Parish Health Ministry

Wellness Tips & Links

WELLNESS TIP for January

You really do not have to overdo physical activity to receive health benefits. Accumulating at least 30 minutes of moderately intense physical activity in one day 5 times a week will have health benefits. You could do three 10-minute sessions. It is important to stay active every day. All you want to do is get your heart beating faster.
Exercise has many benefits. Regular exercise can help:
Control blood sugar
Keep body weight under control
Lower LDL (the bad cholesterol)
Raise HDL (the good cholesterol)
Reduce the risk of high blood pressure
Reduce the risk of a stroke
Increase the density of bone
Improve joint flexibility
Improve muscle strength
Improve endurance
What you want to do is get your heart beating faster. Walking briskly, swimming, and riding your bike are some activities. You really do not have to do sporting activities to accomplish your exercise goals.
Gardening, washing the car, washing windows, climbing the stairs, cycling, mowing the lawn, cleaning the house, and dancing can be included in moderate activity.
It does not matter how brief the periods of activity are because the benefits are cumulative. It is the total amount of activity that counts, not the manner in which you do it.
The major point of exercise is to get your heart to beat faster.
Check with your doctor before starting any new exercise program. Make a promise to yourself: Thirty minutes of being active a day.
Used by permission from “Wellness Tip of The Week”© 2004 by St. Malachy Church  written by JoAnn C. Kauss, RN, MSN.