The gray and chilly winter months can easily discourage us from staying active, the warmth of a couch all too comforting.

But staying active in winter is important, according to the American Heart Association, and has some serious benefits, including keeping our immune system healthy to ward off the flu and boosting endorphins to help us avoid those winter blues.

The Heart Association says everything from brisk walking to shoveling snow to sledding to ice skating all are ways we can keep active even when the sun isn’t shining.

But it’s important to work out safely, the Heart Association warns.

Just like in the summer, we have to keep ourselves hydrated and watch out for overexertion. And, unlike in the summer, we have to watch out for signs of hypothermia, which include sluggishness, a lack of coordination, slurred speech, and shivering.

Tempting as it might be, winter is no excuse for sitting on our bums.

Get out there and stay active, Northeast Michigan, but do so safely.

(THE ALPENA NEWS)