The Fitness Center

Avenues to Health and Fitness page   Get $5 for opening your new PayPal Account! Pay online securely and conveniently with your credit card or checking account.  Find Great Deals at Health Resources:  Allergy Learning Lab  American Heart Association   Asthma Learning Lab   Center for Disease Control  Dr. Koop Food and Drug Administration HEADtalk Mayo Clinic Merck Manual - Consumer National Institutes of Health National Library of Medicine Prescription Drugs Programs to Go Web MD Fitness Resources: Globalfit American Council on Exercise Just Move.org Just Walk Nutrio FitDay Mayo Clinic - Exercise Planner Mayo Clinic - Weight Planner Calorie Control Council Food Finder American Dietetic Assoc. Nutritiously Gourmet

No. 1 Killer (CVD)...

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the No. 1 killer in America. About 954,000 Americans died last year of CVD, accounting for over 42 percent of all deaths. Surprisingly, many women don't think they are at risk for heart disease (see below for more information for women).

Lack of physical activity is now clearly shown to be a risk factor for

heart disease.

Scientists have not found a direct link between regular exercise and stroke. But they do know that exercise reduces the risk of other health problems, such as heart disease, which can contribute to stroke. By helping to prevent heart attack, exercise may reduce the risk of some kinds of embolic stroke.

Estimates are that up to 250,000 deaths per year in the U.S. -- about 12 percent of total deaths -- are due to a lack of regular physical activity. Even low-to-moderate intensity activities, when done for as little as 30 minutes a day, can bring benefits. These activities include pleasure walking, climbing stairs, gardening, yard work, moderate-to-heavy housework, dancing and home exercise.

More vigorous aerobic activities, such as brisk walking, running, swimming, bicycling, roller skating and jumping rope -- done three or four times a week for 30-60 minutes -- are best for improving the fitness of the heart and lungs

Attention Women:

Coronary disease is the no. 1 cause of death among American women. Stroke is the no. 1 cause of serious, long-term disability among women. A surprisingly large number of women don't know that. And many physicians don't know it either. It's time for each of us to take charge of our health and to help others understand the facts on heart disease and stroke. The American Heart Association has a special program to help women incorporate more activity into their daily lives. If you'd like more information, call 1-800-MY-HEART or visit their website: www.women.americanheart.org

[Source: American Heart Association]