Let’s Get Moving for Better Health!

Scientific research repeatedly shows that participating in physical activity on a daily basis helps make us healthier. Being active reduces the risk of developing or dying from some of the leading causes of illness and death in the U.S. It doesn’t matter what age you are, the message is clear: move it!

Physical activity helps strengthen bones, muscles and joints, helps reduce depression and anxiety, enhances the immune response system, helps control body weight and blood pressure, boosts self-esteem and self-confidence and improves the overall feeling of well-being. What are you waiting for? Get moving!

Physical activity is a part of many daily activities, including household chores, hobbies and job-related duties. Aim to accumulate at least 30 minutes (adults) or 60 minutes (children and youth) of moderate physical activity daily. If you already get 30 minutes of physical activity daily, you can gain more health benefits by increasing the amount of time that you are physically active or by taking part in more vigorous activities. No matter what activity you choose, you can do it all at once, or spread it out over two or three times during the day. Let’s consider a typical day and see how simple, regular, moderate physical activity can add up. Let’s say you get up in the morning and walk the dog for 10 minutes. You take the stairs two or three times at work (5 minutes) and park in a lot that is 5 minutes from your office resulting in 10 minutes of activity to and from the office. At home you vacuum for 5 minutes. You have achieved 30 minutes of physical activity for the day!

More physical activity is required to achieve physical fitness, change body composition and maintain weight. However, just 30 minutes of physical activity can help improve health and decrease risk of chronic disease. In addition, physical activity is a fun and healthy way to socialize with friends and to spend quality time with family members.

Moving Ideas

• Begin a hobby that incorporates activity — gardening, dancing, tennis.
  
  
• Take your dog for a walk.
  
  
• Take the stairs whenever possible.
  
  
• Park your car at the far end of the parking lot and walk.
  
  
• Walk briskly.
  
  
• Wash your car instead of using the car wash.
  
  
• Do your own yard work. Use a push mower rather than a riding mower.
  
  
• Do not use the remote control. Instead get up and change the channel!