GREAT BEND TRIBUNE More
By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism. Heart health advice continued
Last week I shared the importance of putting more plants on your plate as you work toward improving heart health. Hopefully my advice to eat more nutrient dense food that has not been highly processed with added sugar or fat has encouraged you to pay attention to what you eat. Today I want to focus on another component of heart health; exercise. A benefit of an active life is a healthier heart. Your heart is a muscle and it gets stronger with exercise, just like any other muscle. It is never too late to start exercising and reaping the benefits.
Pandemic bright spot? More people seem to be physically active
Pat Melgares
Kansas State Research and Extension
MANHATTAN A silver lining in the COVID-19 pandemic for those who have found themselves at home more is that many have used their spare time to be more active.
Their challenge in the months ahead? Make it stick.
“What we’ve seen is that some of these new habits that people may have developed during the pandemic may be more sustainable than the habits they had previously,” said Emily Mailey, an associate professor of kinesiology at Kansas State University.
“Being active at home or walking in your neighborhood or community is easier to fit into your day, compared to paying for a gym membership and driving there. I think people are finding ways to fit physical activity into their day that will be easier to maintain.”