Newsfeed display by CaRP Many women don’t realize physical activity important to heart health

LOS ANGELES--The majority of women surveyed do not realize that being physically active is as important to their heart health as managing other modifiable risk factors for example cholesterol, blood pressure and smoking. Moreover, like those risk factors, a person is 1.5 to 2.4 times more likely to have coronary heart disease if they are inactive.

The most common goal women have over the next 10 years is to improve their health, lose weight or exercise more-- but only 15 percent are willing to become more physically active to attain their goals, according to a survey from the American Heart Association’s Choose To Move program. The survey was conducted in February 2006 by a market research firm, Synovate, Inc.

"These results demonstrate a significant disconnect between women’s desires and what they are actually doing about it," Joan Lunden, award-winning television journalist, author and busy mother of seven children, said in a press statement. She understands the challenge and has signed up for the Choose To Move program. Lunden said, "Women acknowledge that getting more physical activity in their lives can make them look and feel better and improve their chances for a longer, healthier life, yet few are making the moves to accomplish that goal."

The American Heart Association knows women have many family, career and life demands. By choosing to move, women can have the energy to meet those demands and be around for their loved ones in the future.

"Women are confused about how physical inactivity contributes to their risk of heart disease," said Jennifer H. Mieres, M.D., F.A.C.C., F.A.C.P, Director of Nuclear Cardiology at North Shore University Hospital, and assistant professor of medicine at New York University. "While 98 percent of women surveyed said they believe physical activity impacts their health, only one in 10 women includes adequate physical activity in her weekly routine." This would include moderate-to-vigorous intensity aerobics such as brisk walking, swimming or biking for at least 30 minutes or more on most days, preferably all days, of the week.

Women can overcome physical inactivity and obesity with Choose To Move--the American Heart Association’s free 12-week program that includes tips on how to incorporate physical activity and a flavorful, healthy diet into their lives.

Choose To Move provides participants with an easy-to-follow plan, a helpful handbook, and monthly e-mails with suggestions for physical activity, tips on how to stay motivated and recipes with nutrition information. Easy-to-use tips include:
• The weather is warmer now, so take a walk after dinner instead of watching TV.
• Park a few blocks from the office or store and walk.
• Plan snacks the same way you plan meals. Instead of a carrying a candy bar or a bag of chips between all the hustle and bustle, bring a container of fat-free or low-fat yogurt, a handful of roasted almonds or a homemade snack mix made with a salt-free seasoning blend.
• Get your spouse and kids to go on a play date with you. It’s great for family togetherness while fitting in fitness.
• Take an activity break. Get up, stretch and walk around.