exercises together, live healthy lives together”.

How much can you burn with your activities?

Be Safe

As you involve in physical activities, it is very important to keep in mind some safety tips:

• Start slowly.  Before engaging in an activity session, don’t forget to warm up your muscles for at least 5 minutes and end it with a 5-minute period of slower pace to cool down your body.
• Feel your body.  Muscle stiffness is common when you just started an exercise program.  When you feel some muscle pain, stop the activity for several days to avoid more serious injury.  Consider taking some pain relievers if really needed.
• Know the weather.  It is very important to check the weather to dress up right.  Whether in hot or cold days, be sure to drink lots of water at the beginning, middle and end of any physical activity.
• Watch for warning signals.  Physical activity is good for the heart but there are also activities that could aggravate existing heart conditions.  Some of signals that can be alarming are cold sweats, dizziness, fainting, chest pain jut right after any physical activity.  If you feel this, stop at once and call for help. So it is very important to consult your doctor before starting any exercise program.
• Be careful.  Be aware of your surroundings to ensure your safety.  If possible, always pair up with a friend or family for any outdoor activity.  Do your exercise during daytime.
• Be consistent.  If you don’t have any medical conditions that contraindicates physical activities, try to keep it!  If you are getting bored, try to switch activities during the week.