Do you exercise every day? If you want to live a long, healthy life, maybe you should.

A recent study by Timothy Wessel, a physician at the University
of Florida, indicates one of the strongest risk factors for developing
heart disease is inactivity – even more so than being overweight.
During the four-year study of 906 women, Dr. Wessel documented those
who were moderately active were less likely to develop heart disease
than sedentary women, no matter how much they weighed. The study
concluded: “These results suggest that fitness may be more important
than overweight or obesity for cardiovascular risk in women.”

In January, the updated U.S. Dietary Guidelines strongly urged
that everyone should take part in “at least 30 minutes of
moderate-intensity physical activity” on most days, above whatever
activities they do at home or work. To loose weight or to avoid gaining
weight as we age, 60 minutes of daily moderate to vigorous exercise is
recommended. And those who have already lost weight and are attempting
to keep weight off need 60 to 90 minutes of daily exercise.

A study of 9,611 adults by the University of Michigan Health
System, found that people in their 50s and 60s who participated in
daily exercise were 35 percent less likely to die within the next eight
years than their inactive couch potato counter parts.

Convinced that it’s time to add exercise to your day?

The Basics - Making Exercise a Life Priority:

• If you’re not use to exercising, check with your doctor before beginning any strenuous fitness routine.
  

• Start slow. If 30 minutes of exercise is too much, start with 15 minutes and add a few minutes each day.
  

• If you don’t have time for 60 minutes of exercise, break it up into two 30-minute sessions throughout the day.
  

• Schedule a specific time to exercise everyday – then keep to your schedule!
  

• Take
  part in more intense activities that can improve your heart health,
  such as: running, dancing, swimming, cycling, and climbing stairs.

• Find exercise that you enjoy. You will be more
  likely to continue and improve your daily performance if you look
  forward to a favorite activity.

• Wear proper clothing and footwear. This has two
  functions. Clothing and shoes that are suited to your activity will
  enhance performance and offer the right kind of support for your body
  and feet. They will also place you in a better frame of mind for
  exercise. When you wear your favorite running outfit and slide into
  your special running shoes, your mind says “it’s time to get out the
  door and put my feet in motion!”

• Add everyday activities to increase your overall
  fitness level, such as gardening, housework, walking to the store, take
  the stairs instead of the elevator, and raking leaves.

• Always drink lots of water.
  

• If
  you feel discomfort or pain after an activity, use ice therapy
  immediately to reduce swelling and numb pain. Always have a cold pack
  in your freezer, ready and waiting. Most aches and pains attributed to
  exercise respond well to icing and will melt away within 24 hours after
  applying ice for several 20-minute sessions. Using cold therapy reduces
  down time, getting you back on schedule fast. (If the pain does not
  lessen within 48 hours after using ice therapy, is intense or becomes
  worse, see your doctor.)
  

Exercise every day…take care of your heart…live long!

Disclaimer: This information is not intended as a substitute for
professional medical treatment or consultation. Always consult with
your physician in the event of a serious injury.