By Michael J. Porter Jr., CHT.

Exercise
Physical activity has many beneficial influences on the heart. Regular exercise helps to:

• lower blood pressure
• cholesterol
• decrease the chance for diabetes
• increase energy
• decrease stress levels

Tips for exercising:

• Walking is an easy way to incorporate exercise into your life. Walk at a quick pace to elevate your heart rate. Finding time to walk is simple - walk in the morning before you start your day, walk during your lunch break, or de-stress from a long day by walking at night.
• Ask friends to exercise with you so that you can encourage each other. Walking with a friend or spouse also makes the time go by faster!
• Incorporate small changes into your daily activity. Walk up the stairs instead of riding the elevator, and, if distance and weather allow, try walking instead of driving to your destination.
• For those who have a mini-trampoline - when it too cold outside, when it is raining, when it is to hot and humid, when it's too dark outside or you get home late to go out and do your regular exercise, having the mini-trampoline can save the day by allowing you not to miss a workout.
• If you exercised in the morning but had a stressful day using the mini-trampoline when you get home at night can help release the stress that has built up during the day which helps offset the negative effects to your cardiovascular system.

Having a healthy heart is not only important for your physical health, but also your mind and spirit. Make sure this year, you do all you can to achieve and maintain a heart-healthy lifestyle!