The Real Chic Life

Happy Heart Health Awareness Month! This month we’ll be sharing more health and wellness tips and I’m excited to partner with Easy Spirit for their Move For Heart Campaign. This February a portion of the proceeds from Easy Spirit’s Limited Edition Romy Walking Shoe will support Mount Sinai’s Fuster Heart Hospital, directly impacting their work to prevent and treat heart disease in women. 

Heart disease remains one of the leading causes of death worldwide. But the good news is that it is often preventable and manageable with lifestyle changes. Among these changes, regular movement or physical activity plays a pivotal role. 

These vibrant Romy walking shoes are perfect for my daily jaunts around the neighborhood. My complete wellness routine consists of a mix of weekly interval running, cycling, pilates, and of course my daily walks too. The Romy Walking Shoe has comfort cushioning and is ultra-flexible and lightweight- allowing them to fit seamlessly into my move for heart health walking routine.

While walking can be an enjoyable physical activity, preventing Heart Disease is something I take very seriously. Like many of you, I have a family history of risk factors that lead to the disease. It’s one of the reasons I started on my plant-based journey almost thirty years ago. Now, I’ve incorporated fish once or twice a week too. But it has never been just about diet for me; it’s important for me to #MoveForHeart daily- just like the campaign message says.

Here are a few more important things to know about the benefits of Moving for Heart:

1. Strengthens the Heart Muscle

Your heart is a muscle, and like any other muscle in your body, it gets stronger with regular use. Physical activity improves the heart’s ability to pump blood efficiently, ensuring that oxygen and nutrients are delivered throughout your body. Over time, this reduces the strain on your heart and lowers your risk of cardiovascular diseases.

2. Lowers Blood Pressure

Hypertension (high blood pressure) is a major risk factor for heart disease. Regular physical activity helps reduce blood pressure by improving the elasticity of your blood vessels and promoting better blood flow. Even moderate activities like walking or gardening can make a significant difference.

3. Improves Cholesterol Levels

Exercise helps regulate cholesterol by increasing HDL (the “good” cholesterol) and lowering LDL (the “bad” cholesterol). This balance is crucial for preventing the buildup of plaque in your arteries, which can lead to heart attacks or strokes.

4. Helps Manage Weight

Excess body weight puts additional stress on your heart and increases your risk of developing heart disease. Regular movement burns calories, aids in maintaining a healthy weight, and reduces visceral fat around vital organs, including the heart.

5. Reduces Stress and Improves Mental Health

Stress can lead to unhealthy habits like overeating, smoking, or excessive alcohol consumption, all of which harm the heart. Exercise is a natural stress reliever, promoting the release of endorphins that improve mood and reduce anxiety. A calmer mind can lead to healthier choices for your heart.

6. Enhances Blood Circulation

Physical activity encourages better circulation by improving the flexibility of your blood vessels. This reduces the risk of blood clots and ensures that your heart doesn’t have to work as hard to circulate blood.

7. Controls Blood Sugar Levels

High blood sugar can damage the blood vessels and nerves that control your heart. Regular movement helps your body use insulin more effectively, lowering blood sugar levels and reducing the risk of diabetes—a significant contributor to heart disease.

If you’re new to exercise or have been diagnosed with heart disease, it’s essential to start slowly and consult your doctor before beginning any new activity. 

Here are some simple ways to get moving:

• Take the stairs instead of the elevator.
• Go for a 10-minute walk after meals.
• Try yoga or stretching exercises to increase flexibility.
• Join a dance class or a local fitness group for social motivation.

Even small amounts of physical activity like walking your dog, can make a difference over time. The key is consistency. Find an activity you enjoy, make it a habit, and celebrate the progress you’re making for your heart and overall health.

Join the Easy Spirit #MoveForHeart movement today for a healthier tomorrow by sharing your “why”.

I Move For Heart because my children and grandchildren deserve a happy, healthy example of what aging can look and feel like. And it’s up to me to do my part to change our family history of heart disease. 

I’d love to hear why you Move For Health, or what you plan to do to get yourself moving more this month. And don’t forget that this year’s Romy Walking Shoe (here) supports Mount Sinai’s Fuster Heart Hospital too. It’s a great way to give back. 

Until Next Post, 

Xo Tonya Parker