Heart disease it the nation’s leading cause of death. What are you doing to prevent it? Hopefully by now you are exercising your way to a healthy heart. It is a New Year, and this year should be a year of healthy living for you and your family. Did you know that many studies suggest that taking a brisk walk for as little as three to four hours a week can reduce the risk of coronary heart disease by 65 percent? The month of February is American Heart Month. Below are some simple steps to improving your health that you can easily add to your day. Just by adding additional movement to your daily routine can increase your fitness level, self-esteem, confidence and most importantly your heart health.

• Park in the furthest parking spot and walk briskly to your office or to the store.

• Walk up and downstairs instead of taking the elevator whenever possible.

• Instead of a coffee break, go on a short walk, practice chair exercises or walk up and down the stairs. This relieves stress and burns calories!

• When you arrive home from work immediately walk the dog. If you don’t have a dog, take a walk with your children, spouse or neighbor. Do this before checking the mail, email or answering messages. Fresh air and exercise are not only good for your heart but also for better communication and stress reduction.

• When doing household chores do so at a good pace. Put some music on and make it fun. Get the whole family involved. Surprisingly a good paced house clean burns a lot of calories! A clean house and a healthy heart-now that is going to keep you stress free! The double benefit is amazing. The next time you dread washing windows, taking out the recyclables and doing the laundry, just remember the health benefit!

• One of the most important things is to make exercise fun and to keep moving!

Small steps in getting additional exercise in each day are extremely important. Once you make a conscious decision to lead a healthy lifestyle there is nothing stopping you! You will quickly be on your way to better cardiovascular health. Happy New Year!  Happy New You!