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“Join millions of Americans in the fight against women’s heart disease by wearing red this Friday, February 6,” urges Tammy Thompson, MS, RCEP, Cardiac Rehab Manager and Exercise Physiologist, at Crossing Rivers Health. “Heart disease is the number one cause of death among women, and it is often preventable by making healthy lifestyle choices.”

The American Heart Association offers these tips for getting active:

1. Get out the leash and walk your dog. It’s a great activity for both man and man’s best friend. Your heart — and your pooch — will thank you!
2. Take your child for a brisk walk. It’s an excellent way to get some one-on-one time (or one-on-three, depending on the size of your brood.) Spice up your routine by exploring new neighborhoods or turning your walk into a scavenger hunt.
3. Join a team. Pick an activity you love and round up some friends. Team sports can be fun — and keep you motivated and accountable.
4. Walk and talk. Even if you’re glued to your phone, you don’t have to be glued to your seat. Make it a habit to talk and walk.
5. Tune into fitness during TV time. Reject your inner couch potato. Walk, jog in place or use the treadmill at the gym while you watch your favorite 30-minute show.
6. Park and walk. How many times have you circled the parking lot to find just the right spot? Spare yourself the stress and gain more energy by parking far away (or even in a remote lot) and walking farther to your destination.
7. Take the stairs. The elevator may go up — but it doesn’t make your heart rate climb. Take the stairs instead. You may huff and puff at first, but over time, your body will thank you.
8. Dance! Do it in a ballroom, at a club or even in your living room. You’ll burn calories and gain a new hobby.
9. Skip the cake, say goodbye to pie and take a walk after dinner. You’ll get a reward that’s sweeter than dessert: more family time.

For information on Crossing Rivers Health Cardiac Rehab or other programs and services available to the communities in Southwest Wisconsin and Northeast Iowa, call at 608.357­.2349 or visit crossingrivers.org.