Get ACTIVE . . . Regular physical activity can help lower blood pressure and improve health

Products that claim to lower blood pressure and cholesterol may or may not work, but regular physical activity has been proven to prevent and control these conditions. Just 30 minutes a day is enough to make your heart more efficient at pumping blood, and when your heart is better at pumping blood your blood pressure will decrease. Moderate to vigorous physical activity also lowers LDL (bad) cholesterol, and raises HDL (good) cholesterol. If 30 minutes at a time is too much, you can break it up and do 10 minutes at a time throughout your day.  Kids need at least 60 minutes of active and vigorous play each day to stay healthy, and one of the easiest and most enjoyable ways to meet this goal is by playing outside.  Jefferson County partners with Jeffco Open Space to encourage physical activity.

Check out the Open Space Parks and trails web page. 
View the national Let’s Move web site.

Take a Hike Day

November 17, is National Take a Hike Day. 

Although this may be something you’ve been trying to tell your unwanted house guest, we mean get outside and go for a hike!  Outdoor physical activity can improve your health.  It can lower your blood pressure, your risk of heart disease and even some cancers.  It may even be the answer to your sleepless nights and low energy levels. Did you know that, according to the US Department of Health and Human Services, less than half of all adults get enough physical activity to improve their health.  Here’s the answer.  Get Healthy. Stay Health. Go for a Hike. Visit Jeffco Outdoors.org for more hiking ideas and here for hiking maps in Jefferson County!