MOVE A LITTLE

Our ancestors lived it, research proves it and individual results sustain it yet so few people do it.  Regular physical activity amongst the U.S. population has stayed level for the past 10 years yet occurence of disease that is preventable through some form of regular activity has increased.  According to the latest research from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control approximately 31% of the population over 18 years of age gets an adequate amount of physical at a level to have significant health benefits.  That means that approximately 69% of the population is consciously putting themselves at risk for a wide array of diseases including heart disease, diabetes and several forms of cancer.

As presented on the Today Show this past week reports from Prevention Magazine state that individuals who participate in physical activity (i.e. walking) for at least 3 hours a week significantly reduce their risk for most forms of cancer. The U.S. Surgeon Generals last report recommended that every American should get at least 30 minutes of physical activity most days of the week.  Adding that up if we follow the advice of the Surgeon General we should not only be achieving the recommended guidelines to qualify for regular physical activity but we also gain the added benefit of significantly reducing our risk for numerous diseases.

You have heard the saying "If I can do it, anyone can do it" and there are plenty of people who fall in that category so follow their example and give it a try.  Set a goal and do the most basic form of exercise - Walking.  Today take 50 steps and tomorrow 100 and see what happens.  A little courage and self discipline can go a long way.