Live Well Newsletter | February 2023
February is American Heart Month
This February marks the 57th annual American Heart Month, dedicated to drawing attention to the risks of hypertension (high blood pressure). Hypertension can increase your risk of stroke, heart disease, heart failure, kidney failure, vision loss, pregnancy complications and more. Read on to learn what you can do to improve your heart health.
Keeping Your Heart Healthy
According to the World Health Organization, cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death worldwide, accounting for nearly 18 million deaths in 2019. In many cases, heart disease is also preventable.
Consider these tips for prioritizing your heart health:
Maintain a healthy weight.
Don’t smoke.
Get regular check-ups with your doctor.
Practice stress management.
Exercise regularly.
This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. For further information, please consult a medical professional.
Protecting Your Skin in Winter
Many people experience dry skin during the winter. While it may not seem like a serious health problem, dry skin can lead to irritation, itching, eczema and dermatitis.
Here are some tips for keeping your skin healthy this winter:
Avoid exposing your skin to hot water.
Use minimal soap.
Purchase soaps that are gentle on skin.
Moisturize regularly.
For further guidance, contact us today.
Starting an Exercise Routine
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recommends that adults engage in moderate-intensity aerobic activity for at least 150 minutes each week and muscle-strengthening activities two times per week. But many adults think their schedules are too busy for regular exercise.
Finding time to exercise comes down to prioritizing movement and getting creative with scheduling. Consider these tips for how to start a realistic exercise routine:
Start sensibly. Begin with short sessions before increasing time and difficulty. Trying to do too much too fast could result in muscle soreness or injuries that could cause you to quit.
Choose a fun workout. Find an activity that you like—or are good at—and add it to your exercise routine. You’re more likely to continue working out if you’re having fun.
Move when you have the most energy. You may see the best results if you plan workouts for times when your energy is the highest. Some people prefer to workout in the mornings before other things come up.
Schedule workouts. Blocking out time on your calendar for exercise can help you commit to a routine. If you need to change your exercise time, reschedule it on your calendar immediately.
Exercise with a friend or trainer. An exercise partner can help you stay accountable to your workout routine. It may also increase your enjoyment.
Before you start working out, visit your doctor for a checkup and to discuss your desire to incorporate more exercise into your daily routine.
Types of Exercise
Aerobic—Any type of cardiovascular conditioning or “cardio” (e.g., running, jump roping and biking).
Bootcamp—High-intensity circuits combining aerobic and strength exercises.
Flexibility—Stretching to aid in muscle recovery, your range of motion and injury prevention.
High-intensity interval training (HIIT)—Repetitions of short bursts of high- and low-intensity exercises.
Strength training—Weightlifting or resistance training to increase muscular strength and endurance
This newsletter is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical purposes. © 2023 Zywave, Inc. All rights reserved.