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!

Did you know that Earth Day is celebrated globally on April 22 each year? Why not celebrate the Earth Day every day of the year? With all of the news about global warming and pollution, what steps are you taking to help the environment and make it a better place for our children and future generations? Today is the perfect time to reflect and take action.

Each of us can help everyday in simple ways. For example, you could start in your own community by buying locally. There are so many wonderful farms and local stores to purchase quality and delicious products from. When going to the store, always reuse canvas tote bags. If you keep them handy in your car you won’t forget them on your next trip. 

Re-Use and Recycle everything possible! Re-using is the best but recycling when it is not possible to reuse is responsible. Also buying in bulk, choosing organic, fair-trade and recycled paper products is immensely important. Purchase products with the least possible packaging.

 ”Green” household cleaners are readily available. These cleaners work and smell great and are non toxic. They are not only good for your home but also your health and the environment. Switching from Standard Light bulbs to Compact Fluorescent light bulbs cuts down on your energy bill and also lowers greenhouse gasses.

To conserve fuel try to take public transportation, carpool and combine trips. Bike or walk everywhere possible. This saves fuel, lowers vehicle emissions and helps keep you fit.

Lastly, carry your “Planet Zero Gravity” water bottle everyday! Stay hydrated and protect the planet by re-using your bottle and not polluting. You will feel better, the community will be cleaner and you will save an enormous amount of money.

These are just a few easy ideas for getting started in helping our planet. Each of us can make a difference and create a “cleaner, greener” future.