Start walking to fight heart disease

Today--April 7--is National 'Start Walking' Day. Did you know that physical inactivity doubles your risk of heart disease? And that you can reduce your risk by adding regular activity to your day? And that something as simple as 30 minutes of walking can make a difference?

What difference can it make? Walking can lower your blood pressure, raise your good cholesterol and lower your bad cholesterol, help you lose weight, help you manage (or reduce your risk of) diabetes, improve your mood, and keep you strong and fit.

The American Council on Exercise will help you get started, by providing a free, personalized online walking plan. Looking for someplace that's great for a walk? Check out this collection of walking paths.

Bring sneakers to work and make it a point to get up and walk for a half hour every day. Set an example for colleagues, or, heck, bring them along! (Or, suggest a walking program to the person responsible for employee health programs.)