Walking |
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Walking
and Cardiac Conditions |
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If you want to help your heart, move your feet. A new study finds taking
long walks that burn many calories can improve risk factors for heart
disease. Doctors say burning extra calories is critical now that
so many older patients are overweight.
Doctors from the University of Vermont in the USA studied seventy-four
overweight patients in cardiac rehabilitation. Half performed the
usual exercises of walking, biking or rowing for about an hour
three times per week.
The other half took long walks for forty-five
to sixty minutes most days of the week. After five months, the
long-distance walkers had bigger improvements in blood sugar and
cholesterol levels, lower blood pressure and improved aerobic fitness.
They also lost twice as much weight; eighteen pounds compared with
the eight pounds for the standard exercise group. |
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Walking and Respiratory
Conditions |
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Experts say even low-impact exercises such as walking
can burn thousands of extra calories per week, but only if you do them
often enough. They recommend people start walking now to help keep
their heart and lungs strong and healthy for years to come. |
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One of the most important exercises for someone with
lung problems is walking regularly. Begin walking slowly at a very
comfortable pace for a period of time, say five to ten minutes daily
and do this three to five days a week. Do not increase the time you
are walking until you can walk the entire time without stopping.
When
you can walk without stopping to rest, increase the time you are
walking by two or three minutes each week. For example, if you can
walk nonstop for five minutes a day for five days in one week, increase
your walking to seven minutes each day.
Many people with severe lung disease can reach the goal of walking
thirty minutes without stopping. Some people with lung problems require
oxygen during exercise. If you have been prescribed oxygen for regular
use, be sure to use it with exercise. If you aren't sure about using
oxygen, talk with your professional health care provider or
your GP or hospital consultant. |
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Peter Scott - Team Leader
