HealthyLinking.com: Health Directory, Healthy Living Information, Physical Activity Guide

Keep Active for a Healthy Heart

Physical activity has been shown to be very powerful in maintaining body systems healthy, maintaining a healthy weight, and reducing the risk of chronic diseases such as hypertension, obesity, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, osteoporosis and some cancers.

The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS, 2007) reported that in 2005–06, 10.5 million Australians aged 15 years and over (66%) took part in sports and physical recreation. An alarming 34% or approximately 5.5 million people reported that they did not participate in any such activity in the 12 months before interview. Participation rates declined with increasing age.

FACTS Regular physical activity has endless benefits and makes your insiders healthier! Here are just a few examples: *Blood pressure: regular mild to moderate aerobic physical activity has been shown to significantly reduce both systolic and diastolic blood pressure. *Heart health: regular physical activity helps strengthen your heart muscle, reducing the number of beats it needs to pump your blood around your body. This can help reduce long term stress and strain on the heart. *Bone density: regular physical activity is very important in bone formation and strength. The light impact of physical activity sends messages to the bones to increase calcium uptake. This reduces your risk of developing osteoporosis and debilitating fractures. *Energy: exercise increases glucose uptake, therefore increasing the amount of energy you need. This means that more of the calories you eat will be used up and not stored as fat. *Type 2 Diabetes: regular physical activity increases your insulin sensitivity which means your cells will be able to better use the excess sugar in your blood, in turn helping blood sugar control.

CONSTRAINTS AND MOTIVATORS The ABS (2007) also reported that the main constraint cited by 22% (or 1.4 million) was insufficient time because of work or study commitments (for those who did not take part, or who reported participating 12 times or less, in any sports or physical recreation in the 12 months before interview).

The National Physical Activity Guidelines for Adults recommend at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity, preferably every day of the week, to obtain health benefits. Just 30 minutes!

Can you make time for just 30 minutes of physical activity?

Some things just don't happen unless we plan or schedule them in and tick them off once they're done. And what a good feeling that is!

HOW TO ACHIEVE BEHAVIOUR CHANGE Commonly people set vague goals which they continue to fail to achieve. How many times have you heard someone or even yourself say 'I will start exercising at the start of the week' and never actually do?

The key to achieving the goals you aspire to achieve is to set clear and specific SMART goals!

What is a SMART goal? Specific Measurable Action-focused Realistic Time-based

Example of a SMART goal: I will reduce my waist circumference by 8cm over the next 6 months, starting NOW. I will take action and go for a 30 minutes brisk walk tonight and then on Thursday when I get home from work at 4:30pm. I will aim to do this twice per week on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Planning is an essential part of SMART goal setting and the place to begin. Write-up the activities you need to carry out to achieve your SMART goal. Get your self a diary or calendar and schedule in your exercise and meal planning. Create an environment that enables you to achieve your health goals more simply.

Remember: participating regularly in physical activity has been shown to benefit an individual's health and wellbeing. Regular physical activity is important in reducing the risk of chronic diseases, such as heart disease and stroke, obesity, diabetes and some forms of cancer (ABS, 2007).

Prevent chronic disease… keep physically active!

Ines Astudillo is an Accredited Practsing Dietitian in West Ryde, Sydney, NSW. Ines has a special interest in helping people achieve their weight goals in a realistic, achievable and sustainable manner. She is experienced in translating the nutritional science of kilojoules and fat grams into simple but meaningful changes in eating habits to help clients lose weight and keep it off.

Ines also has an interest in the area of food allergies and intolerances, helping people to improve symptoms such as excessive bloating, diarrhoea, constipation and abdominal cramps.

http://www.backdoctor.net.au http://www.rydeweightloss.com http://www.betternutrition.net.au

Comment on "Keep Active for a Healthy Heart"

Global Medical Specialty Bags Industry
NEW YORK, Nov. 8, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Reportlinker.com announces that a new market research report is available in its catalogue: Global Medical Specialty Bags Industry This report analyzes the worldwide markets for Medical Specialty Bags in US$ Million by the following product segments - Bile Collection Bags, Blood Bags, Breathing Bags, Cadaver Bags, Enema Bags, Enteral Feeding Bags, Ice Bags, Intravenous Fluid Containers, Ostomy Collection Bags, Sterilization Packaging Bags, Urinary Collection Bags, and Others.

