Have you got a recurring twinge; are you hobbling along or completely out of action' following an injury? Has your weight crept up, your waist spread and your general fitness level plummeted? Don't be disheartened, you can still keep your heart and arteries healthy, but it may mean reinventing yourself a little.

Exercise after an injury?

Exercise promotes healthy cholesterol levels and blood pressure, reduces abdominal fat and helps lose weight. It is essential for heart health and an injury may mean a new type of exercise and not necessarily a favourite one. A GP, physiotherapist or fitness instructor can advise you on the best way forward after your injury. Swimming gives great support to injured limbs with different strokes to choose from. Switching from running to cycling, investing in home exercise equipment, taking up Yoga or walking; attending sit and get fit' type classes; these all help maintain heart health while building up strength and flexibility again and remember, little bursts of activity are better than nothing.

Preventing injuries...

Some activities (football, basketball, gymnastics.) carry more risk of sudden injury than others but it's often overuse' injuries that stop us in our tracks. Being careful with the equipment used, the terrain, using appropriate footwear and getting a sport coach's advice on technique and intensity can help reduce injury risk. Warming up properly and cooling down and stretching carefully afterwards are also key. Never push yourself too hard and listen to your body for early warning signs.

Injuries and diet...

Weight gain often follows an injury as energy intake exceeds output: you exercise far less but your appetite and eating habits are the same as before the injury. Check your diet, snacking and drinking habits and cut out concentrated sources of calories, fat and sugar. Switch to smaller plates and avoid too many take-aways and rich convenience foods.

Physical inactivity is one of the silent killers' of our time. Most injuries needn't mean an end to exercise, just a need for a different approach. Trying to keep as active as possible while reducing your energy intake and following a healthy heart diet, will give your heart a worthwhile helping hand.

For more information and advice about healthy living, contact Heart Research UK on 0113 297 6206 or email lifestyle@heartresearch.org.uk.