Get Up and Go!

Wednesday, April 19 2006, 05:33 PM EDT

Contributed by: Mel Fabrikant

Walkers
Walkers
The benefits of regular physical activity are overwhelmingly positive for everyone, but even so most Americans, including men, women and young people, fail to get enough exercise. Thirty minutes of moderate intensity exercise done five days a week substantially reduces the risk of dying from coronary heart disease which is now the nation’s leading cause of death. Physical activity can also decrease the risk for stroke, colon cancer, Type 2 Diabetes and high blood pressure. In addition, exercise may help you to lower cholesterol, control and maintain a healthy body weight, assist in the maintenance and development of healthy joints and bones, promote psychological well being and reduce feelings of stress and anxiety.

Walking two miles at a fast pace, raking leaves, mowing the law or regular social dancing are just a few of the activities that Paramus Health Officer John Hopper suggests as a realistic means for incorporating physical activity into your everyday routine.

More than half of all adults fail to get enough exercise to provide them any health benefits. More than a third of young people in grades 9 – 12 no longer participate in regular vigorous-intensity physical activity, such as running, high-impact aerobics or a fast game of basketball. Exercise is beneficial for all ages, and will help reduce the prevalence of obesity in America.

Take advantage of the nice weather and the variety of local parks to make a commitment to a regular daily walking program. Ask a friend to join you for support and you’ll encourage each other to continue. Always start with a physician’s evaluation if you’ve been a couch potato. Select a good-fitting pair of athletic shoes and you should see an improvement in your health within months. You’ll be glad you did.

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