Asia-Pacific Healthcare IT Market Outlook to 2017
NEW YORK, Nov. 17, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Reportlinker.com announces that a new market research report is available in its catalogue: Asia-Pacific Healthcare IT Market Outlook to 2017 Asia-Pacific Healthcare IT Market Outlook to 2017 Summary GlobalData's new report, "Asia-Pacific Healthcare IT Market Outlook to 2017" provides key market data on the Asia-Pacific Healthcare IT market – Australia, China, India and Japan.

U.S. and Global Markets for Ethical Nutrition in Healthcare
NEW YORK, Nov. 28, 2011 /PRNewswire/ --Reportlinker.com announces that a new market research report is available in its catalogue: U.S. and Global Markets for Ethical Nutrition in Healthcare REPORT HIGHLIGHTS THIS REPORT CONTAINS * The global market for ethical nutrition was worth $26 billion in 2010.

Healthcare IT Market Outlook in United States to 2017 - Hospital Information Systems and Medical Imaging Information Systems
NEW YORK, Nov. 9, 2011 /PRNewswire/ --Reportlinker.com announces that a new market research report is available in its catalogue: Healthcare IT Market Outlook in United States to 2017 - Hospital Information Systems and Medical Imaging Information Systems Healthcare IT Market Outlook in United States to 2017 - Hospital Information Systems and Medical Imaging Information Systems Summary GlobalData's new report, "Healthcare IT Market Outlook in United States to 2017 - Hospital Information Systems and Medic ...

Head Start Body Start Intervention Has Increased Physical Activity Levels for More Than 28,000 Children
RESTON, Va., Nov. 15, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- More than 1,500 grants have led to a dramatic increase in the outdoor activity levels of more than 28,000 preschool children over the past three years, say officials from Head Start Body Start National Center for Physical Development and Outdoor Play (HSBS), an initiative of the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (AAHPERD).

North America Healthcare IT Market Outlook to 2017
NEW YORK, Nov. 17, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Reportlinker.com announces that a new market research report is available in its catalogue: North America Healthcare IT Market Outlook to 2017 North America Healthcare IT Market Outlook to 2017 Summary GlobalData's new report, "North America Healthcare IT Market Outlook to 2017" provides key market data on the North America Healthcare IT market – Canada and United States.

Medical Equipment Quarterly Deals Analysis - M&A and Investment Trends - Q3 2011
NEW YORK, Nov. 8, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Reportlinker.com announces that a new market research report is available in its catalogue: Medical Equipment Quarterly Deals Analysis - M&A and Investment Trends - Q3 2011 Medical Equipment Quarterly Deals Analysis - M&A and Investment Trends - Q3 2011 Summary GlobalData's "Medical Equipment Quarterly Deals Analysis - M&A and Investment Trends - Q3 2011" report is an essential source of data and trend analysis on the mergers and acquisitions (M&As) and financing in the medical ...

After Effects of Recession in the Healthcare Industry- What is in Store for the Investors?
NEW YORK, Nov. 29, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Reportlinker.com announces that a new market research report is available in its catalogue: After Effects of Recession in the Healthcare Industry- What is in store for the Investors? This study helps the investor by providing a quantitative overview of the historical trends in macro economic scenario that helped shape the healthcare industry.

Healthcare IT Market Outlook in Brazil to 2017 - Hospital Information Systems and Medical Imaging Information Systems
NEW YORK, Nov. 9, 2011 /PRNewswire/ --Reportlinker.com announces that a new market research report is available in its catalogue: Healthcare IT Market Outlook in Brazil to 2017 - Hospital Information Systems and Medical Imaging Information Systems Healthcare IT Market Outlook in Brazil to 2017 - Hospital Information Systems and Medical Imaging Information Systems Summary GlobalData's new report, "Healthcare IT Market Outlook in Brazil to 2017 - Hospital Information Systems and Medical Imaging Information Syste ...

Healthcare IT Market Outlook in China to 2017 - Hospital Information Systems and Medical Imaging Information Systems
NEW YORK, Nov. 9, 2011 /PRNewswire/ --Reportlinker.com announces that a new market research report is available in its catalogue: Healthcare IT Market Outlook in China to 2017 - Hospital Information Systems and Medical Imaging Information Systems Healthcare IT Market Outlook in China to 2017 - Hospital Information Systems and Medical Imaging Information Systems Summary GlobalData's new report, "Healthcare IT Market Outlook in China to 2017 - Hospital Information Systems and Medical Imaging Information Systems" ...