Golf Great For Heart Health,
by Jessica Kilcoyne

Despite the fact today’s professional golfers are seen first as athletes and second as golf pros, the game of golf is still perceived as a leisure-time activity. In fact, for golfers of all abilities, the game can actually be a heart-healthy sport.

Golf, for many, is a physical activity necessary for keeping healthy and reducing the chance of becoming a victim of Canada’s No. 1 killer: cardiovascular disease. Indeed, cardiovascular disease – heart disease and stroke – accounts for 31% of all deaths in Canada. Every seven minutes in Canada, someone dies from this disease.

Did you know that nine out of 10 Canadians over the age of 20 have at least one risk factor for cardiovascular disease (risk factors which include smoking, alcohol, physical inactivity, obesity, high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol and diabetes)? Sally Brown, CEO of the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada, recognizes that this disease is avoidable. She says, “We now know that up to 80 per cent of premature heart disease and stroke are preventable.”

“Preventable cardiovascular diseases are robbing families of their loved ones and is costing our society and our economy billions,” concludes Dr. Eldon Smith, chair of the Canadian Heart Health Strategy and Action Plan Steering Committee. “It’s up to everyone, from policy makers to individual Canadians to make the changes we need to build a heart healthy Canada.”

As risk factors for cardiovascular disease can all be controlled, the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Ontario recommends some tips on combating risks associated with cardiovascular disease – and increased physical activity is the most important rule of thumb.

You don’t have to work up a sweat every day in order to gain the benefits of physical activity. The Heart and Stroke Foundation recommends adults get 30 to 60 minutes a day of light to moderate physical activity most days of the week. The payoff will be immense, as the benefits of regular physical activity may begin within the first week.

Golf can be a great activity which provides that much-needed activity throughout the week. Being physically active on the golf course will not only help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, but will also increase energy, improve sleep and reduce stress levels – all of which can also help improve your game and lower your scores.

Golfing provides a great workout, since the average golf course sees those walking the course trek 5 to 6 kilometres while taking (on average) 100 strokes. Pass on the golf cart and opt for a brisk walk while carrying, pushing or pulling your clubs around the 18-hole track: this will make for some great physical activity you can add to your week.

So, the next time your ball lands in the woods or off course in that dreaded hazard, just remember that those extra steps taken to retrieve your ball may not help with your score, but they could help save your life.

Jessica Kilcoyne is a current student of the Corporate Communication and Public Relations graduate program at Fanshawe College of Applied Arts & Technology in London, Ontario

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