Make Easy Lifestyle Changes.

For Example:

• Look for short breaks each day (approx. 10-30 minutes) to implement heart healthy activities such as walking or other types of enjoyable physical activity

• Plan quick and simple healthy meals

• Know your family heart health history

Tips for Women at Work:

• Add extra walks to and from the water cooler

• Take ten minute walks between meetings

• Use the stairs instead of the elevator

• Bring healthy snacks

• Take time for lunch and eat at regular intervals versus skipping meals

• Make time for physical activity – go to the gym and bring your favorite book or office materials to read or workout at home watching your favorite show

Tips for Moms on the Go:

• Plan meals in advance – visit The American Heart Association website for recipes from a number of heart-healthy cookbooks and use the online grocery list builder to quickly identify heart-healthy products to add to your grocery list

• Set up “physical activity time” on a daily basis

• Walk around your neighborhood or in your office

• Run up and down the stairs

• Do an exercise video

• Walk when doing errands and park farther from your destination

• Take your kids to the park and identify play time activities that help keep you fit

• Join a walking group or ask friends to join you in daily walking

• Work out when your child is at practice or extra curricular activities

• Exercise while watching your favorite TV show

Tips for Traveling for Work/Play:

• Plan a physical activity routine

• Airports and malls are great places to get in a brisk walk around the terminal or from one end of the mall to the other

• Drink plenty of water

• Take time to stretch while on the flight

• Exercise in your hotel room – simple stretches or other exercise like sit ups and push ups

• Take advantage of physical fitness facilities located in the hotel

• Pack heart-healthy snacks, fruits, and know how to manage your snack triggers

• Pack sneakers and comfortable clothes for working out

• For frequent travel keep an extra pair of tennis shoes already packed in your bag

Love Your Heart: Relaxation Tips:

• Keep a journal

• Reduce stress: Plan a technology-free weekend balanced with active sports, swimming, skiing, horse-back riding, or other fun physical activity

• Celebrate your successes with healthy rewards like a massage or facial

• Read a book

Return to our 2011 Go Red for Women Index

For additional information contact
American Heart Association
at (888) MY-HEART (694 –3278) or visit their website.