Something Is Better Than Nothing

It’s unfortunate, but health is often taken for granted until it is compromised.  More than one-third of adults in the Unites States are obese; increasing the risk of chronic diseases, including heart disease, type 2 diabetes, stroke, and certain types of cancers (Center for Disease Control, 2012, para. 1).  Almost one in ten deaths are caused by obesity or overweight (Harvard Men’s Health Watch, 2012, p. 5). 

Adhering to daily physical activity is the most beneficial lifestyle choice for increasing longevity (Matheson et al., 2011, p. 1272).   The risk of developing a chronic disease can be decreased through diet and exercise (Matheson et al., 2011, p. 1272).   

How much exercise is necessary to increase health?  You only have to perform a minimum of 2 hours and 30 minutes a week of moderate intensity physical activity to improve health (U.S. Department of Health & Human Services [HHS],2008).  However, to receive more extensive health benefits you should increase aerobic physical activity to 5 hours of moderate-intensity physical activity or 3 hours of vigorous-intensity physical activity (HHS, 2008). 

The first few weeks of an exercise program are the hardest!  I’ve maintained a regular exercise program for over 30 years and I still remember struggling in the beginning.  It’s important to set yourself up for success.  When I first started taking aerobic classes I attended at the same time every day to create a habit.  It’s also good to try different types of exercise so you don’t get bored.  If it’s been awhile since you’ve exercised or you’ve never exercised I recommend you start out walking 10-20 minutes every day.  It won’t be long before you notice you feel better, have more energy, feel less stressed and sleep better. 

 Exercise is my prescription for health, make it yours too!

 References:

Center for Disease Control. (2012). Adult obesity facts. Retrieved from:

      http://www.cdc.gov/obesity/data/adult.html

Matheson, G. O., Klüg, M., Dvorak, J., Engebretsen, L., Meeuwisse, W. H., Schwellnus, M., &

     Weiler, R. (2011). Responsibility of sport and exercise medicine in preventing and managing

     chronic disease: applying our knowledge and skill is overdue. British Journal Of Sports

     Medicine, 45(16), 1272-1282. doi:10.1136/bjsports-2011-090328

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2008). Physical activity guidelines for

     Americans. Retrieved from: http://www.health.gov/paguidelines/guidelines/summary.aspx