Column: Dr Kimberley Watkins On Heart Month
[Column written by Dr Kimberley Watkins]
February is Heart Month – a time to raise awareness about cardiovascular health and empower our community to take steps toward a stronger, healthier heart. With Valentine’s Day also falling in February, it’s the perfect moment to show your heart some extra love through healthy habits. At the Bermuda Physiotherapy Association, we are passionate about helping people improve their well-being through education and movement. This Heart Month, we want to highlight the key role of physical exercise in preventing heart disease and encouraging long-term cardiovascular health.
Why heart health matters
Heart disease remains one of the leading causes of death worldwide, but it is also one of the most preventable. Risk factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obesity, and a sedentary lifestyle all contribute to cardiovascular disease. The good news is that regular physical activity can help manage—and even reverse—many of these risk factors.
How exercise protects your heart
Physical exercise strengthens the heart muscle, helps maintain healthy blood pressure, improves circulation, and reduces harmful cholesterol levels. It also helps regulate blood sugar, reduces stress, and supports a healthy weight. Over time, these benefits can significantly lower your risk of developing heart disease.
Recommended activity levels
The World Health Organization and leading health authorities such as the American Heart Association recommend at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity each week for adults. This can be broken down into simple activities such as walking, cycling, dancing, or swimming. Even short bursts of activity—like taking the stairs or doing household chores—can add up and produce a change; every little bit counts. Think about parking your car farther from the office so you have to walk, or walking during your lunch break. Enjoy the beauty of Bermuda on the railway trail or set a goal to sign up for a charity walk with a friend.
How physiotherapy can help
If you are new to exercise, have a chronic health condition, or are recovering from an injury, a physiotherapist can help guide you with a safe and effective programme adapted to your needs. Physiotherapists assess your fitness level, set achievable goals, and help you build confidence in your ability to move. They also teach proper technique to lower the risk of injury and maximise the benefits of exercise.
Get moving this heart month
Here are a few tips to help you get started:
- Choose activities that you enjoy—consistency matters most!
- Create realistic goals and track your progress.
- Involve friends or family for support and motivation.
- Don’t let setbacks stop you; every step counts.
Let’s make Heart Month a step towards lifelong heart health. Speak to your local physiotherapist today to learn more about how exercise can benefit your heart and general well-being.
Bermuda Physiotherapy Association – supporting movement throughout your life!
- Dr Kimberley Watkins
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