Exercise

Exercise is such an important part of health of the mind and body. I mention exercise in just about every office visit. In fact, when I worked in Glendale with a predominantly Armenian patient population, most of whom didn't speak much English (or exercise), I learned the Armenian word for exercise, marzank, to help me get across how important exercise is.

Most guidelines suggest that we should get thirty minutes of exercise most days of the week. However, newer findings suggest that an hour a day is even better. In studies of people who have lost weight and kept it off, most of them exercise for at least an hour most days.

Exercise does not mean that you have to go to a gym. Do something that gets your heart rate up like going for a brisk walk, bicycling, or hiking. Find others, like a spouse or friends, to exercise with to make you more likely to do it.

"I'm too busy" isn't an option. Your body doesn't care that you're an important CEO who doesn't "have time". If I have to wake up at 4:30 am to get in my workout, that's what I do. Even President Obama works out every day, and he's the leader of the free world! If time is an issue, go for a brisk walk for 15 minutes after lunch, then another 15 minutes when you get home.

"But I'm active at my job, I walk all day" -- That's better than having a desk job, but walking at work is not exercise. Cardiovascular exercise involves doing something where you get your heart rate up over an extended period of time.

Now, lace up your shoes, and go for a walk!