Monday, October 13, 2014

The Heart Of The Matter

Did you know that heart disease is the number one killer of women?  The good news is that 80 percent of heart disease is preventable.  So, why is it so hard for some of us to do the lifestyle changes needed to significantly reduce our risk?
                                                                     
I've had both of my parents die from heart disease.  My father was only 59 years of age.  Hello???
There is no one who wishes to learn a hard lesson via a "wake-up" call, including me.  So, how do I
make some changes to insure that I become a healthier person and inspire others to join the challenge of
taking care of our health - our heart?  Developing healthier habits and making serious lifestyle changes sounds easy enough but it is hard.  However, most everyone is aware that it is NOT impossible.
                                                                             
Small steps. 
                                   Let's start with small changes.
                                                                         
                                                                Small changes such as.…just moving.            
                                                           
                                                                                                                 Moving  -  more.
Here are a few suggestions….
#1  Take the stairs instead of the elevator.
#2  Park farther away from the front door.
#3  Stand instead of sitting. (this burns more calories)
#4  Take your dog for a walk. (if you already do this, try making the walk longer or faster)
#5   Instead of making piles around the house, put things back in their place right away - who would of   thought this would actually burn some calories?
#6   Get up and walk around after sitting for 30 minutes.
#7   During television commercial breaks simply get up and walk around.
#8   Do squats, leg lifts (or whatever) while waiting for your food to cook in the microwave.
#9   Wash the car by hand instead of the drive-through car wash.
#10 Rake leaves instead of using a leaf blower. (It's that time of year!)

I challenge everyone reading this………let's all start moving a bit more.  If you are already an individual who exercises and are healthy from eating right as well, then encourage someone else.          Become a mentor, be a partner. 
Sometimes that's all people need to jumpstart change.