Exercise Improves Cholesterol

Study after study has proved the benefits of exercise in lowering cholesterol. On the flip side, being inactive puts you at significantly higher risk for cardiovascular disease.

Fear not, couch potatoes! Here are some easy ways to get up and get more active:

1. Turn it on! Whatever your favorite kind of music -- pop, big-band, rock, classical -- put on some music when you get home and let yourself move to it. We hate to say it, but try playing some disco tunes. We dare you to stay still! In fact, music makes any activity easier and more fun.

2. Get a dog. Walking a dog at least twice a day is a great way to get moving and also meet people. Plus, think of all that unconditional love!

3. Plant flowers. Gardening (and dare we say it -- weeding) -- is fabulous exercize. So are other common activities such as housework, lawn mowing, raking leaves, wash your own car.

4. Park far away and walk. Park a little further each time you go to your office, the mall, or downtown.

5. Do it Grandma and Grandpa's way -- walk to the post office, use a hand mower, mix your cakes, cookies, mashed potatoes, and whipped cream by hand; take your carpets out and beat the dust out of them. You get the idea: avoid modern conveniences!

If you're really feeling serious about getting some exercise, here are some helpful links to explore:

 www.americanheart.org

www.medicinenet.com/cholesterol/article.htm

 www.intmed.mcw.edu/clincalc/chol.html