Exercise For A Healthy Heart

People who do not exercise are almost twice as likely to get heart disease as people who are active. Since your heart is a muscle, it’s vital to lead an active life in order to strengthen this muscle and keep it healthy. Exercising doesn’t require you to be an athlete and it’s never too late to start!

Some of the benefits of regular exercise includes:

> Burning calories

> Lowering your blood pressure

> Reducing “bad” cholesterol

> Increasing your “good” cholesterol

Here are our three tips to maintain a healthy heart:

1) Exercise: One cannot emphasize the importance of exercise enough. Try to shift your focus from weight loss towards joy of movement and the benefits your body will reap from it. People who exercise generally live longer and have a better quality of life.

2) Adequate sleep: Getting a proper night’s rest reduces stress and anxiety levels, promoting emotional stability and improved memory, which will lead to a happier and healthier life. Getting adequate sleep can help with better weight control, and you’ll be less likely to skip out on that jog or gym session because you’re “too tired.” The creative process is also encouraged with a better night’s sleep through the emotional components of memory being strengthened during sleep, researchers at Harvard University and Boston College found.

3) Own a pet: If it’s at all possible, it’s recommended. Studies show that pet owners tend to have lower blood pressure, respond better to mental stress and live longer. Children exposed to pets at a young age have been found to have a 33% lower chance of developing allergies later on and generally have a stronger immune system. Research at The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the National Institute of Health (NIH) has found that pet owners who had already had a heart attack tend to have a better recovery rate. You can also go jogging, hiking, or biking with your dog to keep you both fit and healthy!