Beating The Heat- Staying Heart Healthy All Year Long

Summer is now in full gear! Arkansas's summer sun is now on full display almost fourteen hours a day, and the rising temperatures can make physical activity a chore. Here is how you can stay heart healthy this summer, and beat the heat!

Move More. 

The American Heart Association's Healthy For Good Movement tells all- moving more is a key component to a heart healthy lifestyle. A great starting goal is 2.5 hours/week. Although everyone has to start somewhere! Start at your own pace and continuously build time and difficulty. 

Tips for Moving More Outdoors:

1. Hydration! Staying hydrated is crucial to staying healthy and maintaining the function of every system in your body, including your heart, brain, and muscles. Good hydration means getting the right amount of water before, during, and afterexercise. Water regulates your body temperature and boosts your immune system! It helps transport nutrients to give you energy and keep you healthy, so next time you're in a rush to workout- think twice about leaving your water bottle at home.
2. Warm up AND cool down! Warming up before any workout or sport is critical for preventing injury and preparing your body for the upcoming activity! A warm-up gradually revs up your cardiovascular system by raising your body temperature and increasing blood flow to your muscles. Warming up may also help reduce muscle soreness and decrease your risk of injury. Cooling down after your workout allows for a gradual recovery of pre-exercise heart rate and blood pressure. 
3. Timing! When working out at the peak of afternoon may suggest more calories burning due to the heat, it increases your risk for heat stroke. An important rule of thumb to keep in mind is to avoid outdoor workouts from 12pm to 3pm- which are usually the warmest times of the day. Opt for an early morning workout, or if you aren't quite the early bird, try a sundown activity. 

Thank you so much for reading today's heart healthy blog! I

encourage you all to follow the American Heart Association and Go Red For Women's social media, as well as Helping Hands Saving Heart's Facebook and Instagram for more heart healthy tips!

Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/helpinghandssavinghearts/

Instagram: @helpinghandssavingheartsorg

Be sure to keep up with my journey to Miss Teen International on Instagram! @missteenarintl2017