Each year, February is recognized as American Heart Month and serves as an ideal time to encourage individuals, families, friends, and communities to focus on their heart health. Exercise is a great step towards improving heart health, however, most Americans don’t move enough despite proven benefits.
According to the Physical Activity Guideline for Americans, approximately 80% of US adults and adolescents are insufficiently active. As a result, many individuals currently have or are likely to experience chronic diseases, including heart disease.
How Much Physical Activity Should I Get?
- Children and adolescents (ages 6-17) need at least 60 minutes or more of activity a day.
- Adults should incorporate at least 150 minutes of moderate-intense aerobic activity into their week.
- Older adults (ages 65 and older) should do at least 150 minutes of aerobic activity a week and include muscle-strengthening activities 2 days a week. You should also add some balance training.
- Adults with chronic health conditions and disabilities who are able, should try to do at least 150 minutes of moderate-intense activity a week. Consult with a health care provider about the types and amount of exercise that are appropriate for you.
How Can Physical Therapy help?
Our Physical Therapists create personalized treatment plans that help patients improve mobility, manage pain and other chronic conditions, recover from injury, and prevent future injury and chronic disease.
We’re here to empower people to be active participants in their own treatment and work collaboratively with other health professionals to ensure patients receive comprehensive care.
You owe it to your heart to be committed to anything that helps you live a long and healthy life!