Now is a great time to focus on what health tips you can use to focus on your heart health and lower your risk for heart disease and heart attack.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, heart disease is the leading cause of death for men, women, and people of most racial and ethnic groups in the United States.
Heart Health Resulting From Maintain Healthy Habits
Focusing on heart health and a healthy lifestyle is something everyone can do to help prevent heart disease and your YMCA is here to help. Getting regular physical activity can help maintain a healthy weight, lower blood pressure and cholesterol, and blood sugar levels. All of which are important parts of a healthy lifestyle.
The Surgeon General recommends adults get two and a half hours of moderate-intensity exercise every week.
While most people know that you can get a great cardiovascular workout on equipment in our wellness centers like treadmills, stationary bikes, step mills, and more, there are other fun ways to get your cardio workout in at the Y. If you are falling into a rut with your exercise program, try one of these other options to get a great workout in and have fun.
- Group Exercise Classes – Check out group exercise schedules for your center under the Schedules & Downloads tab or on our app.
- Water Fitness Classes – Check out water fitness classes for your center on the pool schedule under the Schedules & Downloads tab or on our app.
- Basketball, Pickleball & More – Many centers offer times for pick-up games of basketball, pickleball, and other sports. Check out the gym schedule for your center under the Schedules & Downloads tab or on our app.
- Small-Group Training – Do you like working out as a team to keep you motivated? Check out the Y+Studio schedule for your center under the Schedules & Downloads tab or on our app. The first class is free to try!
- YMCA360 – Check out the new virtual YMCA experience to keep you active at home too.
Heart Attack Warning Signs
Someone in the US has a heart attack every 40 seconds according to the CDC. Learning the warning signs and getting help immediately can be the difference in life or death. Call 911 if you experience any of these heart attack warning signs:
- Chest discomfort
- Discomfort in other areas of the upper body
- Shortness of breath
- Other possible signs including breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness
Learn Life-Saving Skills
Another important skill for heart health is knowing how to perform CPR. Administration of CPR can save a life.
“Immediate CPR can double or triple chances of survival after cardiac arrest.” – American Heart Association
Heartsaver CPR/AED classes are available at several YMCA of Greater Indianapolis locations.
