February is American Heart Month

This month marks the 57th consecutive American Heart Month since its first proclamation in 1964 made by President Lyndon B. Johnson, who had suffered a heart attack himself, along with millions of others in the country. Every year since then, U.S. presidents have continued to declare February American Heart Month, and the American Heart Association plays a huge role in raising awareness about heart disease and how people can prevent it through healthier life choices.

In 2019, 523.2 million cases of cardiovascular disease were reported across the globe, which was an increase of 26.6% since 2010, with 18.6 million deaths. The American Heart Association promotes prevention through adopting various healthy lifestyle choices, from not smoking to controlling blood sugar and cholesterol to getting at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity each week. 

Your local parks may not be able to assist in all of your healthy choices, but there's one we can offer a bit of help with. If you're looking to increase your physical activity, we've definitely got you covered throughout the year. Moderate-intensity physical activity is defined as exercising hard enough that you raise your heart rate and break a sweat. Here are some ways to utilize your Monmouth County parks while heading toward that goal of 150 minutes a week:

• Take a brisk walk, jog or bike ride on the trails. We make this easy with over 140 miles of trails spread out through 22 of your Monmouth County. Looking for the closest trail to you or want to discover a new one? Visit our Trails page for the full list. 
• 
  This is the perfect time of year (especially these last few days) to give cross-country skiing a try! Don't have the equipment? When the snow conditions are favorable, the Ski Hut located at Thompson Park, Lincroft, is open for rentals of both cross-country ski equipment and snowshoes. Get current conditions and rental information on our Winter Activities page. 
• Playing a round of golf while carrying your clubs is a terrific workout. The Park System offers five championship 18-hole courses, two 18-hole executive courses, a 9-hole course par 3 course, and three warm-up ranges. Currently, our winter golf season is underway when conditions are suitable for play. Visit our golf site for information on each of our courses and tee time reservation details. Be sure to call our golf centers for the most up-to-date information on course conditions.
• Dancing is not just fun, but it's great exercise too! This spring the Park System is offering Adult Tap, Beginner Ballroom Dance, and Square Dancing - Level 1, all terrific ways to get moving while moving to the beat.* 
• Looking to find an exercise class to add to your routine without signing up for a gym? We have plenty coming up this spring, from Aerostep to Brand New to Zumba to Brand New to Yoga, classes in the parks are available for many different fitness levels.*
• 
  Tennis is just one fantastic sport to get you moving and is a great way to have fun with a friend while still social distancing. Did you know the Park System has tennis courts available at Dorbrook Recreation Area, Colts Neck; Holmdel Park, Holmdel; and Thompson Park, Lincroft? Courts are available on a first come, first served basis. Never played before? Adult Beginner Tennis will be available this spring!*

There are plenty of great activities to enjoy in your Monmouth County parks. The most important part of getting hearth healthy is to get moving and at your own pace. Looking for more to do in the parks? Head to www.MonmouthCountyParks.com to learn about all we have to offer, from facilities to programs and so much more. 

*Note: Registration for spring programs begins Wednesday, February 10. 

Sources:

• American Heart Association website at www.heart.org.