A cardiologist pleads: Stop doing this in 2025 for the sake of your heart's health!
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As we step into 2025, it's time to take a heartfelt pledge towards a healthier lifestyle.
The GrayVine community understands the value of cherishing every moment, and what better way to do so than by ensuring our hearts are as robust as our spirits?
With heart disease remaining the leading cause of death in the U.S., it's more crucial than ever to heed the advice of experts who are on the front lines of cardiovascular care.
Dr. Melissa Tracy, MD, a seasoned cardiologist at Rush University Medical Center, has a critical message for everyone, but it rings especially true for those over 60: Stop being sedentary.
The term “lazy” might seem a bit blunt, but the evidence backing Dr. Tracy's plea is compelling. A sedentary lifestyle is not just about missing out on the joys of a morning walk or an evening dance; it's a direct ticket to a host of health issues that can besiege your heart.
Consider this: research has shown that men who sit for more than 23 hours a week face a 64% to 82% higher risk of dying from heart disease compared to their more active counterparts.
The journal Circulation Research doesn't mince words when it states that “Sedentary behavior and physical inactivity are among the leading modifiable risk factors worldwide for cardiovascular disease and all-cause mortality.”
The good news? It's never too late to start. Once you begin to incorporate more movement into your daily routine, your heart health begins to improve.
But consistency is key. Dr. Tracy echoes the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's recommendation of at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week. That's just over 20 minutes a day—a small investment for a lifetime of benefits.
Dr. Tracy's advice doesn't stop at just moving; it's about finding joy in the movement. Whether it's walking, swimming, biking, or engaging in yoga or traditional Chinese exercises, the goal is to find activities that you look forward to.
Variety is the spice of life, and it applies to exercise too. Mixing up your routine keeps both body and mind engaged, reducing the risk of exercise becoming a chore.
Another tip from Dr. Tracy is to involve a friend or loved one. Exercise can be a social activity, strengthening bonds while you strengthen your heart.
Whether it's a post-dinner walk with the family or a fitness class with a friend, companionship can be a powerful motivator.
Dr. Mustali Dohadwala, MD, cardiologist and medical director at Heartsafe Boston, adds another dimension to the heart health conversation: quitting smoking and vaping.
The benefits of kicking these habits are immense, reducing risks of not only cardiovascular disease but also type 2 diabetes, various cancers, chronic lung disease, and more.
Quitting smoking is undoubtedly challenging, but Dr. Dohadwala emphasizes the importance of having a plan to manage cravings, seeking support, and replacing unhealthy habits with healthier ones.
In addition to exercise and quitting tobacco, other steps to support your heart include minimizing red meat consumption, avoiding soda, managing stress healthily, and prioritizing good sleep. These changes might seem daunting at first, but the payoff is a stronger, healthier heart.
Have you made changes to improve your heart health, or are you planning to? What activities have you found enjoyable and sustainable? Share your stories and tips in the comments below!
The GrayVine community understands the value of cherishing every moment, and what better way to do so than by ensuring our hearts are as robust as our spirits?
With heart disease remaining the leading cause of death in the U.S., it's more crucial than ever to heed the advice of experts who are on the front lines of cardiovascular care.
Dr. Melissa Tracy, MD, a seasoned cardiologist at Rush University Medical Center, has a critical message for everyone, but it rings especially true for those over 60: Stop being sedentary.
The term “lazy” might seem a bit blunt, but the evidence backing Dr. Tracy's plea is compelling. A sedentary lifestyle is not just about missing out on the joys of a morning walk or an evening dance; it's a direct ticket to a host of health issues that can besiege your heart.
Consider this: research has shown that men who sit for more than 23 hours a week face a 64% to 82% higher risk of dying from heart disease compared to their more active counterparts.
The journal Circulation Research doesn't mince words when it states that “Sedentary behavior and physical inactivity are among the leading modifiable risk factors worldwide for cardiovascular disease and all-cause mortality.”
A cardiologist is urging people, particularly those at increased risk for heart disease, to stop being lazy in 2025 to improve their heart health. Image source: Pexels / Kaboompics.
The good news? It's never too late to start. Once you begin to incorporate more movement into your daily routine, your heart health begins to improve.
But consistency is key. Dr. Tracy echoes the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's recommendation of at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week. That's just over 20 minutes a day—a small investment for a lifetime of benefits.
Dr. Tracy's advice doesn't stop at just moving; it's about finding joy in the movement. Whether it's walking, swimming, biking, or engaging in yoga or traditional Chinese exercises, the goal is to find activities that you look forward to.
Variety is the spice of life, and it applies to exercise too. Mixing up your routine keeps both body and mind engaged, reducing the risk of exercise becoming a chore.
Another tip from Dr. Tracy is to involve a friend or loved one. Exercise can be a social activity, strengthening bonds while you strengthen your heart.
Whether it's a post-dinner walk with the family or a fitness class with a friend, companionship can be a powerful motivator.
Dr. Mustali Dohadwala, MD, cardiologist and medical director at Heartsafe Boston, adds another dimension to the heart health conversation: quitting smoking and vaping.
The benefits of kicking these habits are immense, reducing risks of not only cardiovascular disease but also type 2 diabetes, various cancers, chronic lung disease, and more.
Quitting smoking is undoubtedly challenging, but Dr. Dohadwala emphasizes the importance of having a plan to manage cravings, seeking support, and replacing unhealthy habits with healthier ones.
In addition to exercise and quitting tobacco, other steps to support your heart include minimizing red meat consumption, avoiding soda, managing stress healthily, and prioritizing good sleep. These changes might seem daunting at first, but the payoff is a stronger, healthier heart.
Have you made changes to improve your heart health, or are you planning to? What activities have you found enjoyable and sustainable? Share your stories and tips in the comments below!
