Get Active

February is American Heart Month

Courtesy of American Heart Association

Finding time in our overscheduled lives for exercise is a challenge for all busy Americans. Especially for those who are parents or are working full-time or both. But the benefits far outweigh the sacrifices it takes to carve out that time. And anyone who has successfully managed to do so will tell you how happy they are to have found the time. They’ll tell you how much more energy they have, and how they are actually able to do more than before they started getting regular exercise. So no more excuses! Take an active role in determining your future. You deserve to give yourself the gift of living well with good health.

Why is Getting Active So Important?

The facts are clear: By exercising for as little as 30 minutes each day you can reduce your risk of heart disease. Without regular physical activity, the body slowly loses its strength and ability to function well. Physical activity = living a longer, healthier life.

Regular Physical Activity Helps: Lower blood pressure, increase HDL “good” cholesterol in your blood, control blood sugar by improving how your body uses insulin, reduce feelings of stress, control body weight and make you feel good about yourself.

American Heart Association Guidelines

We suggest at least 150 minutes per week of moderate exercise or 75 minutes per week of vigorous exercise. Or a combination of moderate and vigorous. Physical activity is anything that makes you move your body and burns calories, such as climbing stairs or playing sports. Aerobic exercises benefit your heart, such as walking, jogging, swimming or biking. Strength and stretching exercises are best for overall stamina and flexibility.

The simplest, positive change you can make to effectively improve your heart health is to start walking. It’s enjoyable, free, easy, social and great exercise. Check out the Start Walking program to get going with expert advice.

Get Active Success Story:

Mike Wilson, Associate Superintendent of Schools. Previously worked with the American Heart Association and company leader for the Start! Walking Program; City-wide chairman for the 2007 American Heart Walk.
I applied for the Start! Challenge program because of a deep commitment to work with the American Heart Association again and to change my life. I was diagnosed with cardiomyopathy at age forty-four. I had a twin brother die of sudden death congestive heart failure at age forty-three. I recently lost my youngest sister the same way.

After my sister died, I reviewed my lifestyle and have determined it needs to change. I have used several excuses to sit around, do no exercising, and have gained weight. I also know that without this change, I am a prime candidate to die of this disease at a young age. I want to enjoy my later years and be around to watch my grandsons grow up and be able to spend quality time with them.

In addition, I want to serve as an example to those people like me. I want to be an example that people with those inflictions can work, exercise, eat properly and can improve their physical well-being. No more excuses! We can do it!

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February is American Heart Month

Courtesy of American Heart Association

Hypertension is the single most significant risk factor for heart disease. Uncontrolled high blood pressure can injure or kill you. It’s sometimes called “the silent killer” because it has no symptoms. One in three adults has high blood pressure, yet, about 21% don’t even know they have it. Of those with high blood pressure, 69% are receiving treatment, yet, only 45% have their blood pressure controlled.

What is High Blood Pressure?

High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a widely misunderstood medical condition.

The blood running through your arteries flows with too much force and puts pressure on your arteries, stretching them past their healthy limit and causing microscopic tears.  Our body then kicks into injury-healing mode to repair these tears with scar tissue. But unfortunately, the scar tissue traps plaque and white blood cells which can form into blockages, blood clots, and hardened, weakened arteries. Read more

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More Exercise Can Lead to Lower Blood Pressure

Courtesy of http://www.lifelinescreening.com

Although you can’t run away from most health conditions, if you have high blood pressure, you may be able to walk away from it. Walking and other forms of physical activity play a crucial role in the prevention and control of high blood pressure, also called hypertension.

When you think about the changes you can make to your lifestyle to protect yourself from high blood pressure, you probably know that cutting back on salt and sodium can help. Although that’s important, you should also put a priority on more physical activity. According to an American College of Sports Medicine position stand on physical activity and high blood pressure, “Enormous public health benefit could be realized by people with hypertension if they habitually exercised.” Read more

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TV or French Fries?

What’s worse for your health—TV or French fries?

The answer may surprise you… it’s watching too much TV and therefore being inactive. The lack of physical activity can cause high blood pressure, unbalanced blood sugar levels, an increase in “bad” LDL cholesterol and more! So, while we’re not advocating indulging in those deep-fried potatoes… being lazy and camping out in front of the TV is no better!

Let’s Get moving Pickens County!

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Healthy Personal Pan Pizza

Who says you have to give up all the good foods you love to lose weight? Well, you don’t. You just have to eat all the good foods you love in a different way and in different portions. We have been eating all the good foods that we love and we have been losing weight. My husband has lost 45 pounds in the last 6 months. I have lost 15 pounds and feel great.

The other evening we were both craving pizza. Now to go out to Pizza Hut and get a pizza, well, that would be a ‘no no’ because you cannot control what is put into and on the pizza. Now at your own home, you can have a personal pan pizza with all your favorite toppings to enjoy and it will be healthy for you!

We fixed a personal pan pizza on a whole wheat pita and it had red and green bell pepper, red onion, sauce, mushrooms, spinach and soy cheese. We added crushed red pepper at the table and it was fabulous! Just know if you make the right choices, you can eat just about anything you want.

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Healthy Favorites - On the Grill Dishes

Here at the Compton home, we are always trying to make good, healthy dinners and here is one that really fits the bill - we even produced a video about it!

Grilled pork chops and grilled vegetables! Yumm!!

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Third Weigh-In February 7, 09-Red Team

Kolbie Jones - 3rd Weigh-In on February 7, 2009. She Weighed - 317 (3 Pounds Lost) You Go Kolbie!!!

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Pickens County Biggest Loser Competition 2009

Checkout the video highlight footage from the first ever Pickens County Biggest Loser Competition 2009 in Read more

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