by Edwin Monroy, ATC

We’re all thump thumping to our own beats. Working, resting, playing. Is it a healthy thumping heart, though? Heart disease claims more than 695,000 American lives annually and it’s time to take action. Join us for a quick 3-minute pulse check on how to keep your heart in top shape.

The cardiovascular system, which includes your heart and blood vessels, plays a crucial role in maintaining your body’s overall health by transporting the oxygen and nutrients every organ needs. Industrial athletes are not exempt from heart related problems, even with a very physically demanding job, there are other areas in your lifestyle to evaluate. Time to get pumped!

Heart-Smart Guide...

Lucky for us, improving your heart health is not rocket science. Adults are recommended to have a regular checkup with their doctor annually to assess overall health. But let’s dive into some specific details on how building daily habits focused on lifestyle medicine will help reduce the risks of heart problems. Here’s an overview for maintaining a healthy cardiac system:

Physical Activity

• minimum 150 minutes a week of moderate intensity, for example mowing the lawn or tennis doubles
• cardio activities with low impact on joints: swimming, biking, or yoga

Sound Nutrition

• higher in fruits and vegetables, whole grains (particularly, high fiber), nonfat dairy, seafood, legumes, and nuts

Weight Management

• there are limitations to the Body Mass Index (BMI) screening tool but it does a good job of measuring body fat for the general adult
• a high BMI, greater than 25 or 30 should increase your awareness of risk factors such as diabetes or high blood pressure

No Smoking

• avoid all types of smoking and second-hand smoke

Psychological Factors

• to manage factors like stress and anxiety, adopt lifestyle changes such as meditation, or seek support from loved ones, and consult a mental health professional if these feelings start to interfere with daily life

Building Heart Health…

Industrial Athletes have some of the most physically demanding jobs in the world, from working indoors to outdoors, with hazardous machines and tools, to standing and walking all day. Because of these strenuous, fast paced, and sometimes stressful environments, building an easy to follow lifestyle medicine plan outside of work can help you strengthen and pump up your heart for a life on the go!

What Are Your Stats?

Learn about your pulse and blood pressure with this resource, and see your Work Right Injury Prevention Specialist for more information about your heart health stats!

Edwin Monroy, ATC || Edwin received his education from California State University, Northridge and has worked in the industrial setting for 3 years. Originally from Guatemala, Edwin was raised in Los Angeles, CA where he continues to help people with their health. He enjoys making websites on the internet, reading and indoor rock climbing.

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Be sure to check out our other blogs for further injury prevention education and tips for the industrial athlete from Work Right NW!