Fallen off the wagon from your ‘healthy living’ New Year’s resolution? Don’t worry, so have most of us. In fact almost a fifth (18%) of people told the British Heart Foundation (BHF) that when they set goals for improving their lifestyle, they usually fail.
We know that parents are more time-strapped than most people and even completing all of life’s basic priorities can be a struggle against the clock. That’s why the BHF is asking parents to ‘start small’ this Heart Month and is encouraging people to take just 10 minutes a day to improve their diet, get active or quit smoking, during February.
Every day 480 people go to hospital with a heart attack and 440 people will lose their lives to heart and circulatory diseases – however 75% of cardiovascular disease is preventable. By taking just 10 minutes each day to make tiny changes to your lifestyle, you can lower your risk of conditions like heart attack and stroke.
Whether it’s jogging round the block, making simple food swaps or planning your quit-smoking journey, every little change can make a big difference to you and your family’s heart health.
Small changes help
Doireann Maddock, Senior Cardiac Nurse at the BHF, said: “Time is precious in today’s society and we understand that people are often juggling a million different priorities. In fact a lack of time is one of the most common barriers for adopting a healthy lifestyle but most people don’t realise that even small changes can make a big difference.
“Getting off the bus two stops early, trying a new fruit or getting active during the ad break of your favourite TV show can all help pave the way towards a healthier lifestyle and lower risk of heart disease. So don’t worry if you’ve not got loads of time to spare – take on the Heart Month Challenge this February, and take 10 minutes each day to give your own heart some love.”
What you can do
To help us spread the message of Heart Month and to help cut your risk of heart attack and stroke, why not sign up to the BHFs Heart Month 10 minute challenge this February? For 10 days you’ll receive a 10-minute challenge straight into your inbox and whether you want to get active, eat better or quit smoking – we have the right journey for you.
You could go solo, rope in your partner or get the kids involved to improve the health of the whole household? Just 10 minutes, every day. And if you have time to blog, tweet or photograph your experience, we’d love hear how you’re getting on.
Register now and get healthier, easily
For more information and to register for the Heart Month 10 minute challenge visit www.bhf.org.uk/heartmonth or join the conversation on social media using the hashtag #10MinChallenge.
Image: Woman with heart by Syda Productions via Shutterstock
About Kate Davis-Holmes
Kate Davis-Holmes is a writer and blogger. She is married with 3 children. After obtaining a law degree from Cambridge University, Kate spent 20 years working in local and national organisations. She has experience of project management. media relations, events organisation, advice-giving and the facilitation of learning groups. Kate’s interests include bargain-hunting, reading, travelling and cookery. She has a passion for helping good causes and seeing women get a fairer deal in society.
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Kat | Beau Twins
Monday 23rd of February 2015
Great advice here! I have been trying to squeeze in time on the cross trainer and now the weather is better we are walking again. Small changes make a big difference! x
Mirka Moore @Fitness4Mamas
Wednesday 18th of February 2015
A very interesting challenge, off to promote on my @fitness4mamas too. Thanks for sharing!