Walk With A Doc This Valentines Day!

I recently heard about a wonderful program for heart patients and potential heart patients through one of my patients. It’s called “Walk With A Doc.” Walk with a Doc was created by Dr. David Sabgir, a board-certified cardiologist who practices with Mount Carmel Clinical Cardiovascular Specialists—at Mount Carmel St. Ann's in Columbus, Ohio, (My hometown).

Dr. Sabgir's walking program is led by doctors all over the country. I can’t think of a safer way to exercise than to have my doctor right next to me on a walk!

Regular aerobic exercise is critical for the health of your heart. You’ve heard it a million times – exercise is essential for good health, for weight loss or maintenance and for optimal mental health. An inactive lifestyle is one of the main reasons why people develop heart disease in the first place, so exercise is a critical component to maintaining a healthy heart! Regular aerobic exercise has many benefits in addition to maintaining a healthy cardiovascular system.

The risk for heart disease increases with age, with men at greater risk than women. The risk for men typically begins around the age of 45, while women seem to be protected up to the age of 55 due to the hormonal benefits associated with menopause.

When considering a heart-healthy exercise routine, it is important to keep in mind the following:

 •Thirty minutes of moderate exercise is recommended everyday, or at least most days of the week. This can be broken down into three 10-minute intervals.

•Exercising with a friend helps you to maintain a regular schedule, makes exercise more “social” and can help sustain motivation.

•Varying your routine keeps your interest level elevated.

•You do not need to join a gym or invest in expensive equipment. Brisk walking, biking, swimming, skating, skiing, rowing, tennis and jogging all count as aerobic exercise.

•Remember to include a five-minute warm-up, (e.g., stretching exercises) before any aerobic activity and a five- to 10-minute cool down period following any aerobic exercise.

•Choose an activity that you enjoy, or learn a new one, to maintain interest in your heart-healthy program. “I personally love power walking.”

•Keep in mind that the best exercise is the one that makes you feel good – and is one that you are willing to repeat again and again on a regular basis.

Consider Walking!

 According to the American Heart Association, walking has the lowest dropout rate of any physical activity. Cardiovascular disease can be controlled through a healthy diet and regular exercise.

Make walking a part of your fitness regimen. If you are looking for accountability and a healthy community consider the “Walk With A Doc” program. You can find out more by visiting www.walkwithadoc.org  Join your doctor and other people looking to improve their health at the next Walk With A Doc event. Ask your doctor for details.

Happy Valentines Day!

Nurse Mary