– by Doreen Marion Gee –
Exercise saves lives. Fifty years of scientific studies show that physical activity reduces the risk of coronary artery disease, with 50% lower disease rates in physically active people compared to those who are sedentary (Colleen Story, Healthline, 2012, MD Reviewed). We can all take active steps to build and maintain a healthy cardiovascular system. Panorama Recreation Centre is there to help us chart our own destiny.
February is “Heart Month,” with renewed public awareness of the importance of cardiovascular health. Melanie Alsdorf, Panorama’s Fitness, Weights & Rehab Coordinator, is passionate about the benefits of cardiovascular exercise to heart health: “People see lower blood pressure and improved cholesterol levels.” According to Melanie, regularly exercising the cardiovascular system produces a stronger, more efficient heart that can pump more blood with less work. She adds that some studies suggest exercise can help reduce the plaques that cause blockages in arteries. Weight loss is another healthy benefit of exercise, reducing the heart’s workload. Melanie: “Stress and anxiety cause hormone changes in our bodies that can put us at risk for heart disease.” Exercise reduces stress and anxiety, improving both our mental and heart health.
Exercise may be a fountain of youth. Regular exercise is an anti-aging treatment, where “Our hearts age less then our chronological age. We can have the working heart of a much younger person,” says Melanie. Studies show that exercise benefits the older heart as much as a younger one: “It is never too late to exercise.” As we get older, it is more important than ever to keep active, due to increased age-related risk of disease (Young at Heart, ideafit.com).
Panorama Rec is all fired up and ready to help you build a healthy heart with its excellent programs. Some have a larger cardiovascular emphasis – such as “cardio” aerobics and indoor cycling – but all fitness classes have a heart-healthy component. Personal training is an excellent motivator. To support their clients’ “accountability” in sticking with their fitness routines, personal trainers are now sending out a monthly email newsletter with ideas, recipes, free measurement offers and words of encouragement. Melanie is stoked about the new “Transform Your Diet” program. With guidance from a Sport Nutrition Specialist, participants add one new healthy eating habit each week to make their hearts happy.
To Melanie, it is very important to build up a pleasurable exercise “habit” that becomes a much anticipated part of your day. Her wise words: “Try to find the time each day to be active. Get some physical activity in your day and work towards getting your heart rate up.” Any physical activity is better than none.
Ultimately, our health is in our own hands. Sometimes we have to save our own life.
For more information, contact: www.crd.bc.ca/panorama-recreation.
