Ask Mr. Pedometer and Friends…

February 27, 2019

The December 2018 edition of Consumer Report on Health (cr.org/health) reported that “One in 5 Americans will develop heart failure, a progressive condition in which the heart is unable to pump blood efficiently.  But in a recent study of 137,303 older women by the University of Buffalo, those who walked briskly for about 30 to 60 minutes five days of the week (or were similarly active) were 25 percent less likely to develop heart failure than less active women.

Q:  Come on, Mr. Pedometer:  You don’t really expect us to walk much when it’s cold and/or rainy outside, do you?  Really?   

A:  Here in Northern California, we have the luxury of a mild climate.  I’m not suggesting that you venture forth in blizzards or sub-zero wind-chill factors.  This is our final February edition, the month of heart health awareness, and here’s what experts had to say about it:

 “Experts say that physical activity protects against heart failure by helping to control

• Weight
• Blood pressure
• Blood sugar, and
• Inflammation, and by
• Keeping arteries and the heart in shape.

“The intensity doesn’t seem to matter; what’s important is the amount.”

(Source:  Journal of the American College of Cardiology:  Heart Failure, September 5, 2018)

Aren’t those enough compelling reasons for you to pull on a jacket and head outside for a walk?

EAT RIGHT,   MOVE MORE,   SLEEP WELL

To read more articles on walking for a healthy heart go to Mr.Pedometer.Com. 

If you would like to join a World Walk To Wellness “Walk ‘n’ Talk” group or start your own, click here. 

ASK MR. PEDOMETER AND FRIENDS…

February 13, 2019

Q:  Mr. Pedometer, is it just a coincidence that the month that includes Valentine’s Day also is American Heart Health Month?  Or was that clever marketing?

A:  You have to admit, the “coincidence” makes it easier to remember!  The Spry Living magazine insert in the East Bay Times offered these three reminders about heart health (which we have paraphrased):

• KEEP MOVING!-

  You need to be active for at least 30 minutes a day, but it can be divided into three 10-minute sessions, if that fits your schedule better.

• STAY CALM –

  Reduce your stress level by listening to your favorite music or by chatting with friends. (On Saturday mornings, our walk ‘n’ talk sessions combine these first two tips in a fun way.)

• SLEEP ENOUGH –

  Sleep 7 ¼  hours (or more) every night for the best heart-protecting benefits.

The best Valentine’s Day gift you can give those you care about (and who care about you) is to stay healthy.  That’s why I always encourage you to…

EAT RIGHT,  MOVE MORE,  SLEEP WELL

You may be shocked (as I was) to read that nearly half the adults in the USA have some form of cardiovascular disease.  The reason?  Guidelines have changed for classifying high blood pressure.

At my recent physical exam, I was dismayed to be told that I have high blood pressure.  How common is this condition? 

As reported by Brett Molina in USA Today, the American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology in 2017 “updated its guidelines to define high blood pressure as a reading higher than 130/80, down from the original 140/90.

“According to the study from the American Heart Association, 121.5 million Americans, or about 48.5 percent, dealt with heart or blood vessel disease as of 2016.  The study says that deaths from cardiovascular disease rose from more than 836,000 in 2015 to more than 840,000 in 2016.”

“When cases of high blood pressure are removed, the prevalence of cardiovascular disease among Americans is 9 percent, or 24.3 million Americans.”

It is important that you take your new diagnosis seriously and follow your doctor’s advice in order to avoid a premature, preventable death.  Chances are, the doctor’s advice will include…

EAT RIGHT, AND MOVE MORE TO BE WELL