Heart Stride Challenge Tip - Week 13

The Heart Stride Challenge, organised by the Heart Health Centre, is providing a short series of weekly challenge tips for better heart health in connection with the War on Weight programme. Here's the latest....

Week 13: Congratulations! You've made it to the final week of the Heart Stride Challenge. You have worked hard and we are so proud of your accomplishments. Walking is one of the simplest ways to start and continue a fitness journey. It's easy, it works, and it pays! It doesn't cost you anything to start and is an easy and safe form of exercise. Walking is the single most effective form of exercise to achieve heart health. At least 30 minutes/day can reduce your risk of heart disease and can help you:

• Improve blood pressure and blood sugar levels
• Improve blood cholesterol profile
• Maintain body weight and lower the risk of obesity
• Enhance mental well being
• Reduce the risk of osteoporosis
• Reduce the risk of breast and colon cancer
• Reduce the risk of non-insulin dependent (type 2) diabetes

For successful weight management, health experts recommend between 45 and 90 minutes/day.

Physical activity pays in other ways too. According to the American Heart Association, physically active people save $500 per year in healthcare costs. Employers can save $16 for every $1 they spend on health and wellness.

Walking isn't your favorite activity? Don't worry! Go ahead and step into activities you enjoy. Just keep moving!

This week continue to set daily step goals. The winner of the Heart Stride Challenge will be announced on Thursday, December 8th and presented with a gift bag filled with prizes! 2nd and 3rd place winners will also be acknowledged. Each day is a new day and an opportunity live a healthier life. Congratulations on taking care of your heart health!

Source:
The American Heart Association
www.startwalkingnow.org