Physical Activity and Its Incredible Impact on Heart Health

Healthy Living

Physical Activity and Its Incredible Impact on Heart Health

Kathryn GentileContributor: Kathryn Gentile, ACSM-CEP, ACSM EIM level 2, CPT, Sports Nutritionist, DCES, B.S. Exercise Physiology, M.S. Clinical Exercise Physiology

Heart health is incredibly important. We hear about heart disease often, and if you don’t have a heart condition, you probably know someone who does. With diabetes, we are at increased risk for heart disease and stroke. I don’t like to dwell on being at an increased risk; I chose to keep a positive outlook and do what I can to stay healthy.

My mom had a heart attack and multiple strokes at a pretty young age. Her health problems drove me to try my best to live a healthy and balanced lifestyle. It’s what motivates me to get more physical activity.

One of my favorite quotes is: “if exercise could be packaged in a pill, it would be the single most widely prescribed and beneficial medicine in the nation.” (Robert Butler, National Institute on Aging). Physical activity helps keep your heart healthy in many ways. Increasing or maintaining a regular routine that includes physical activity can help you lower your blood pressure, lose or maintain weight, reduce your levels of stress, help manage blood sugars, and much more. All of these can help reduce your cardiovascular disease risks.

The American College of Sports Medicine recommends 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous exercise per week for most adults. It’s best to do a combination of both aerobic (cardiovascular) and anaerobic (resistance) exercise. It can be tough to get started, but the benefits are more than worth it. Talk to your health care provider about taking steps to increase your activity levels. I’m always here to help keep you motivated or get you started.

Exercise is Medicine, and a really awesome form of it!

Kathryn Gentile, ACSM-CEP, ACSM EIM level 2, CPT, Sports Nutritionist, DCES, B.S. Exercise Physiology, M.S. Clinical Exercise Physiology is a Personal Trainer, Sports Nutritionist Coach, and holds a level two Exercise is Medicine credential. She received her Bachelor of Science from Ave Maria University and is currently a Masters student studying Clinical Exercise Physiology at West Chester University of PA. Kathryn works at Integrated Diabetes Services as an Exercise Physiologist and provides one-on-one guidance for patients looking for individualized exercise plans. Connect with Kathryn on Instagram at @kathryngentile, and follow Integrated Diabetes on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.