Our lives have become focused around activities that require us to be still. We are either commuting, stuck in traffic, on the computer or the leisurely tv time.

Leading cardiologists are warning us that we are sitting still way to much. The American Heart Association (AHA) says that we are spending far too much time on chairs and sofas.

So here are some tips from Dr. Barbara George, director of the Center for Cardiovascular Lifestyle Medicine at Winthrop-University Hospital.

Take a one-to three-minute break every half-hour during the day to stand (which burns twice as many calories as sitting) or walk around.

Stand or exercise while watching TV or working on the computer.

“Walk and Talk” rather than “Sit and Speak” while talking on cell phones or land lines.

If you sit at your job all day long, set an alarm on your cell phone (on low) to remind yourself to stand up at least every 2 hours for more than a minute at a time. Stretch, bend or take a short walk.

Gradually reduce daily sitting time by 15 to 20 minutes per day, aiming for two to three fewer sedentary hours over a 12-hour day.

Sit less and move more. Your heart will love you for it.

Lisa B