Modifiable health risk behaviors: Part 1

Modifiable health risk behaviors are the behaviors we engage in and we have the power to change. Commercials and advertisements love to scare us with facts and statistics into changing our behaviors. Although common, this isn’t always effective in motivating people to change. Personally, I believe in educating people on all aspects of health and that will ultimately empower someone to change their behaviors. Which brings us to two very broad questions. What behaviors and why change?

Lack of physical activity

Physical activity is different for everyone. Some people love it. Some people hate it. Some people have never tried it and think they hate it. Everyone has a different opinion. So what happens when we don’t exercise? Have you heard the phrase “use it or lose it” when talking about exercising your muscles?

When our muscles are unused for only a few days, the muscle mass begins to break down and does not repair itself like it would if you had been exercising. Think of that time you broke your arm and had it in a cast for a while. When you took the cast off, was your arm much smaller than the other? Yes! Our muscles are constantly building, tearing and repairing themselves and in order to achieve our optimal strength. Even in daily activities, physical activity and exercise are critical.

Why should you change? Disease is looming. Physical activity and exercise are an incredible natural medicine. When we start to get a cold, we begin taking Vitamin C and giving our bodies extra rest. Think about looming diseases in this sense and consider exercise as your immune system boost. As Latinas and women, we are at a higher risk of heart disease, diabetes, some cancers and other chronic diseases. When we aren’t getting our recommended amounts of physical activity, we are increasing our risk of potential disease.

According to the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, all adults should receive 2 hours and 30 minutes of moderate to intense physical activity per week.  Have you had enough?  Did you know that cleaning, gardening and walking the dog are all moderate exercises?  Intense physical activity is very different and your body needs it just as much. Studies show the benefits of moderate to high intensity work outs can reduce pain among patients with many diseases, even cancer. High intensity exercise increases your bone density as well which is something us women have to worry about. Avoid osteoporosis, look great and feel great.

Change your behavior and modify your health risks.

-The Healthy Latina

Your corazon needs some love

February is National Heart Health Month! While everyone else is out shopping for the perfect gift for their amor, take some time this month to show your own corazon some love. Your heart is the most important muscle in your body to care for and protect. Next time your novio makes your heart skip a beat, think about what’s really happening to your corazon.

Why heart health?

Hispanic women are likely to develop heart disease 10 years earlier than non-hispanic women according to the American Heart Association.More women die of heart disease in the United States than all cancers combined.

Myth vs Realities Infographic

What is heart disease?

When we think of heart disease, it’s easy to automatically assume we’re talking about heart attacks and leave it at that. Heart disease can come in many shapes and forms as well as under many different names. Also referred to as coronary heart disease, cardiovascular disease and heart infections, heart disease can also be heart defects you are born with (congenital heart disease) and even irregular heart beats. Cardiovascular disease is a type of heart disease that can lead to stroke, heart attack and chest pains.

How to prevent heart disease?

Heart disease does not have a cure, but that does not mean it can’t be prevented. As Latinas, we are already at a higher risk than other populations because of our genes, so we absolutely need to focus on prevention.

  • Don’t smoke- Smoking increases your risk on top of everything and will cause other complications in your body as well. Many governments, companies and organizations are taking measures to prevent smoking and offer free materials to help.
  • Maintain a healthy weight- Living a healthy lifestyle can do wonders for your weight and prevent so many other diseases like diabetes, hypertension and high cholesterol. Eat healthy and live longer.
  • Exercise at least 30 minutes a day, everyday- Even skinny women are at a risk of heart disease because they don’t exercise. Take a minute to think about the last time you exercised. What did you do? How did you feel before? How did you feel after? How did you feel days after? Your body is a well oiled machine and the more often you exercise and use your heart, the more likely it will love you back in the future.
  • Manage stress- When you’re stressed out, ever feel like your heart is working overtime? It feels like that because it is. Your stress levels play a huge role in your overall heart health. Make sure you take time out of your day for a little relaxation and me time.
  • Visit your doctor- Talk with your doctor about your health. Set up at least one visit a year to focus on what you can be doing for disease prevention and how to reach optimal health. The doctor is always there for you when you are sick, but if you don’t go in to discuss all the aspects of your health, they may not be helping you as much as you need.

Get involved

Friday was National Wear Red Day to support healthy hearts around the nation. Since we already look great in red, take some time to check out different eventshappening in your area and let your loved ones know about heart disease. It can be prevented, so show your own heart some love and start with you!

-The Healthy Latina