The British Heart Foundation (BHF) is urging Pride readers to take just 10 minutes a day to help cut the risk of heart attack and stroke. Show some love for your heart!
Every day, 480 people go to hospital with a heart attack and 440 will lose their lives to heart and circulatory diseases. However 75 per cent of all cardiovascular disease is preventable. By taking just 10 minutes each day to make tiny changes to your lifestyle, you’re making the first important steps towards a healthier heart.
The BHF asked people on their views towards diet, exercise and their daily routine and found that a lack of time, not motivation was often the main barrier preventing a healthy lifestyle. Going for a run or taking time to cook a healthy meal from scratch can often feel like a luxury. Just think of all the things that we could do if we had just 10 more minutes a day?
That’s why the BHF is recommending that people looking to change their routines ‘start small’ as the key to changes that stick with you and can help you lead a healthier life.
Simon Gillespie, Chief Executive at the BHF said: “The public have told us loud and clear that one of the biggest barrier to a healthy lifestyle is time. We have to listen to their concerns and we are offering people manageable and realistic guidance to help make small changes to their extremely busy routines”.
“We know that changing the simplest everyday habits can make the biggest difference, like getting off the bus two stops early, eating more fruit or getting active during the ad break of your favourite TV show.”
What can I do?
Being active doesn’t always have to mean jogging or aerobics – gentle, everyday activities like walking, gardening and climbing stairs are great ways to get started.
If you’re active every day you’ll be less likely to develop heart problems.
• You’re in control – by taking 10 minutes a few times a day to get active, you could change your life.
• Make small changes like walking rather than driving, and taking the stairs instead of the lift or escalator.
• Take a walk every day – to work, to the shop, or to see a friend.
• Set a date and take your kids, grandkids, pets or friends to the park.
• Remember – every 10 minutes counts.
Why should I be active?
Being active helps lower your risk of coronary heart disease because it:
• Exercises your heart, helping to keep it strong.
• Helps lower your cholesterol – a fatty substance in your blood which can cause your arteries to clog up.
• Helps lower your blood pressure, which means your arteries are less likely to clog up.
• It can also help you feel more relaxed, have more energy and give you a sense of achievement.
For more information visit bhf.org.uk
