May is Employee Health and Fitness Month!
The Walk for Health is taking place on Wednesday, May 24th at the Commons Plaza from 12-1pm. Brought to you by RamTech and VCU Human Resources.
How is your Cardiovascular Health?
- 73.5 million (31.7%) of Americans have high cholesterol (LDL or "bad" cholesterol)
- 75 million (29%) of Americans have high blood pressure (hypertension)
Both of these can lead to heart attack, heart failure or stroke. However, it can be prevented through making healthier choices and through exercise!
Tips for a happy and healthy heart:
- Breath slowly and deeply for a few minutes each day - this can help lower blood pressure.
- Eat foods such as fish, nuts, fruits and veggies.
- Add more exercise to your day - exercise that gets your heart rate up (cardio) is the best!
- Stop smoking - if you do smoke, damage to your heart can be repaired.
Trying to quit smoking? The Well is here to help! For students, faculty and staff, the Well offers Quit Kits which can be found at the Well or Student Health Services. The clinic also offers gum, lozenges and other medicines at a reduced cost. You can email quit@vcu.edu or click here for more information.
Move your feet and feel your heart beat with Zumba!
What is Zumba? Zumba is a cardio dance workout. Zumba is a fun way to get your cardio in! Cardio is an effective way to make your heart healthy and happy.
Try it out: Zumba for Beginners class will take place at the Cary St Gym, from 12-1pm on May 16th.
There are even classes offered at the Cary St Gym and Larrick Center (MCV)!
Credits:
10 Small Steps for Better Heart Health from Harvard Health.
Facts on Cholesterol from the CDC.
Facts on Blood pressure from the CDC.
Tobacco Information from the Well at VCU.
10 Myths about Heart Disease from Harvard Health.