Don Steely, M.D., is a highly experienced interventional cardiologist with the Conway Regional Cardiovascular Clinic.
Q: Can you speak to the benefits of cycling?
A: The American Heart Association did a study of various types of exercise and concluded that regardless of what type of exercise you choose there is a 30 percent reduction in mortality if you do some kind of exercise for 30 minutes five times a week. It can be as simple as walking or weightlifting. There are a few things that we can do in medicine that reduce the mortality rate by 30 percent.
The benefit of cycling is that it is affordable and it is something that we can do throughout Conway. It is also easier on your knees and it’s fun.
Q: What’s the most important thing to remember about cycling?
A: You need to get a bike that fits you. Before you purchase a bike, you should go to a bike shop, like The Ride here in Conway and get fitted. Our cycling shops are very good at getting the fit right. They can help you get rigged outright and make sure you get the right safety equipment.
Q: How do I know what type of safety equipment I need?
A: Again the bike shops are a great resource to make sure you get the right safety equipment. Helmets are critical. Head injuries are game-changers for your life. Something as simple as a $25 helmet can save you.
Conway Regional Health System Biketoberfest 