Heart disease is a major cause of death and disability in the UK. We also know that smoking, poor diet, excessive stress, and inactivity all contribute to the problem.

Physical activity is important for good heart health. Regular physical activity is just as important as controlling blood pressure, keeping a low cholesterol level, or stopping smoking.

Tips for including physical activity in your everyday routine

• Develop a simple routine — something you can do in two or three minutes. Do it as you brush your teeth, watch T.V., or wait for water to boil.?
• Include housework in your plan. Dust, vacuum, and wash windows. Outside work helps, too. Depending on the season, you can push a wheelbarrow, rake leaves, hand mow the lawn, dig the garden
• Walk to and from short journeys —Walk to school, the shops, to work, the park. Climb stairs instead of taking the lift, walk the dog!
• Include active hobbies in your leisure time. Hike. Bike. Go dancing.
• Make active living part of your family life. Participate together. Go for a walk, play football, walk the dog
• Adopting a healthier lifestyle can be hard at fists but one step at a time makes it easier everyday.
• Many people get active and then decide they'd like to lose weight or stop smoking. One thing does lead to the next.