Aim For Fitness

People of all ages can improve their health and sense of well-being with a moderate amount of physical activity.

Guaranteed-you've heard it before. But there is no way around it. An active lifestyle is needed to maintain a healthy weight.

A new epidemic is taking over America-obesity. The average American consumes at least 500 more calories a day than he did in 1950, the equivalent of an extra meal. Most of these calories come from refined grain products and added fats, oils and sugars. At the same time, the rate of physical activity has declined.

Regular exercise, such as brisk walking, can improve the functioning of the heart and lungs, increase strength and flexibility, delay or prevent certain diseases, help manage weight, help control blood pressure, and reduce feelings of depression and anxiety.

Think about these facts:

• Women who are overweight are eight times more likely to be diagnosed with diabetes than thin females.
• Obese women are twenty times more likely to develop Type 2 diabetes, with more females dying from diabetes than AIDS and breast cancer combined.
• Exercising-brisk walking, heavy gardening, or even housework-for one hour a day can decrease your risk of diabetes by as much as thirty percent.

No time to fit in fitness?

• Start with small steps. Walk for 10 minutes a day, inside or outside, alone or with friends.
• Make it a habit.
• Gradually increase the amount of time.
• Aim for 30-45 minutes total fun a day, several times a week.
• Find something you enjoy doing and just do it! Don't consider it optional. What do you have to lose? A gain in health far outweighs a gain in pounds. Always check with your health care provider before beginning a vigorous activity program.

What do you have to lose? A gain in health far outweighs a gain in pounds.

Always check with your health care provider before beginning a vigorous activity program.