posted May 4, 2017, 12:02 PM by Tracy Ducker, MS, RDN
May is National Physical Fitness and Sports Month. We all know that physical activity is good for us, but how good is it
really? Physical activity increases our chances of a longer life, because it
helps:
- Control your blood
pressure, blood sugar, and weight
- Lower your “bad”
cholesterol and raise your “good” cholesterol
- Prevent heart disease,
colorectal cancer, breast cancer, and type 2 diabetes
But that’s not all. Being more active can:
- Be fun
- Help you look your
best
- Help you sleep better
- Make your bones,
muscles, and joints stronger – think
osteoporosis prevention
- Lower your chances of
becoming depressed - 6.7% of U.S. adults have been diagnosed with depression
- Reduce falls and
arthritis pain
- Help you feel better
about yourself
Is physical activity
for everyone?
Yes! Physical activity
is good for people of all ages and body types. Even if you feel out of shape or
you haven’t been active in a long time, you can find activities that will work
for you.
The Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans recommend that
adults: - Aim for 2 hours and 30
minutes of moderate aerobic activity each week. Moderate activity includes
things like walking fast, dancing, swimming, and raking leaves.
- Do
muscle-strengthening activities – like lifting weights or using exercise bands
– at least 2 days a week.
- Physical activity is
for everyone. No matter what shape you are in, you can find activities that work
for you. Together, we can rise to the challenge and get more active during the
month of May!
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