Health Check Tuesday; the Numbers that Matter
Have you ever seen a Bee Hummingbird? This is the smallest bird on earth. We travelled to Cuba a few years ago to find them and they are amazing! I am in awe of the Hummingbird.
Hummingbirds live at the edge of what is possible.
A Hummingbird heartbeat is 400 bpm (beats per minute) when they are sitting on a branch
A Hummingbird heartbeat is 1 200 bpm when they are hovering mid-air while taking nectar from a flower.
As a small animal they naturally have a faster heartbeat. Small animals need to be able to react quickly if they are in danger. A fast heart and breathing rate ensures enough oxygen goes into their bloodstream so they can move quickly and avoid being eaten.
A Hummingbird heartbeat is 40 bpm when they are sleeping; every night is a type of hibernation.
The normal human heart rate is between 60 and 100 bpm. Have you ever thought your heart was going to explode out of your chest after running, or climbing steps? Can you imagine what 1 200 beats per minute would feel like?
And just for fun … can you guess the animal with the slowest heartbeat?
The Blue Whale heartbeat is 4 – 8 beats per minute and is affected by diving or cruising.
Here is a link to an amazing Hummingbird documentary which is delightful and informative; near the end is this amazing fellow! 
