Matters of the Heart
February is designated as heart month. One month a year to concentrate on one of the most important organs in the body, seems appropriate. After all, the heart is the major pump located in our bodies and keeping it healthy is an integral part of our optimal health and fitness state of being.
Therefore, during this month of February, consider the following ten highlighted matters of the heart. These heart matters may provide you with a sprinkle of practical information leading toward a healthier, happier heart. As always, prior to beginning any exercise program, please consult your physician.
1) Among other critical functions, our heart transports the oxygen, delivered from the lungs to our entire body.
2) Being active is critical to heart health. The heart muscle may be positively stressed and subsequently adapt to that stress. Within reason, the heart needs to experience the stress and adaptation process throughout life to remain healthy.
3) When discussing heart health singularly, being active (i.e., taking 13,000/steps a day) is a good rule of thumb.
4) However, if we are focusing upon fitness, this is an elevated level of activity. In general, for there to be an appreciable improvement in the fitness level of your heart and total body, if possible, you should be performing a regular, well-designed, consistent exercise program that includes all five components of physical fitness (i.e., cardiovascular endurance, muscular strength, muscular endurance, flexibility, and body composition).
5) What energy source you input is also very important to consider (i.e., all macronutrients and micronutrients). Eating healthy, nutrient dense foods in the correct quantity and quality for your specific body’s physiology and lifestyle, may positively impact the health and fitness of your heart.
6) Genetic pre-disposition must be considered when examining matters of the heart. We are born with a specific DNA, and this may impact our heart health. If you have been diagnosed with genetic heart disease, you may need to be regularly assessed by your physician and perhaps a cardiologist to develop a care protocol for your specific needs.
7) While it may not seem like a “big deal” in your youth, childhood and youth lifestyles may be a contributing factor to heart health and fitness later in life even without a heart disease predisposition. Therefore, treating your heart well is advised throughout life beginning in youth!
8) Your heart also requires rest and recovery. Planning a day every week when you “take it down a notch” through meditation, yoga, massage therapy and other therapeutic, enjoyable activities, and sleeping well throughout the week, will serve your mind and heart well.
9) With heart disease a major cause of death in our country, not just during heart month, but every month of the year, consider matters of the heart a major priority for yourself, your family, and the community around you.
10) Visit the American Heart Association’s website at www.heart.org for more detailed information regarding heart health—it is a great resource!
By: Jackie Wright, Owner/Manager Lakewood Fitness