During the month of April, Full Circle Health Coaching LLC and  American Heart Association are encouraging Americans to move more and commit to being physically active. The Healthy for Good movement is designed to inspire all of us to live healthier lives and create lasting change through small, simple steps today. 

Health care is one of the most significant cost pressures today. Consider these sobering facts:

• The economic costs of cardiovascular diseases (coronary heart disease, heart failure, stroke and high blood pressure), including direct medical costs, as well as estimated indirect costs like lost productivity, total more than $550 billion and are projected to reach more than $1 trillion by 2035.

• About 69 percent of U.S. adults are overweight or obese — and this number continues to grow. At the same time, about 27 percent report participating in no leisure time physical activity.

• Nearly half of all U.S. adults (about 121 million) are living with some form of cardiovascular disease or the after-effects of stroke. And research shows that about 80 percent of cardiovascular disease is preventable.

• After decades of a steady decline in the U.S., deaths from cardiovascular disease are on the rise again, accounting for about 1 of every 3 deaths. 

Science shows that being more active can help you feel, think and sleep better. The American Heart Association recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity per week for adults and 60 minutes per day for children and adolescents. If you don't meet that goal, it could mean a greater risk for heart disease, stroke and other health problems. But don't to take it sitting down. Join millions of people nationwide as they pledge to live a healthier lifestyle and get physically active by taking the Move More Daily Challenges.