Page 7 - Valley Life & Health

THE MORNING CALL SATURDAY, APRIL 27, 2019 7

ith the recent news that even small bouts of exercise lead to Take advantage of workplace wellness offerings. Ask your supervisor or human
significant health benefits, the American Heart Association, the resources department what employee wellness resources and incentives are available.
Wleading voluntary health organization devoted to a world of longer, Starting a journey to be more active at work can inspire colleagues and lead to a
healthier lives, is urging adults to move more and make it count where they healthier workplace in addition to boosting personal health and wellbeing.
spend most of their time - at work. Visit www.heart.org/movemoremonth for more tips and resources.
“It doesn’t matter whether you get activity in short bursts of a few minutes or
longer periods of time,” says Eduardo Sanchez, M.D., M.P.H., FAAFP and American
Heart Association’s chief medical officer for prevention. “Any activity - even small,
short bouts – will provide a health benefit. If you have been totally inactive and start
exercising, you will benefit. But even if you’re already active, adding more movement
adds even more benefit.” THE
Most adults spend the majority of their waking hours at work and find themselves
with little time or energy left at the end of the day to exercise. Experts say those who
struggle to carve out time for a separate workout should use any opportunity to
sneak in physical activity throughout the day. Focusing on moving more and sitting less
throughout the day can help - there is benefit to any physical activity regardless of the
length of the activity. OF A
For adults, the American Heart Association recommends at least 150 minutes
per week of moderate activity or 75 minutes of vigorous activity, or a combination WOMAN
of those activities, such as such as brisk walking, yoga or gardening. In addition, the
Association recommends two days per week of moderate- to- high intensity muscle
strengthening activity, such as running, jumping rope or swimming laps. Women often dismiss the warning signs of a
April, known as Move More Month, is an opportunity to examine personal habits
and strive to incorporate additional daily activity. heart attack, which can mean lower survival rates.
The month of April, with its reputation for renewal and growth, is the perfect Anyone can experience heaviness, tightness,
time to examine your personal exercise routine and make any adjustments needed. pressure or pain in the:
Move More Month can help you get started on the right path and is a good reminder • Chest • Jaw • Neck
that small choices to move more daily, add up to better your health.
Here are some ideas to incorporate more movement into the work day from the • Shoulder • Arm • Mid-back
American Heart Association’s Healthy for Good™ initiative: Women may also experience:
Take a walk on your lunch break. Don’t focus on the step count or the minutes,
just move more when your schedule allows. • Sweating • Dizziness • Shortness
of breath
Increase your activity in simple ways around the office. Take the stairs • Nausea • Extreme Fatigue
instead of the elevator, park farthest from the door in the parking lot, convert If you have any of these symptoms for more than 5
conference room meetings to walking meetings or get up and walk to some-
one’s desk instead of sending email. minutes and are unsure of the cause, call 9-1-1.
Schedule exercise on your calendar. Add exercise to your calendar and treat your
scheduled time like an important meeting. Women’s Heart Center
Find a partner. Having a partner to keep you accountable and motivated can be
the key to keeping your healthy habits moving forward. 1-866-STLUKES option 4
sluhn.org/womensheart