Physical Therapy For Promoting Good Heart Health
Good Heart Health
The heart is the center of the cardiovascular system and is responsible for most of the functions keeping us alive, therefore making sure it’s in tip-top shape is crucial. There are many ways in which we can sustain good heart health. Whether it’s through diet and exercise or following up with a cardiologist. These are all measures we can take to help promote a healthy heart and lifestyle for years to come.
Physical Therapy and a Healthy Heart
Physical therapy has been proven to play a key role in sustaining good heart health. By incorporating both strategic diet plans and workout regimes to boost cardiovascular health, it can help prevent and strengthen one’s heart. If you are looking to help boost your own heart health, check out physical therapy in East Meadow at Island Sports Physical Therapy. Here, we can help provide you with the tools and knowledge necessary to help keep your heart in the best shape possible!
Diet
A cardiac diet typically consists of a meal plan with wholesome and fresh foods. It also places emphasis on making sure to eat moderate portions throughout the day. Here is a list of some cardiac-friendly foods:
- Spinach
- Oats
- Salmon
- Pistachios
- Blueberries
- Broccoli
- Asparagus
- Tuna
- Olive and Peanut Oils (in moderation, of course)
These foods are typically low in fat and sodium, all while containing higher amounts of protein and fiber. By eating lower-fat and unprocessed foods this can help keep cholesterol levels and blood pressure low. Some of the main foods to avoid are processed or “packaged” snacks, canned vegetables, and foods containing high amounts of trans/saturated fats, sodium, or sugar. Determining what to eat and what not to eat can be difficult at times. Physical Therapists can help ease this process by assessing a patient’s current diet and determining what needs to be substituted or eliminated.
Exercise
It’s called “cardio” for a reason. Exercise is one of the main ways a person can better their heart health. It’s recommended that a person does 30 minutes of exercise at least five times a week. This can mean a brisk walk or even resistance training at the gym. The main goal of exercising for cardiac health is to get the heart rate up. By doing just a little each day, it can have major health benefits on your heart. Here’s a list of exercises you can do to help get that heart rate up:
- Cardio- walking, jogging, running, biking or swimming
- Stretching
- Strength Training – incorporating weights or bodyweight (yoga)
Physical Therapy in East Meadow
If you’ve been searching for physical therapy in East Meadow, visit Island Sports Physical Therapy. These skilled physical therapists can help assess your current weight/diet plan and help you make adjustments to improve your heart health. They can also suggest a workout regime specific to your needs. Don’t wait! Start your journey to better heart health today!
