Everyday Activities For Preventing Cardiovascular Disease

It can be saddening to know that we women are at a higher risk of cardiovascular disease once menopause hits. According to the American Heart Association, low estrogen levels again have to do with this, since estrogen is in charge of making sure the artery walls are flexible and healthy. (Other things, like a high-cholesterol diet, can also raise the risk.) To prevent heart disease, they recommend 150 minutes of aerobic exercise a week. This sounds like a lot, but divided over five days, that's just half an hour daily.

STAYING ACTIVE DURING MENOPAUSE

Fortunately, those 30 minutes don't have to be spent sweating it out in the gym. This article has some great ideas for ways to keep active (as well as food tips). That's right, it doesn't have to be a mile-long jog – even the little everyday things count as exercise, as long as they get your heart pumping.
I've been finding things in my routine that contribute to those 150 minutes. Hopefully some of these tips help you too, but you also have look at your lifestyle and see where you can fit in some physical activity. It's worth it to stop heart disease, a top killer of women!

GARDENING

I admit, sometimes I'm guilty of letting my garden get overrun with weeds. When I got back out there recently, I realized that gardening is a great, heart-pumping workout! Moving the wheelbarrow, watering the plants, and digging in the dirt all burn calories. Plus, this exercise has a great reward: the beauty of the garden.

HOUSEWORK

Cleaning is a necessary evil, but it does have a bright side – being an aerobic workout. If you really put some elbow grease into it and focus, it can double as an exercise. This is another activity where you can immediately see the fruits of your labor: a nice, clean house.

TAKING THE STAIRS

This is great because you don't have to deviate from your daily schedule at all. When you have the chance to take the elevator up or down a few floors, opt for the stairs instead. Not only is this a great mini-workout, but you can also avoid crowds, germs, and electricity use!

There's also much more you can do – you just have to be creative and put some oomph into what you do. Good luck!