Exercising your heart to better health

Heart disease, stroke and blood vessel disease kills more Australians every year than any other disease group, and are responsible for almost 40 per cent of all deaths.

With two out of three families affected by heart disease, the theme for 2008 Heart Week (4-10 May) is all about families – and particularly how we can share the enjoyment of exercise and improve our heart health at the same time.

According to Hunter New England Health Acting Director of Cardiology, Dr Bruce Bastian because lifetime habits often start in childhood, the Heart Foundation’s theme of encouraging parents and carers to get active with their children is very appropriate.

"Lifestyle habits do affect our health – what we eat, whether we smoke or drink at harmful levels, and particularly how much exercise we get," Dr Bastian said.

"Of course there are things like obesity, high blood pressure and diabetes which also contribute to heart health. But a little attention to lifestyle will almost certainly improve these conditions as well."

There are many examples of physical activity opportunities which can involve adults and children, which are only limited by our imaginations.

Dr Bastian said these can be as simple as walking around the block, playing ‘eye spy’ with your children, playing Frisbee or cricket in the park, walking to and from school.

"Ideas which take a bit more organisation might include joining Little Athletics, coaching a sport team, cycling clubs, or even setting up your own mini-gym in the garage.

"It’s often a matter of making family-exercise time a priority," he said.

The old saying: ‘The family that plays together, stays together’ is very relevant during Heart Week, because involving children in exercise has the added affect of strengthening relationships within the family.

NSW Health statistics show that just over 50 per cent of people in NSW get adequate exercise. This means only one in two people are doing their heart a favour by getting at least 150 minutes of exercise per week, on a minimum of five separate occasions.

Dr Bastian said for people who are known to have heart health problems or are recovering from heart surgery, regular gentle exercise is vital.

"Regular gentle exercise – enough to make you slightly puffed at least five times a week – has the ability to dramatically reduce your chances of acute heart problems.

"One important message to remember however is ‘patience’. No, not patients, but having patience to improve your heart health over time.

"In this era of quick fix, fast food and instant everything, many people seem to forget that our bodies take time to adjust to change.

"If you haven’t been regularly active for some time, start exercise in small doses, and build up gradually. Your body will appreciate it and you’ll be able to see improvements in your fitness over time.

"And of course if you have a history of heart disease or other chronic condition, work with your doctor to make exercise an important part of a healthy work-life balance.

"Make a plan today to commit to regular exercise with your family throughout May and see how much you get out of it," Dr Bastian said.