SANTA FE – The New Mexico Department of Health’s (NMHealth) Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention Program is highlighting the benefits of walking, even for just 15 minutes a day, to improve health and well-being. According to Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention Program Manager Lindsey Goodhue, “Walking is one of the best ways to manage stress, reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke and boost your mood.”
Goodhue further emphasizes, "Even moderate exercise helps you to manage stress, and benefits your heart, body and mind."
Wednesday, April 3 is recognized as National Walking Day, an initiative established by the American Heart Association (AHA) to raise awareness about heart disease, the leading cause of death in New Mexico in 2021. NMHealth's Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention Program collaborates with partners to promote healthy living and prevent and control risk factors associated with heart disease and stroke.
The program underscores the importance of regular physical activity in maintaining overall health and reducing stress levels. Chronic stress can have adverse effects on both emotional and physical well-being, increasing the risk of heart attack and stroke. Encouragingly, a recent study revealed that substituting just 30 minutes of sitting with low-intensity physical activity can reduce the risk of death by 17%.
The article stresses the significance of incorporating more physical activity into daily routines, as sedentary behavior can have negative implications on physical and mental health. By increasing activity levels, individuals can experience improved health outcomes and potentially reduce healthcare costs in the United States.
Regular exercise not only enhances mood and energy levels but also contributes to better sleep quality. Goodhue reiterates, "Even moderate exercise will help you to manage stress, and benefit your heart, body and mind."
For more information on heart disease prevention and the benefits of physical activity, individuals are encouraged to visit NMHealth’s Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention Program and the American Heart Association's websites.
If further information is required, inquiries can be directed to David Barre at (505) 699-9237 (Office).