Healthcare

Cardiovascular Health: 5 Reasons to Lose Weight

HealthcareMarch 09, 2014

As a professional working in the healthcare industry, you may have to deal with patients whose ailments are magnified because they are overweight. Since most people have, at one time or another, been on a diet, here are some tips you might be able to pass on to your patients. And while nothing is guaranteed, hopefully at least some of them will heed your recommendations to lose weight and take control of their own cardiovascular health.

Look and Feel Better

Let's face it: if patients were to lose some of those extra pounds, not only will they feel better, but they'll look better, too. Don't forget to suggest your patients look in the mirror after they've lost a few pounds. They might be pleasantly surprised at how good they look!

Exercise, Exercise, Exercise

We all know it's extremely heart-healthy to spend at least 30 minutes a day a few times a week doing some sort of activity to promote good cardiovascular health. If a patient belongs to a gym, that's great; if they don't and commute to work, suggest they get off the train or the bus a few stops earlier and walk the rest of the way. And while a patient may be tempted not to exercise on the days they feel sluggish, those are exactly the days they need to exercise the most — even if it's only for 15 minutes.

Eat Healthy

While most of us crave desserts and other fattening foods, there is a balance that most people can learn to live with. While it's important to realize that everyone's metabolism is different, smaller portions, less carbs and more whole grains coupled with fresh fruits and vegetables are all the making of a solid, healthy diet.

Stress Is A Factor

Don't underestimate the power that stress has on a patient's diet. You could be treating someone who has a very stressful job, which often contributes not only to weight gain but sometimes has the unpleasant side effect of high blood pressure, too. Convincing your patients that stress can be effectively dealt with by regular exercise (even if it's just a walk around the office building on a particularly anxiety-filled day) can do wonders.

Building Self Esteem

Simply put, it's important to keep your heart healthy and beating! It's also equally important that if you advise your patients that weight loss and regular exercise will probably make them feel better about themselves. As a health care professional working in the industry, being proactive and encouraging your patients well-being will, in most cases, build their self-esteem.

When you're taking care of people, it's always nice for them to appreciate not only your skill and training, but your compassion, too. Don't be surprised if they even thank you for all your advice!

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