  Shake out the chill and move into spring  April 7, 2013 Patty
Hammond , The OBSERVER  Spring has been a very long time coming
this year and when unpleasant weather conditions are combined
with the end-of-winter doldrums, it can be a rapid recipe for
excess weight gain. That's because, sadly, a lot of people tend
to eat more and exercise less during the kind of cold, snowy and
rainy weather we've had lately.  If you don't work off the
excess calories you eat, you're not likely to attain and
maintain a healthy weight. Physical inactivity also greatly
increases your risk of developing coronary heart disease and a
host of other conditions. Thankfully, inactivity is an easily
modifiable risk factor, especially since one of the easiest,
cheapest and most effective ways to achieve a healthy weight and
heart health is to walk more often. Walking doesn't require any
special skills or equipment. It's safe and it costs nothing to
get started.  The American Heart Association recommends we get
at least 150 minutes of mo