Cardiovascular disease is the No. 1 killer of men and women in the United States, affecting more than 64 million Americans each year. As a cardiologist, I see patients every day who suffer from heart disease and are trying hard to fight their way back to good health. In addition to the advanced diagnostics and treatments physicians provide for their patients to help them fight heart disease and even prevent it, there is one thing that is essential to any heart-healthy lifestyle — exercise.

What is an easy — and more importantly, free — way to improve your health and quality of life? It may seem too simple to believe, but it’s walking. Recent studies have shown that walking just 30 minutes daily can have a real and positive effect on your health. The high cost of a sedentary lifestyle for many Americans is clear both to individuals and to our society as a whole. Obesity and poor physical fitness are rapidly gaining on smoking as the leading cause of preventable death.

Most of us do not even put in the minimally recommended 30 minutes of moderate exercise daily. But, there are many ways to add a little extra walking to your daily activities.

Adding steps to your day can be a pleasure, not a chore. We are very fortunate to have a great “walkable” community right in our back yard, in Red Bank. That is why Riverview Medical Center and Red Bank RiverCenter, and a number of generous Red Bank businesses are launching a terrific heart-healthy community initiative called “Steppin’ Out in Red Bank.” Steppin’ Out combines a walking (step-counting) program with the ambiance, atmosphere and all amenities of beautiful Red Bank.

Five easily achievable Red Bank walking routes have been mapped out and sponsored by local merchants, showing off our jewel of a town while keeping you moving. It is the goal of Steppin’ Out to get more members of our community to fit a walk into their day, and take the first step toward better health.

To obtain information on any of the specially designed Red Bank walking routes, including directions, step-count mileage, time required, tips, and information about walk sponsors, call Riverview’s community and senior services at (732) 530-2552, or RiverCenter at (732) 842-4244 — and work toward a heart-healthier lifestyle.

Roland Belluscio, M.D.

cardiologist

Riverview Medical Center