Exercise for a Healthy Heart

Do you exercise every day?

If you want to live a long, healthy life, maybe you should. A recent study by Timothy Wessel, a physician at the University of Florida, indicates one of the strongest risk factors for developing heart disease is inactivity - even more so than being overweight. During the four-year study of 906 women, Dr. Wessel documented those who were moderately active were less likely to develop heart disease than sedentary women, no matter how much they weighed. The study concluded: "These results suggest that fitness may be moreimportant than overweight or obesity for cardiovascular risk in women."

In January, the updated U.S. Dietary Guidelines strongly urged that everyone should take part in "at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity" on most days, above whatever activities they do at home or work.

To loose weight or to avoid gaining weight as we age, 60 minutes of daily moderate to vigorous exercise is recommended. And those who have already lost weight and are attempting to keep weight off need 60 to 90 minutes of daily exercise. A study of 9,611 adults by the University of Michigan Health System, found that people in their 50s and 60s who participated in daily exercise were 35 percent less likely to die within the next eight years than their inactive couch potato counter parts.Convinced that it's time to add exercise to your day?

The Basics -- Make Exercise a Life Priority:-

If you're not use to exercising, check with your doctor before beginning any strenuous fitness routine. - Start slow. If 30 minutes of exercise is too much, start with 15 minutes and add a few minutes each day. - If you don't have time for 60 minutes of exercise, break it up into two 30-minute sessions throughout the day. - Schedule a specific time to exercise everyday - then keep to your schedule! - Take part in more intense activities that can improve your heart health, such as: running, dancing, swimming, cycling, and climbing stairs. - Find exercise that you enjoy.

You will be more likely to continue and improve your daily performance if you look forward to a favorite activity. - Wear proper clothing and footwear. This has two functions. Clothing and shoes that are suited to your activity will enhance performance and offer the right kind of support for your body and feet. They will also place you in a better frame of mind for exercise. When you wear your favorite running outfit and slide into your special running shoes, your mind says "it's time to get out the door and put my feet in motion!" - Add everyday activities to increase your overall fitness level, such as gardening, housework, walking to the store, take the stairs instead of the elevator, and raking leaves. - Always drink lots of water.

- If you feel discomfort or pain after an activity, use ice therapy immediately to reduce swelling and numb pain. Always have a cold pack in your freezer, ready and waiting. Most aches and pains attributed to exercise respond well to icing and will melt away within 24 hours after applying ice for several 20-minute sessions. Using cold therapy reduces down time, getting you back on schedule fast. (If the pain does not lessen within 48 hours after using ice therapy, is intense or becomes worse, see your doctor.)Exercise every day.take care of your heart.live long!

Achieve Better Health With Dietary Supplements

Achieve Better Health With Dietary Supplements


In the year 2005, more than 187 million consumers depended on daily dietary supplements to provide the nutrients omitted from the daily diet...nutrients that are needed to attain and maintain optimum health.

Maintaining a strong immunity level built up through proper nutrients can contribute greatly to keeping you out of the doctors office. On the other hand, people with low immunity levels tend to contract many illnesses and often suffer for a longer duration than healthy individuals.
The DSEA (Dietary Supplement Education Alliance) found in a recent study (11/05) that certain dietary supplements helped seniors to live longer and to live more independent lives.
Further evidence of dietary supplement benefits are acknowledged by the DSIB (Dietary Supplement Information Bureau) who also reported that nutritional supplements help people live longer, healthier lives.

Dietary supplements can also help reduce healthcare costs in the billions of dollars by off-setting healthcare expenses through better health attained and maintained by receiving proper nutrients that are needed in the body.

The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) recently issued a health claim for omega-3 fatty acids. Several other dietary supplements are scheduled to be added to the list in the near future.

Qualified health claims for dietary supplements are now being released to the public. As healthcare costs and health insurance skyrocket, preventive self care seems to be more widely accepted and practiced.

Many individuals can potentially benefit from the use of dietary supplements. The following dietary supplements may be of value to the immune system:

• - Vitamin C provides antioxidant to cells, and may reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and some forms of cancer.
• Vitamin E may reduce free radical damage and cut the risk of diabetes, and cancer.
  - Vitamin A helps support mucous membranes, and the skin.
• - Selenium may help protect against prostate cancer and is known as an anti-aging nutrient.
• - Coenzyme Q10 may help generate energy for metabolism.
• -Omega-3 fatty acids benefit the heart and the nervous system.

People that use dietary supplements can save themselves money, save the healthcare system money, and in general have a more healthy and productive life.

Remember...You still have to eat healthy. Get as many vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and fatty acids in your diet as is possible. But, you can also consider taking a dietary supplement to make-up for what is lacking. With soil depletion and other environmental deficiencies so prevelent, taking dietary supplements is a good way to make sure that you get all the nutrition that you may need.