Did you know that exercising regularly could help you fight off chronic conditions and diseases? Exercise can help control your blood pressure, blood sugar and weight, raise your “good” cholesterol, and prevent diseases such as cancer, Type 2 diabetes and heart disease. According to the AHA, you should do these three exercises to improve your heart health:
- Aerobic activity: Get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity (e.g., briskly walking) or 75 minutes of vigorousintensity aerobic activity (e.g., running) every week.
- Muscle strengthening: Incorporate muscle-strengthening exercises at least two days a week. For the purposes of general training, focus on two to three upper body and lower body exercises. Abdominal exercises are an important part of strength training as well.
- Flexibility training: Flexibility training is important too, but it is frequently neglected, resulting in increased tightness as you age and become less active.
Fast Facts About Your Heart
Over 750,000 Americans die each year due to heart disease. That’s one death every 40 seconds.
2 Heart-healthy Indulgences You’re Sure to Be
Excited About
You may have heard whispers of dark chocolate and red wine being good for you and thought it’s too good to be true. Good news-the rumors are true. That’s right, there is some science behind the claims that these two indulgences can be good for your heart health.
According to researchers, red wine contains an antioxidant called resveratrol, which can help reduce inflammation and improve heart health. Dark chocolate contains a different antioxidant, called flavanol, which helps reduce blood pressure and improve heart health.
Now, this doesn’t mean you should go out and buy red wine and chocolate and splurge. Talk to your doctor to determine what enjoying these “in moderation” means for you.
This article is intended for informational purposes only and is not intended to be exhaustive, nor should any discussion or opinions
be construed as professional advice. Readers should contact a health professional for appropriate advice.
© 2019 by our Benefits Administration partners at Zywave, Inc. All rights reserved.