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Exercise Can Save Your Life

Without a doubt, physical activity plays an important role in preventing heart disease. Many organizations working in the health sector, such as the American Heart Association, promote exercise as a way to help fight against heart disease.

The good news is you don't have to spend your life in a gym to enjoy the benefits. Even moderate levels of physical activity are beneficial to the heart. This is a great reason to adopt and maintain an active lifestyle.

Exercise Can Save Your Life

Exercise:

  • Helps prevent damage to the coronary arteries (arteries that send blood to the heart). Damage to these arteries commonly leads to cardiovascular disease.
  • Can increase the chance of survival among those who have already suffered a heart attack, and decrease the possibility of a recurrence.
  • Not only strengthens the heart and lungs, but also improves levels of good cholesterol (HDL), and reinforces the beneficial effects of a lowfat diet. Following a regular exercise plan also helps you maintain a normal body weight, and reduces the risk of developing other chronic diseases.
  • Is even more important if you are already suffering from chronic diseases or medical conditions such as diabetes with hypertriglyceridemia (high levels of triglycerides in the blood), or if heart disease runs in your family.

People who lead a sedentary lifestyle have a 30% greater chance of suffering from clogged coronary arteries compared to people who are active. That's why it's worth the time and effort to take the stairs instead of the elevator, park your car farther away and walk a bit more to get to the office or supermarket, and walk to the newsstand to buy a newspaper.

In order to achieve results from your exercise routine, it is important to incorporate it into your daily schedule. If you are just starting out, start with 10 to 15 minutes of exercise, and then increase your workout duration until you can do 30 minutes at a time. How much exercise your body is ready for depends on each individual's physical condition. We advise all people over 35 to go for a medical checkup before starting any exercise program.

Not only will exercise help you feel better physically, but it will also help you control your stress level, reduce anxiety, alleviate depression, and significantly increase a feeling of well-being.

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