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Fitness After 50 - Walking Versus Angioplasty October 07, 2009 |
If Not Now, When?
Fitness-After-50 - Thomas D. Manfredi, Publisher tom@fitness-after-50.com www.fitness-after-50.com October 7, 2009; Vol. 5, Issue 10 Usually published the first Wednesday of every month THIS ISSUE: Walking Versus AngioplastyYou've received this newsletter because you've SUBSCRIBED to it. Please add "newsletter@fitness-after-50.com" to your whitelist or address book in your e-mail program, so that you have no trouble receiving future issues! To manage your subscription, go to the bottom of this document. Please pass on this issue to friends and associates -- just keep the entire message intact. If you received this issue from a friend or associate and you want to get on the list to receive this newsletter regularly, just go to Sign up Table of Contents:1) Editor's Note Editor's Note
Hi,
The weather is starting to be a little “less warm” here. I can't, in all good conscience say cooler, because we're just now starting to not get into triple digits every day. The last week has been really nice with highs in the mid 90's and lows around 65. Believe me, with our single digit humidity, that's very comfortable. Speaking of humidity, my wife and I are leaving for Maui shortly. We haven't been there in 15 years, so we are really looking forward to the trip. If we need an excuse to go, it's to celebrate our 43rd wedding anniversary, which is on October 8th. She thinks she finally has me trained, but I think it will probably take at least another 20 or 25 years.
I had another visit with my knee doctor this week. My left knee is recovering from the surgery, but not as quickly as the right one did. I guess I'll just keep doing my physical therapy exercises. I'm using my exercise bike for a half hour each day, and I'm also walking for a half hour per day. That's in addition to the various strengthening exercises I have to do.
Doing a half hour of walking per day reminds about the subject of my article for this newsletter. I'll be talking about walking versus angioplasty for improving the health of heart patients. I hope you find the information interesting. I'm also introducing one of my new marketing partners in the newsletter this month. It's Nutrisystem Good luck, keep exercising, and remember – "If not now, when?". Food for ThoughtWhere you've been is not half as important as where you are going. Feature Article - Walking Versus Angioplastyby Thomas D. Manfredi, MS
Do you know what angioplasty is? It's a medical procedure in which a small balloon is used to flatten a blockage in an artery around the heart that has reduced the heart's blood supply. The artery is then propped open by a mesh tube called a stent. Unfortunately, in 20% to 40% of people who have an angioplasty procedure, the blockage will return in less than 6 months and then the blockage problem will need to be readdressed. Bummer!
So what's the solution? Well, there isn't a single solution, but there is one that works better, is cheaper, and lasts longer. What is this magic cure? As you may have guessed from the title of this article, it's walking, or any other form of moderate physical exercise that is done for 30 minutes a day at least 5 times each week.
In one 2004 study, 90% of heart patience who regularly rode bicycles were clear of heart problems a year after beginning their cycling programs. Only 70% of patients who had angioplasties were still free of heart problems a year later.
And, keep in mind that angioplasty only opens up one vessel blockage, while exercise provides a variety of benefits, including: Other research has indicated that about a third of heart disease and cases of stroke could be avoided if only people would walk briskly for 30 minutes per day. Two thirds of heart patients planning to have angioplasties would probably get more benefit from regular exercise.
One of the problems seems to be that most patients want the quick fix. It's easier to get your artery fixed than it is to exercise every day.
If you find yourself with heart problems that might be “fixed” by angioplasty, you might want to consider a non medical fix, such as walking, biking, swimming, or rowing for 30 minutes per day (or do a combination of these, so you don't get bored). Check with your doctor to see if this is a viable option for you. Better yet, start exercising for 30 minutes a day now so that you can increase your odds of not having this problem in the future.
TeleclassesI will be announcing upcoming teleclasses in this section in
the future. Questions and AnswersQuestion – What are some of the things that should be included in a healthy diet?
About Our Services
On line fitness coach Tom Manfredi is the creator of the site
"fitness-after-50". This site is designed with the mature
adult in mind. There is a lot of information available on the
site for anyone looking to start or restart a sensible exercise
program. Learn more by going to
www.fitness-after-50.com Other Services and Information
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Your feedback is always welcome and appreciated! Write me at tom@fitness-after-50.com. "Fitness-After-50" respects your privacy and does not give out or sell our subscribers' names and/or e-mail addresses. Copyright (c) 2005 - 2009 Thomas D. Manfredi, MS. All rights reserved. |
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