Be Active
How will physical activity help me?
- Regular, moderate physical activity (30 minutes total at least five days per week) can help you live longer and improve your quality of life.
- Physical activity:
- Lowers cholesterol, blood pressure and blood sugar levels
- Decreases risk of colon cancer, diabetes, and stroke
- Strengthens bones, muscles and joints
- Relieves the pain of arthritis
- Helps maintain a healthy weight
- Increases your energy level
- Reduces stress and helps you relax more
- Helps you sleep better
If you have been inactive for a while:
- Start out slowly to prevent injury.
- Add 5-10 minutes every few days and build up to 30 minutes or more per day.
- Choose moderate-intensity activities you enjoy the most; you will be more likely to stick with them.
- Vary your activities, both for interest and to broaden the range of benefits.
- Explore new physical activities.
- Reward and acknowledge your efforts.
I have a busy life – how can I find the time to be more physically active?
Incorporate more activity into your daily routine:
- Take the stairs
- Put on some music and dance
- Park farther away from your destination
- Get on or off the bus several blocks away
- Walk during breaks at work
- Work in the garden
- Walk your child to school or the bus stop
- Exercise while watching TV
- Walk your dog
- Walk, cycle, or jog to work, the store, or to visit a friend
- Keep comfortable shoes in your car or office so you will be ready for activity wherever you go!
- Be creative. Every little bit helps!
Additional tips (Your Health Matters)
Want to know more about physical activity?
Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at http://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/dnpa
There are 1,440 minutes in every day…Schedule 30 of them for physical activity!
Source: http://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/dnpa/physical/life/tips.htm |
