February is always associated with Valentine’s Day and honoring our loved ones, but February is also Heart Health month.  I encourage you to take time this month to start some activities that are heart healthy!  The benefits are enormous!

Did you know that just 30 minutes of physical activity every day can improve your heart health?  While you’re helping your heart as you walk, you might also lose some weight and gain some muscle tone.  What could be better?  Here are a few steps to get you started:

• Find an activity that you enjoy and stick to it.  You don’t have to spend two hours at the gym every day to be healthy.  Find an activity that fits your schedule and interests such as walking, hiking, dancing, or bicycling.
• If you have been sedentary for a while, don’t worry.  Just get started with some form of exercise and add a few minutes every day.
• Split up the 30 minutes into 10 or 15 minute segments.  Take a walk around the block during lunch, and another short walk in the evening.

Make your heart health a priority this year!  You will feel better and your heart will appreciate it!  Contact Kate Whitney at the Extension Office at 254-435-2331 for more information about heart health and exercise.