be physically active each day

Source: National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute

Being physically active reduces the risk of heart-related problems, including heart attack. Physical activity can improve cholesterol levels, help control high blood pressure and diabetes, and manage weight. It also increases physical fitness, promotes psychological well-being and self-esteem, and reduces depression and anxiety.

Those who have already had a heart attack also benefit greatly from being physically active. Many hospitals have a cardiac (or heart) rehabilitation program. A health care provider can offer advice about a suitable program.

To protect your heart, you only need to do 30 minutes of a moderate-intensity activity on most and, preferably, all days of the week. If 30 minutes is too much at one time, you can break it up into periods of at least 10 minutes each.

If you have been inactive, you should start slowly to increase your physical activity.

If you have coronary heart disease, check with you health care provider before starting a physical activity program. This is especially important if you are over age 55, have been inactive, or have diabetes or another medical problem. Your health care provider can give you advice on how rigorous the exercise should be.

To learn more about physical activity:

• Seek Wellness at:
  Fitness Center
  Wellness Center with Don Ardell
• Take this short quiz:
  Check Your Physical Activity and Heart Disease IQ
• Visit a special Aim for a Healthy Weight Web page that explains how to assess your risk for developing obesity-related diseases, such as heart disease, and how to lose weight sensibly.

September 2001
Posted February 2002