High cholesterol

Doing regular exercise is an excellent way to manage your cholesterol and maintain a healthy heart.

Enjoying some form of physical activity for about half an hour, five times a week can boost the production of 'good' HDL cholesterol, which helps to reduce 'bad' LDL cholesterol from your blood. And the good news is that this doesn't mean running a marathon. Even moderate activity can really benefit your health. You should always consult an expert, such as a qualified personal trainer, your doctor or your practice nurse, if you've never exercised before, or have any concerns.

Here are some simple ideas to get you started:

• Put some extra effort into everyday activities, such as walking, gardening or housework, to increase your heart rate.
  
  
• Break it up into chunks if you can't do 30 minutes in one go on busy days. Try getting off one bus stop early, or choosing a parking space 10 minutes away from where you need to be.
  
  
• Take it easy. Start gradually if you haven't exercised much before, and always warm up and cool down with some gentle stretches.
  
  
• Make a date with a friend to exercise together. The companionship and motivation will help make the experience more fun.