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What would you do if you could lengthen your lifespan and increase your quality of health to prevent chronic heart disease, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity, colon cancer and other diseases? 

The answer:  get physically active!  Physical activity is anything that gets your body moving. 

Physical Activity… the Best Fit for You?

  • Pick an activity you enjoy:  If you love being outdoors and like being with others, join a local cycling group. Or, if you want a year-round activity, try swimming- a low-impact fat-burning workout. 
  • The right fit for your lifestyle:  Don’t let long hours at the office keep you from being active.  Rally co-workers to join you for a lunch hour walk each day.  If you’re a busy parent, go explore the outdoors with the kids by going on a family hike or bike ride before dinner. 
  • Some physical activity is better than none:  So just get moving! 

Choosing Walking Shoes

Your favorite tennis shoes may look nice on the outside, but the inside may tell another story. If you are starting a walking program and want to prevent injury and have a comfortable ride, invest in some new shoes.

  • Know what kind of foot you have. High arch? Flat foot? Do you pronate? If you are lost already, go to a foot doctor, or a good shoe store that will help you figure this out. Make sure the staff is knowledgeable and experienced. Most running or specialty stores will be able to offer the help you need.
  • Choose a good walking shoe based on the kind of support you need for your specific foot type. This will assure that you have the support you need.
  • Replace shoes every 6-9 months. They may still look good on the outside but the internal structure wears over time. You aren't getting the support you used to and may start to feel pain or fatigue in your lower back or knees as a result.

For more information visit RealAge.com to view a video to help you trough step by step. 

Finding Time

Here are some tips on how you can make the most of each day and reap the most benefits in your body:

  • Busy full-time working parent?  Once the kids go to bed, do something for you—get physically active with a workout DVD or keep busy with chores.  Did you know vacuuming for 30 minutes can burn up to 125 calories?
  • Is your favorite television program on?  Feel free to watch it, but be sure to get active during the commercials.  Get up and do a load of laundry; three sets of 15 push-ups and crunches; or stretch those muscles.  
  • Are the grandkids coming to visit for the weekend?  Help burn calories and the kids’ energy by going to a park to run on the playground, or practice their skills for t-ball.

Survey says…
Major research findings about the health benefits of physical activity from the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans:

  • Regular physical activity reduces the risk of many adverse health outcomes such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and some cancers.
  • Most health benefits occur with at least 150 minutes (2 hours and 30 min.) a week of moderate-intensity physical activity. Additional benefits occur with more physical activity.
  • People with disabilities can also benefit from physical activity.
  • The benefits of physical activity far outweigh the possibility of adverse outcomes.

For more information on getting active visit...