Physical activity has many health benefits. Regular physical activity, especially in aging adults, has been shown to:

• increase muscle strength, flexibility, balance and coordination
• reduce the risk of premature death
• reduce the risk of falls
• assist in prevention and management of health conditions like stroke, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, osteoarthritis, certain cancers, obesity and depression
• enhance sleep, wellbeing and quality of life
• increase social interaction

Safety First

• Wear appropriate clothing and footwear.
• Wear hats and sunscreen outdoors in the summer.
• Use safety equipment such as bike helmets.
• Choose safe environments such as well-lit streets, open parks and indoor facilities.
• Make sensible choices about when and where to be active and who to be active with.

February is Heart Health Month and there’s no better time to  have a heart-to-heart about ways you can improve your heart’s health as you age. Just because your doctor hasn’t mentioned that you have a heart condition, doesn’t mean you
won’t benefit from these simple, small changes that improve Heart Health!

Eat Colorful Fruits and Veggies

Low in calories, high in vitamins, minerals and fiber — adults should get at least five servings per day of these nutrition powerhouses.

Sleep Well for Heart Health

Not getting enough sleep is associated with a number of chronic diseases, such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, obesity and depression. Together, these four health conditions prove a powerful case that sleep isn't just beneficial, it's vital. Don’t watch TV or use other electronic devices before bed – or if you do, go to a different room so your bedroom is just for sleeping.

Practice Gratitude

Making a list and conjuring the feeling of gratitude about what you can appreciate about your life every day appears to have a real effect on the smoothness and rhythm of the heartbeat.

Exercise Regularly

Regularly exercising thirty minutes a day can improve your heart’s (and overall body’s) health!  Whether you take a brisk walk, play the Wii, sign up for a weekly class, or enjoy working out in the comfort of your living room - the important thing is that you do something every day.  Consider adopting a dog to get out there and move! Can’t adopt ? Volunteer to walk dogs at a local shelter!