Today is Father’s Day and June is Men’s Health Month. Health officials say that physical inactivity, high blood pressure, and smoking are risk factors for heart disease, the number one killer of men in America. Over time, fat and cholesterol can build up in your blood vessels. When arteries that supply the heart and brain with blood become clogged, a heart attack or stroke can occur. These risk factors can be reduced by living a healthy lifestyle. Exercise is a key component to keep men healthy.

Exercise is a must. It can help keep your body’s blood vessels open and help prevent heart disease or stroke. Exercise reduces your risk of developing heart disease and lowers you risk of developing high blood pressure.

Exercise raises your good cholesterol and lowers your bad cholesterol. It lowers the amount of fat in your bloodstream, helps you lose extra weight, which can strain your heart, and makes your heart and lungs work more efficiently.

Walking, stair-climbing, dancing, jogging, and other activities of at least moderate intensity can also help you prevent or manage several chronic diseases that become more common with age: type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis, and arthritis.

Both your body and mind can benefit from exercise.

Exercise can help you manage stress, make your life more enjoyable, boost your self-image and help counter anxiety and depression.

The Centers for Disease Control and the American Heart Association recommend at least 30 minutes of moderate intensity aerobic activity, 4 to 5 days a week. They also recommend moderate to high intensity muscle strengthening activity at least 2 days a week.