It’s time to make a big splash this summer — for your health. The United States Census Bureau reports that during 2009, there were 301 million swimming visits each year by Americans who were over the age of six. Swimming — ranked as the fourth most popular sports-based activity in the nation — can reduce the incidence of chronic illnesses with just two and a half hours a week, says the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Water aerobics is easy on the joints and can even increase muscle strength and endurance due to the water’s built-in resistance. This form of exercise is preferred by many as opposed to a more traditional form of fitness, like hitting the gym, because the weight doesn’t pull … MORE→