Heart Disease is still the leading cause of death in the United States, affecting millions of Americans each and every year.  As the American Heart Association (AHA) puts it, heart disease refers to “problems related to plaque buildup in the walls of the arteries… As the plaque builds up, the arteries narrow, making it more difficult for blood to flow and creating a risk for heart attack or stroke.”  So what’s one of your best weapons against this deadly condition? The answer is simple: physical activity.

Here are a few ways regular exercise can contribute to your heart health:

• Exercise strengthens your heart. Your heart is a muscle, and like any muscle, exercise will make it stronger.  A stronger muscle is a better-functioning muscle, and when it comes to your heart, this means increased blood flow.
• Exercise can lower blood pressure. Uncontrolled high blood pressure damages your heart. While there are several factors that can contribute to high blood pressure, healthy exercise can often stack the odds in your favor.
• Exercise can lower bad cholesterol. Too much cholesterol in your blood is one of the biggest risk factors for developing heart disease.  Research has demonstrated that healthy, appropriate exercise can help combat high levels of cholesterol.

Whether you’re walking, cycling or participating in organized sports, the AHA reminds us that “by exercising for as little as 30 minutes a day, you can reduce your risk of heart disease.”  It’s that simple.

Another Benefit of Healthy Physical Activity…

While we’ve already seen the effects healthy exercise can have on your heart, it’s important to point out another huge benefit of regular physical activity—weight control.  When it comes to weight, we all know that obesity is a serious problem.  But, do you ever consider that excess weight might be taking its toll on your bones and joints?  Those that are obese are at a higher risk for developing certain joint disorders, such as Arthritis.  When a patient requires a procedure such as Knee Surgery, excess weight can be a huge roadblock when recovering from the operation.  Simply put, there is only so much weight you can comfortably put on a newly-operated knee.

Preventing and Treating Exercise Injuries

While there are certain steps you can take to reduce your risk for exercise injuries—warming up & cooling down, using proper form, etc.—some injuries are simply inevitable.  So, who should you turn to when you’ve sustained an exercise or sports-related injury?  Your best bet is a Specialist in Sports Medicine.  Should the need arise, don’t hesitate to contact us and schedule an appointment.  We practice Orthopedic and Sports Medicine in Worcester, serving the surrounding areas.  Schedule you appointment at (508) 363-6363.

We all know the benefits of healthy exercise—physical fitness, increased energy and weight control among others.  But, do you know the best way to make your exercise regimen more effective and reduce your risk for injury?  Read on to learn a bit about the importance of warming up and cooling down before and after physical activity.

The Warm Up

Warming up prepares your body for the physical demands of exercise.  The main goal of the warm up is to raise your heart rate gradually.  Many patients start with gentle aerobic activity, such as a slow jog or cycling in a low gear.  Don’t skip this crucial step!  Warming up raises your muscle temperature, gets blood flowing and increases flexibility.  Remember, flexibility is your best defense against exercise injuries.

The Cool Down

Cooling down is just as important as warming up—maybe even more so.  The cool down is a two-step process.  First, by decreasing the intensity of your activity, you give your body a chance to recover from the physical demands of exercise.  The second part of the cool down is the stretch.  Stretching after exercise doesn’t just feel good; it improves your flexibility and reduces muscle tension.  Most importantly, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, “stretching after each workout reduces your risk for injury.”  That’s reason enough to make this a regular part of your exercise routine.

In Need of an Orthopedist?

If you’re suffering from an exercise-related injury or would like more information about the Sports Medicine we offer, we encourage you to contact us today.  Our offices are located in Worcester, proudly serving the surrounding areas.  Schedule your appointment today at (508) 363-6363.  We look forward to hearing from you.

I believe that patient education and open communication with your doctor are the keys to achieving healthy, fully functional results and patient satisfaction, which is why I strive to provide the highest quality of Orthopedic and Sports Medicine care for patients of all ages.  This is done by combining technical skill and broad experience with cutting-edge technology for impeccable medical results.

I sincerely appreciate you taking the time to visit my new blog.  Please check back often to learn about the latest news, updates and additions to the practice and within the field of Orthopedic, and feel free to post comments and/or suggestions on any posts that you find of interest.