Palm Harbor, Florida - Before you give your heart to someone special this Valentine's Day, make sure it is healthy and strong.

That's a very important message during this year's American Heart Month, which runs the whole month of February.

"It's absolutely essential to pay attention to our cardiovascular health, but not only in February," says John Kent, owner of North Pinellas & Westchase Adventure Boot Camp for Women. "We should be aware of how important our heart is, and do all we can to keep it healthy, every day of the year."

This awareness is particularly pertinent because cardiovascular disease continues to be the leading killer in the United States. In fact, the American Heart Association says 1 in 3 people in this country have some form of heart disease, including angina, heart failure, stroke, high blood pressure, coronary disease, and other serious conditions.

"While sometimes heart disease may be triggered by genetic or other factors beyond our control, in many cases lifestyle plays a vital role," Kent notes. "Poor diet, lack of exercise, and smoking are all well-known causes." 

Fortunately, there are easy-to-follow preventive measures that will help keep heart problems at bay Kent says.

What kind of physical activity is most effective in preventing cardiovascular disease?  "What is commonly referred to as a 'cardio workout' raises our heart rate and keeps it elevated for a period of time," Kent notes. "The good thing is that you don't have to be a marathon runner or an Olympic athlete to get a good, heart-boosting exercise. Any brisk activity for at least 30 minutes a day, five days a week, will be beneficial in strengthening the heart and lungs, and improving the body's ability to use oxygen. As long as you move at an energetic pace, you're on the right track - no pun intended."

About North Pinellas & Westchase Adventure Boot Camp for Women:

A former personal trainer, Kent launched the North Pinellas Adventure Boot Camp for Women in Oct. 2007 and added the Westchase Camp in January 2009.

Schedules and client testimonials are available at www.BootCampRocks.com <http://www.BootCampRocks.com> . Kent, a certified fitness boot camp instructor with 12 years of experience in the fitness industry, can be reached at John@BootCampRocks.com <mailto:John@BootCampRocks.com>  or 727- 420 - 8139.

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