Let me put this in perspective just a bit: According to the World Health Organization, the world-wide statistics reveal that cardiovascular disease (CVD) is both the number one cause of death around the world, and also the number one cause of death in America.[fn value=1][/fn] You can bet that many health scientists are largely invested in understanding and researching more about the risk factors of CVD. In 2009, Dr. Stephen Blair published a study where he compared the relative risk of acquiring CVD with its preventable risk factors, which include type II diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, cigarette smoking, obesity and a lack of physical activity. He, and many other health scientists since, have determined that a low fitness level is the most influential of preventable risk factors in predicting your risk of CVD.[fn value=2][/fn]

The human body is meant for regular physical activity. In order to achieve optimal health, you must have both regular exercise and a healthy diet. Neglecting one or the other limits your potential for health. Unfortunately, physical activity rates are dropping year over year. In a CDC review, only 64.5% of American adults got in enough physical activity in 2007, which dropped to 48% by 2014.[fn value=3][/fn] [fn value=4][/fn]Whether by lack of motivation, or frustration with unrealized goals, more than 50% of individuals who begin a structured exercise program will drop out within the first 6 months.[fn value=5][/fn] Nationwide, Americans are not getting enough physical activity.

There’s a phrase going around that you may have heard: “Sitting is the new smoking.” More and more, health scientists are learning that sedentary behavior, defined by the lack of physical activity, is dangerous for our health. This month, as part of our theme for supporting a healthy heart, I encourage all of you to find a way to become physically active! As spring approaches and the weather becomes more inviting, consider trying:

• Going for a walk as a family after a meal
• Breaking up long bouts of sitting with some stretches
• Finding ways to sneak in 10-minutes of fitness a couple times a day (check out my other blog post on this for more tips!)
• Even something as fun as recreational dancing has been shown to hit the fitness guidelines for a healthy heart[fn value=6][/fn]

Swing by your local Natural Grocers and speak with your Nutritional Health Coach for more details on nutrition for heart health, and for more tips!

NOTHING IN THIS WEBSITE IS INTENDED AS, OR SHOULD BE CONSTRUED AS, MEDICAL ADVICE. ANY HEALTHCARE AND/OR NUTRITIONAL MATERIAL CONTAINED IN THIS WEBSITE IS FOR CONSUMER INFORMATIONAL AND EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY. SUCH MATERIAL IS NOT INTENDED AS MEDICAL ADVICE FOR CONDITIONS OR TREATMENT, NOR IS IT INTENDED AS A SUBSTITUTE FOR A MEDICAL EXAMINATION BY A HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONAL. CONSUMERS SHOULD CONSULT THEIR OWN HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONALS FOR INDIVIDUAL MEDICAL RECOMMENDATIONS.