The leading cause of heart disease among postmenopausal women, says the American Heart Association, is physical inactivity. Doctors know that exercise can do wonders for a woman's body. Exercise helps you control weight, keeps you stronger, lowers your blood pressure and reduces the levels of bad cholesterol (LDL) while raising the levels of good cholesterol (HDL).

Swimming, cycling, jogging, skiing, aerobic dancing...

Anything that makes you perspire, breathe heavily and raise (and sustain) your heartbeat counts as exercise. Don't push yourself to the point of losing your breath or feeling a burning sensation in your muscles. Exercise can be something you do every day.

At Home. It's convenient, comfortable and safe to work out at home. It allows your children to see you being active, which sets a good example. You can combine exercise with watching TV.

Every Day. Make a promise to yourself to increase your level of physical activity every day. If you have the choice to sit or stand, stand. If you have the choice to stand or walk, walk. More tips to use every day:

• Fire the maid. Do housework yourself. Mopping, vacuuming and scrubbing can be good workouts.
• Take a brisk walk around the mall before you start to shop.
• Forget the meeting over coffee and donuts. Take a walk when you brainstorm project ideas with a coworker.
• You will be sitting on the plane, so take a walk while waiting to board.
• Schedule exercise time on your business calendar and treat it as a business commitment.