Make a Healthy Difference in 30 Minutes

A daily routine — 30 minutes or more — of moderately-paced or brisk walking can help you stay healthy. It can help:

• Control your weight
• Lower cholesterol
• Strengthen your heart
• Delay or prevent diabetes
• Reduce the likelihood of serious health problems down the road

Regular exercise is a critical part of staying healthy. People who are active live longer and feel better.

Think about your schedule and look for opportunities to be more active. The key is to find the right exercise for you. Try doing something you enjoy such as dancing, swimming for recreation or bicycling. Or integrate activity into your daily routine with these tips:

• Jogging in place while watching television
• Parking the car further away from your destination
• Getting off the train or bus a few stops early and walking the rest of the way
• Talking the dog for a long walk
• Walking and talking with a friend

Remember to start out slowly with moderate-intensity activities you enjoy, then gradually increase the length of time and intensity. Vary your physical activity, and always remember to reward yourself for your efforts.

A half-hour each day can make a big difference in your health. Make every minute count with regular physical activity.