February is American Heart Month! Heart health is paramount to a healthy lifestyle and quality of life, and so much at – well, the heart – of what we do at the YMCA of Central Kentucky. In the interest of a heart-healthier Central Kentucky and YMCA family, we offer four easy activities to implement on your wellness journey. Can’t do all this month? That is okay! Choose one that feels achievable and commit to it.
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Get Moving: Being physically active every day is not only fun, it can also improve the function of your heart. Plan and schedule opportunities for active play; for example, include a brisk 10-minute trip around the block after meals or a 10-minute walking break during the day. Or head to a YMCA of Central KY! From group exercise classes to wellness equipment to pools, tracks, and gyms, there are many ways to get moving and never be bored! Don’t miss: The C.M. Gatton Beaumont YMCA is offering a Winter 2022 Youth Fitness Club for members, ages 8-14.
Know Your Numbers: Take an active and proactive approach to your health metrics. Lowering or maintaining normal blood pressure can greatly reduce your risk for heart disease and stroke, so get comfortable with those readings. Don’t miss: Get your glucose and blood pressure checked from Nancy Durall, RDN, LD Registered/Licensed Dietitian with CHI Saint Joseph Health anytime between 7 a.m. - noon at the following locations:
Wednesday, Feb. 9 - High Street YMCA
Wednesday, Feb. 16 – Whitaker Family YMCA
Friday, Feb. 25 – C.M. Gatton Beaumont YMCA
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Revamp your Recipes: Makeover your family’s favorite recipes by reducing the amount of salt and saturated fat and substituting a lower fat food without sacrificing tastes. For example, use low-fat yogurt instead of sour cream and skip the seasoning packet and use pepper and olive oil instead. Read food labels to learn more about what is in the package, select foods that have less than 1,000 mg of sodium per serving.
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Quality Time: Spending time together as a family or with friends can help reduce stress, which is important to heart health. Don’t miss: swim in one of our indoor pools as a family, or catch a group exercise class with some friends. Check out all the YMCA of Central KY locations’ schedules here.
For other ideas and inspiration to stay active and connected with loved ones this month, see what is happening at your Y. Find more on heart health from the American Heart Association.