Page 34 - February Sun Rays
P. 34
Go with
the flow!
By Mike Gullickson An activity as simple as walking helps with cardiovascular health. If you don’t
like the cold weather or hot Texas summers, consider using the treadmills at
When I told my wife I was going back into the fitness centers.
circulation, I ducked just in time to avoid a
serving platter sailing towards me. “Over cells and combats disease and infection stretching for you? Massage therapy has
my dead body,” she said. I considered, then throughout the body. been clinically proven to have a positive
realized I had misspoken. I told her that impact on your cardiovascular system,
what I’d meant to say was that I was While some changes to this system are boosting vascular function and reducing
writing an article about circulation for the the natural byproduct of aging, many soreness after exercise. For a mini-
Sun Rays. She settled down and I swept issues can be avoided. Numbness and/or massage at home, try moving a massage
up the shattered platter. sensitivity to cold in the hands and feet, roller back and forth with your feet. I find
varicose veins, cardiovascular disease it works better in bare or stockinged feet.
In researching circulation I came across and cognitive decline are all related to If you don’t have a massage roller, you
many conflicting and poorly written poor circulation. Factors such as smoking, can substitute with a tennis ball or even
articles. When it comes to health topics, obesity, high levels of stress and an inactive a soup can... I’m sure you’ve got some old
you have to research the research. Another lifestyle can exacerbate poor circulation chicken noodle lying around that would be
thing you should look out for are pitchmen and cause serious, even life-threatening perfect for this. In addition to improving
trying to sell their miracle products that health issues. By making simple, health- foot circulation and reducing numbness
are questionably effective and definitely minded lifestyle changes, you can get your or tingling, this activity will also loosen
overpriced. In this article I’ll try to blood moving again. achy foot muscles.
condense what I’ve learned through my
own research and personal experience. The fastest way to influence your For all of us who spend too much time
circulation is through exercise - and no, I sitting, try fidgeting. Swivel in your chair
When people think about the health of don’t mean channel surfing or holding a or move your legs one at a time. Be sure
their body, they often focus on specific sofa down. You’ve got to get up and move to move your legs when you travel as well
parts - brain, heart, lungs, knees, etc. It’s your body. Go for a walk or head out to to prevent blood from pooling in your
important to remember, however, that all one of our fitness centers and use the extremities. Soft, gentle movements will
these parts are housed in one body and stationary bikes, treadmills or elliptical keep things moving without disturbing
fueled by one circulatory system. Your machines. Your goal is 30 minutes a day of your travel companions.
circulatory system provides you with vital cardiovascular work. If the ellipticals are
oxygen and nutrients, removes waste from too much for you, start simple. Any activity Remember: when it comes to circulation,
that elevates your heart rate will increase it’s improve it or lose it. If your blood stops
Fitness Center suggestions the blood flow throughout your body. moving, so will you.
for cardiovascular workouts
Zumba Stretching is another great way to improve Always consult with your doctor about
Mon., Wed. 9:15 a.m. • CC circulation, as it increases blood flow to health concerns or before beginning an
Tue. 1 & 2 p.m., Th. 2 p.m. • TD your muscles. Want someone else to do the exercise regimen.
Fri. 8 a.m. • TD
Cross Training • CC
Monday, Wednesday 4:15 p.m.
Friday 9:15 a.m.
Aqua Fitness • CC, TD
Various times
32 | SUNRAYS FEBRUARY 2017 ONLINE: SCTEXAS.ORG
