We all know it we need to move more and sit less.  Physical activity improves health in a variety of ways:   It keeps your weight in check, it fights diseases like diabetes, it is good for your brain health, it will help you sleep better and help improve your mood.

7 out of 10 of the most common chronic diseases can be improved by regular physical activity.  Yet 80% of us are not getting the physical activity that we should.

A lack of physical activity is linked to:  117 Billion per year Health Care Costs and Premature Mortality

Literally a lack of physical activity can kill you.

There are new Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans recommended by the Secretary of the US Department of Health and Human Services.  All of us should take notice of these and make changes accordingly.

You want to be your best self.  We all do.  We can do that by getting active in any way that we find enjoyable and it needs to start young.

Key Guidelines for Children 3 to 5

Preschool children should be physically active throughout the day to enhance growth and development.

Caregivers should encourage active play that includes a variety of activity types.

Key Guidelines for Children and Adolescents

Children and adolescents ages 6 through 17 years should do 60 minutes (1 hour) or more of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity daily:

This should include aerobic, muscle- strengthening and bone-strengthening activity.

Key Guidelines for Adults

Adults should do at least 150 minutes to 300 minutes a week of moderate intensity physical activity.

OR

75 minutes to 150 minutes a week of vigorous intensity physical activity.

Adults should do muscle-strengthening activity moderate to intense that involves all major muscle groups 2 or more days per week.

There are additional health benefits to engaging in more physical activity per week.

Key Guidelines for Older Adults

Older adults should do 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity a week.

This activity should include balance training, muscle strengthening and aerobic exercise.

If chronic conditions exist and this is not possible they need to be as active as possible.

Why should we adopt a new active lifestyle? 

• 3 to 5 year olds that move more have improved bone health and appropriate weight.
• Cognition improves for 6 to 13 year olds that are physically active.
• Cancer risk decreases with greater physical activity.
• Physical activity benefits your brain, improves cognition, reduces anxiety and improves sleep.
• Reduces the risk of fall-related injuries.
• Improves mortality for those suffering with chronic medical conditions.

Let’s encourage each other to find an activity we enjoy and get and get moving!