Heart Health Leadership Manual

Making Your Choices Count

Staying active is an important part of a Heart Healthy lifestyle. Individuals of all ages should be active on a daily basis. This does not necessarily mean joining a fitness class. Active living includes many ordinary daily activities:

• housework
• gardening
• walking to work or school
• playing with the children
• going trouting
• playing softball
• bowlingdancing
• swimming
• cycling

Anything that gets you off the couch and moving is part of active living. A walk down to the wharf, berry-picking, or rowing a boat are among the many ways to stay active and healthy.

Aerobic activity (activity that raises your heart rate) does play a role in increasing cardiovascular fitness. Whether you get aerobic exercise through a scheduled fitness class, a neighbourhood basketball game, or a brisk walk, aerobic activity three to four times a week can improve your cardiovascular fitness.

Healthy adults involved in light to moderate physical activity do not generally need to consult a physician. If you have any concerns about medications you are taking, your level of fitness, an Injury, a disease or condition you suffer from, then consult your physician before joining any organized fitness class, or making a significant change in your level of physical activity. If you or your family are planning to get involved in any sport, make sure you have the recommended equipment, and that the facilities meet safety requirements.

Active living is not just for adults, or for people at risk for Heart Disease. Active living begins when we are young. Healthy habits, started early, will last a lifetime. Most children enjoy being active, but the lure of the television is powerful. Set a good example for your children.

• join them In their outdoor games for half-an-hour, or take them on an evening stroll
• plan your evenings and weekends around activities
• consider the television a last resort
• instead of offering junk food as a special treat, offer a trip to the playground

Here are some things you can do to encourage Active living in your community.

• start a walking club
• identify possible walking trails for development
• encourage physical activities in fund-raising
• teach your children games you played as a child
• set a date for a 'town' garden clean-up day
• remind your local council to participate In Canada's Fitweek (last week in May every year)
• suggest stretch breaks instead of coffee breaks at the office.