American Heart Month

February is American Heart Month

According to the CDC, Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States and a major cause of disability. The most common heart disease in the United States is coronary heart disease, which often appears as a heart attack. In 2010, an estimated 785,000 Americans had a new coronary attack, and about 470,000 had a recurrent attack. The best way to reduce your chances of heart disease are with a healthy diet and active lifestyle.

The American Heart Association (AHA) suggests at least 150 minutes per week of moderate exercise or 75 minutes per week of vigorous exercise (or a combination of moderate and vigorous activity). 30 minutes a day, five times a week is an easy goal to remember, but you'll still experience benefits even if you divide your time into two or three segments of 10 -15 minutes per day. Your GoZone is a good reminder if you're getting enough activity; try shooting for at least 7,000 steps a day.

Check out the tips from the AHA on getting active in the office:

• Brainstorm project ideas with a coworker while taking a walk.
• Create an exercise accountability partnership.
• Walk during business calls when you don't need to reference important documents.
• Stand while talking on the telephone.
• Walk down the hall to speak with someone rather than using the telephone.
• Take the stairs instead of the elevator. Or get off a few floors early and take the stairs the rest of the way.
• Walk while waiting for the plane at the airport.
• Stay at hotels with fitness centers or swimming pools and use them while on business trips.
• Take along a jump rope or a resistance band in your suitcase when you travel. Jump and do calisthenics in your hotel room.
• Download some audio fitness coaching.
• Participate in or start a recreation league at your company.
• Form a sports team to raise money for charity events.
• Join a fitness center or YMCA near your job. Work out before or after work to avoid rush-hour traffic, or drop by for a noon workout.
• Schedule exercise time on your business calendar and treat it as any other important appointment.
• Get off the bus a few blocks early and walk the rest of the way to work or home.
• Walk around your building for a break during the work day or during lunch.
• Some have mastered the art of typing while on a treadmill by securing the laptop to the base. Be creative!

Comments

[Mary T.]

I'm so proud of myself for being able to do 10,000 steps a day consistantly. Love these challenges.

[mary killian]

the 70,000 step challenge ends on Sunday Feb 20. Does that mean steps on Sunday count? Or do we need the steps by midnight saturday?

[Cheryl]

This is my first year joining the Virgin Miles Program and I love it!!! I feel like I go the extra mile with getting my "steps" in because everybody around me is steeping it up at work and we are losing weight to boot!

[Jackie]

A true motivator.

[stephnanie]

I love virgin miles ,due to it give me something forward to look far, it helps me to challenge myself to do better . I cant leave home with out my healthmiles it is so amazing to me for something so small give me the help I need with my health mind body and soul...thanks

[Jose Molina]

Love the Virgin Miles Program. Had a stent put in my heart(2009) but due to my walking fast workouts I was able to detect this problem early. With Virgin Miles I've been able to constantly remember to walk more for
better health.(Love all the new updates to the website).

[Mallory]

I wish y'all started on Feb 13th because I ran in my first marathon and got 62,000 steps in one day!

[Richard Rosa]

The snow is finally gone here! Forty-seven degrees, at 4:45 A.M., for our early morning walk. Much more enjoyable for a change. Do it for your loved ones! And the miles, it will pay off for YOU!

[Yolonda Hurst-Massey]

LET'S GET IT STARTED!

[jeff]

It's not just another challenge...it's a life changing event to allow each one of us to change our whole thought process and extend our lives and time with loved ones.