Active Living for Cardiac Health
Summarized by Dr. Agnes Coutinho PhD
About Cardiovascular disease (CVD):
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a leading cause of death among Canadians, despite an estimate by the World Health Organization that “80% of cases of coronary heart disease… could be avoided, or postponed” with lifestyle changes.
Currently, cardiologists and cardiac rehabilitation professionals are prescribing walking to prevent, manage and treat CVD. Walking with Urban poles, compared to regular walking activates up to 90% of muscles providing both aerobic and resistance training with the potential to burn up to 46% more calories. This activity provides an excellent tool for healthy weight management.
Evidence-based studies clearly identify Urban Poling, with the proper training, as a healthy mode of physical activity suited for improving quality of life. Urban Poling offers proven health benefits which may include:
- Lower resting heart rate
- Higher VO2 max
- Improved blood lipid profile
- Lower total fat mass/decreased waist circumference
- Higher exercise tolerance
- Increased walking frequency & speed
- Improved mood
Contact: orders@urbanpoling.com for wholesale pricing for community programs
A study published by the University of Ottawa Heart Institute, concluded that walking with poles is superior to standard cardiac rehab, even for those following mild to moderate heart failure. Keast et al. (2013).
After I suffered from 3 heart attacks and a long hospitalization, my muscles had atrophied so that I had lost most of my upper body muscle mass. After my cardiac rehab program, I started to use Urban Pole and the impact was remarkable. Strength once again returned to my upper body and my endurance increased. I do believe that urban poling will eventually bring me back to excellent health.
-Michael Whorms
Walking & exercise based cardiac rehabilitation programs are widely recommended as part of the continuum of cardiovascular care. Urban Poling, engages 90% of your muscles and helps you to burn up to 46% more calories versus walking alone. For this reason, the Cardiac Health Foundation of Canada and Urban Poling are working together to improve the cardiovascular health of Canadians across the country. Urban Poling is a proud supporter of the Cardiac Health National WALK OF LIFE campaign.
-Barbara Kennedy, Executive Director, Cardiac Health Foundation of Canada.
Consult your physician or therapist before using the poles if you currently use a cane or walker, have any medical condition which affects your balance, stability, grip strength, vision, depth perception, judgement or co-ordination, of if you are currently recovering from an injury or surgery.