You might be wondering, how are ballroom dancing and diabetes connected? Let alone how can ballroom dancing prevent diabetes. Reflecting on America’s current health situation, it seems like each year there is something new to add to this ever growing list of things to be concerned about, including diabetes.
According to a recent article in the New York Times, obesity rates among Americans are continuing to rise, despite every effort to fight it. And the same goes for Type II diabetes, a disease with a heavy correlation to certain diet and lifestyle choices, namely a lack of exercise and being overweight. According to the American Diabetes Association, there are 1.7 million new cases of diabetes diagnosed each year, the majority of which are Type II diabetes.
These growing numbers are concerning. But the thing is, maybe we are fighting these very preventable diseases all wrong. Change is hard. And if diabetes or the threat of developing diabetes is something you’ve been dealing with for a long time, it can start to seem like an impossible battle to win. Maybe you feel like it’s your job that’s holding your health back — when you sit at a desk for 40 hours a week, it can be hard to find time for exercise. Or maybe it’s your budget — the sad fact of the matter is a fresh salad costs more than a highly processed burger and fries. Whatever the reason may be, if you find yourself struggling with your health, it may be time for a change.
And now that American Diabetes Month (November) will be here before we know it , we think it’s the perfect time to suggest a change to your old habits. Finding something healthy that you actually enjoy doing can make a dramatic difference in your desire to make health a priority. When your workout feels like just that — work — you don’t want to do it! Learning something new and having fun doing it could be just the change you need to get your health on track.
Ballroom dancing is a fantastic and FUN way to get moving! This means the moment you start to dance, you are literally taking the right steps to prevent diabetes, and live a healthier life! Check out these ways ballroom dancing can benefit you!
- Improves Circulation — When you get your heart pumping it increases the blood flow to your muscles, which is significant because a common symptom of diabetes is poor blood flow, especially to the toes and feet. Plus, improved circulation can help fight against some major complications down the road.
- Improves heart health –It’s no secret anymore; getting your heart pumping is great for your heart health. And heart disease, high cholesterol and Type II diabetes tend to go hand-in-hand. Diabetes and even pre-diabetes dramatically increase your risk of developing cardiovascular problems like heart attack, stroke and coronary artery disease. When you dance, you are getting your blood circulating, lowering your blood pressure and reducing your risk for these common killers.
- Helps manage stress — Exercising in a fun, social environment is great for getting your endorphins pumping, and endorphins are your natural stress relievers! High stress levels have been shown to lead to weight gain and poor diet choices, which as we know, can eventually lead to diabetes. And not only that, but diabetes is strongly linked to having a low level of daily activity.
- BONUS: It can even keep Alzheimer’s at bay, too! — While the exact connection between the two is still unclear, studies have found that adults with Type 2 diabetes may have a higher risk of later developing Alzheimer’s disease. Diabetes affects the way your body metabolizes sugar, and as a result, too much sugar remains in the blood. Over time, this can cause serious damage to the brain, allowing Alzheimer’s to develop. So by preventing the onset of Type II diabetes with ballroom dance, you’re also lowering your risk of developing Alzheimer’s!
It’s time to fight back against this highly preventable illness. Ballroom dance is a great way to prevent Type II diabetes and have fun doing it!!
We would love to take your first steps with you at Lake Shore Dance Academy! Contact us today to begin your ballroom dancing journey!