Although heart disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S., you can lower you risk of getting it or having a stroke by simply moving more. Everyone should avoid inactivity! Start gradually and increase slowly. Physical activity has many healthy benefits for people of all ages.
Physically active adults are at lower risk for depression and declines in cognitive function as they get older. (Cognitive function includes thinking, learning, and judgement skills.) Physically active children and teens may have fewer symptoms of depression than their peers.
Physical activity also lowers your risk for many diseases, such as coronary heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.
How much exercise? You are the best person to answer that! Be your own coach. As little as 60 minutes a week of moderate-intensity aerobic activity such as walking briskly helps your heart. For major health benefits aim higher, more activity means a bigger boost to your health.
If you can't carve out a lot of time in your day, try 10 minutes a few times a day. Do something, the big thing is to start, and then increase it a bit each day. Consider doing the following for 10 minutes:
Walk briskly for 5 minutes, turn around and walk back
Dance to three songs
Park further from your destination
Participate in an online fitness class
ENJOY your new heart-healthy lifestyle.