Early Scheduling Gets More Patients to Cardiac Rehab

English: Front of the Mayo Clinic Methodist Hospital in Rochester, Minnesota (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Last Updated: 2012-12-28 14:10:20 -0400 (Reuters Health)

By Andrew M. Seaman

NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Scheduling heart patients' first cardiac rehabilitation session within 10 days of hospital discharge gets more of them to show up, according to a new study.

Researchers found the earlier scheduling led to an 18 percent increase in attendance at that first cardiac rehab orientation session, compared to appointments that were scheduled a month or more after discharge.

May is High Blood Pressure Education Month

CDC Features - Strategies to Prevent Obesity in the United States

Changing Your Habits: Steps to Better Health

Do you want to eat healthier or become more active?

Most Americans have tried to eat healthier or be more physically active at some point in their lives. Why, then, do many of us eat high-fat and high-calorie foods and have such a hard time fitting in exercise? You may be wondering: is it even possible to change your habits?

The answer is yes! Change is always possible, and a person is never too out-of-shape, overweight, or old to make healthy changes.

This fact sheet offers strategies to help you improve your eating and physical activity habits. Whether you feel like change is a world away or just around the corner, the information here can help you get started.

Active at Any Size

Active at Any Size

 WOULD you like to be more physically active, but are not sure if you can do it?

Good news-if you are a very large person, you can be physically active-and you can have fun and feel good doing it.

THERE may be special challenges for very large people who are physically active. You may not be able to bend or move in the same way that other people can. It may be hard to find clothes and equipment for exercising. You may feel self-conscious being physically active around other people.

Facing these challenges is hard-but it can be done! The information in this booklet may help you start being more active and healthier-no matter what your size!

Use the World Around You to Stay Healthy and Fit

Physical activity and healthy eating can be easy, inexpensive, and fun! If you live in a rural community or do not have access to weights, a treadmill, or chain grocery stores, use what you already have to stay healthy.

Small changes can make a big difference:

•  Put more muscle into household chores like raking leaves or washing the car.
•  Find a walking buddy to help you stay on track with your physical activity routine.
•  Eat fresh fruits and vegetables from a local farmers market, or start your own family garden.
•  Choose whole-wheat options when buying bread, tortillas, pasta, and rice.

Get on Track to a Healthier You

We challenge you to improve your health!
Get on track to a healthier you with these health and fitness tips for men.

SIZE UP THE COMPETITION.
Does your waist measure more than 40 inches?
If yes, you may be at greater risk for diabetes, high blood pressure, stroke, early death, and other problems.

PICTURE THE FINISH LINE.
What are your health and physical activity goals?
Do you want to improve your health, lose weight, or maintain weight after weight loss?

ON YOUR MARK…GET SET…
Based on your goal, choose your track and activity.
• Improving Your Health = 30+ minutes of moderate aerobic activity 5 or more days a week
• Increasing Your Goals = 60+ minutes of moderate aerobic activity 5 or more days a week
• Building Muscles = 2 or more days a week at a moderate or high intensity

Aerobic activities like brisk walking, playing basketball, and bicycling move your large muscles and make your heart beat faster. To build muscle strength, try weight training, working with resistance bands, or doing push-ups.

Make healthy eating choices.
• Eat more whole grains, vegetables, fruits, lean meats, seafood, beans and peas, nuts, and low-fat or nonfat dairy products.
• Eat fewer solid fats (butter, margarine) and refined grains (white flour and rice).
• Eat and drink less sugar and salt, including sugary sodas and juices.

LEAP OVER YOUR HURDLES.
Create a plan to beat the barriers that you may meet along the way.
• Stay energized by playing ball or working out with friends.
• Chart your steps in a food journal or exercise log to stay on track.

CROSS THE FINISH LINE.
The new and improved you is in sight!
• Reward yourself as you reach your goals.
• Keep up the good work. Remember that physical
activity and eating are key to getting on track to a healthier you.

Parents…Splash into a Healthy Summer with These Healthy Ideas!

Tips for Healthy Family Summer Fun

Have fun in the sun! Play outdoors during morning and evening hours to avoid heat exhaustion. Don’t forget the sunscreen.

Eat breakfast every morning to charge up your family. Then go for a swim, hike, or bike ride.

Add seasonal produce to your family’s meals. Make half of their plates fruit and vegetables.

Limit screen time on TVs, computers, and hand-held devices. Take crafts outdoors. Jump rope or play hopscotch or kickball.

Take your kids to a local park or walking path to increase their active time in the summer.

Help your kids drink plenty of fluids. Choose water or low-fat milk instead of sugary drinks like soda.

You can help your family have fun and be healthy this summer.

Exercise Guide for Adults

Wondering about how much activity you need each week?
Want to get physically active but not sure where to begin?
Already started a program and would like tips on how to keep it up or step it up?
Then this webpage is for you.

Read how you can fit physical activity into your life—your way.
Decide the number of days, types of activities, and times that fit your schedule.
Written for men and women ages 18 to 64, this webpage is based on the 2008 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans released by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

What is physical activity?
Physical activity is any form of exercise or movement of the body that uses energy. Some of your daily life activities—doing active chores around the house, yard work, walking the dog—are examples. To get the health benefits of physical activity, include activities that make you breathe harder and make your heart and blood vessels healthier. These aerobic activities include things like brisk walking, running, dancing, swimming, and playing basketball. Also include strengthening activities to make your muscles stronger, like push-ups and lifting weights.

Did you know?
• Some activity is better than none.
• The more you do, the greater the health benefits and the better you’ll feel.

The good news?
People of all types, shapes, sizes, and abilities can benefit from being physically active. If you have a disability, choose activities in this booklet that work for you. Talk with your health care team about the amount and types of activities that are right for your ability or condition.