Our New England winters can pose a challenge to walking outdoors but if all else fails walk in place indoors. Once the snow removal folks arrive and the walkways get cleared, I like to get outside in the fresh air. (Check with a physician before embarking on a routine of physical activity.)

By: Jacqueline Bennett newsandviewsjb.com

How can you mend a broken heart? … WALK.

Walking is at the top of the American Heart Association’s recommendations to get and keep the ticker pumping. It is that time of year again, American Heart Month, and once again I am joining the call to get moving.

Let me reiterate from previous articles I’ve written an astounding fact; according to the AHA, “… 80 percent of cardiac events can be prevented with education and lifestyle.”

That brings us to the famous Humpty Dumpty quote from Lewis Carroll’s The Looking Glass, “The question is, which is to be master – that’s all.” Literary scholars have debated its meaning for years so I’ll apply it in this case to mean  ~ which is to be master over your life? Will it be you by taking action to help yourself ?

Granted, it’s not always easy. There can be challenges, even obstacles to tackle, but do not give up ~ keep trying. And pat yourself on the back, literally pat yourself on the back, for each success no matter how small or large. Since walking is credited with lifting moods, perhaps its benefits can go beyond the physical, also helping to mend broken hearts of the romantic type.

Here’s a reminder bullet list of recommendations from heart health experts:

• Walking ~ can help maintain a healthy weight and can help prevent & manage conditions such as heart disease, high blood pressure and type II diabetes. It can help strengthen bones, lift moods and improve balance and coordination.
• Heart healthy eating ~ lean chicken and fish and limited lean red meat, whole grains, low fat dairy, skip the salt and enjoy plenty of vegetables and fruits
• Take off some weight ~ if your weight is an issue, it is said that even dropping ten pounds can make a difference
• Get moving ~ don’t limit physical activity to walking
• Stress management ~ truly, try not to sweat the small stuff ~ and avoid blood pressure spikes
• Count your blessings ~ keep a gratitude journal ~ the power of positive thinking can help you help yourself
• Quit smoking ~ after all the years of information about how detrimental smoking can be, it is amazing to me that this still needs to noted.

Always check with a physician before starting a routine of physical activity. And as I’ve said before ~ forgive yourself. If you miss a day or fall off the heart healthy wagon, pick yourself up and keep going. Unlike Humpty Dumpty, you do not need “all the King’s horses and all the King’s men” to put you back on track. All you need to do that, is yourself.