Live a Healthier and Longer Life—Physical Activity Dydra Arnold 

Physical activity is important in so many ways to the health of human beings. Physical activity can help with many things. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), physical activity can help you function better, feel better, and sleep better. It also can help with anxiety, improves overall health, and reduces the risks of various diseases. Let’s dive into more of the specifics!

A screenshot of a cell phone Description automatically generated

Why Does Physical Activity Matter?

The CDC emphasizes many different reasons as to why getting an adequate amount of physical activity is extremely important. Some of these include:

  • It saves lives and protects health

    • Getting enough physical activity can prevent 1 in 10 premature deaths. It can also prevent:

      • 1 in 8 cases of breast cancer

      • 1 in 8 cases of colorectal cancer

      • 1 in 12 cases of diabetes

      • 1 in 15 cases of heart disease

  • Not getting enough physical activity costs money

    • $117 billion in annual health care costs are correlated with inadequate physical activity 

  • Physical Activity builds a strong and healthy America—there are benefits for children, adults, and the healthy aging

    • Children: reduces risk of depression, improves muscular fitness and bone health, and improves attention and some measures of academic performance

    • Adults: lowers risk of high blood pressure and stroke, improves mental health and cognitive function, and prevents weight gain

    • Healthy Aging: improves sleep, balance, and joint mobility, extends years of active life, and delays onset of cognitive decline

Now that we know the importance of physical activity, how much should we actually be getting? 

Physical Activity Recommendations

The CDC highlights the amount of physical activity that is recommended for children and adolescents (6-17 years old): 

  • A screenshot of a cell phone Description automatically generatedYou should be getting 60 minutes or more of moderate-to-vigorous intensity activity daily

  • As part of your 60 minutes each day, on at least 3 days a week, you need:

    • Vigorous activity such as running

    • Activity that strengthen muscles such as push ups

    • Activity that strengthens bones such as jumping rope

So, with the recommended amount presented the question becomes, how do I incorporate this in my everyday life?

Daily Physical Activity 

ChooseMyPlate.gov gives advice on how to incorporate physical activity into your every day life and in specific environments. They stress that you make sure it’s activities that you enjoy and can do regularly. Here are some ideas:

At Home

  • A screenshot of a cell phone Description automatically generatedWalk your dog (if you have one)

  • Clean the house

  • Mow the lawn with a push mower

  • Do stretches or exercise while watching television

At Play:

  • Walk, jog, skate, or cycle

  • Swim or do water aerobics

  • Play a sport (basketball, softball, soccer, golf)

Engaging in physical activity is nothing but beneficial to you and those in your community. Try and incorporate different activities in your every day routine. You’ll be surprised at how better you will start to feel mentally and physically. Most importantly, make sure you have fun while being active!

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