19 Apr 2016 Number crunching for a healthier you

by Karl Lenser

To be able to adopt and live a healthy lifestyle, it is important to become more physically active and adjust nutritional intake to reduce risk factors for cardiovascular disease and other hypokinetic (not enough activity) diseases. Performing cardio and strength workouts are vital in burning calories, strengthening the heart and lungs and reducing the risk for hypertension, diabetes, osteoporosis and others.

But how much exercise is required to gain these health benefits? Research shows that just three or four days per week will help individuals reduce their risk for heart disease and improve their fitness level. “Get moving and start improving” is the main message. Some activity is better than nothing.

Nutritional concerns for health are also linked to quantities such as calories, cholesterol, sodium, fat intake, etc. Individuals should be aware of intake guidelines in a variety of nutritional areas in order to maximize health. Cholesterol, sodium, saturated fat, calcium, protein and fiber are some of the nutritional categories that are important to health. The key is to know how much you need per day.