Belize Medical Associates

Physical Activity for Everyone: The Importance of Physical Activity

The evidence is growing and is more convincing than ever! People of all ages who are generally inactive can improve their health and well-being by becoming active at a moderate-intensity on a regular basis.

Regular physical activity substantially reduces the risk of dying of coronary heart disease,  and decreases the risk for stroke, colon cancer, diabetes, and high blood pressure. It also helps to control weight; contributes to healthy bones, muscles, and joints; reduces falls among older adults; helps to relieve the pain of arthritis; reduces symptoms of anxiety and depression; and is associated with fewer hospitalizations, physician visits, and medications. Moreover, physical activity need not be strenuous to be beneficial; people of all ages benefit from participating in regular, moderate-intensity physical activity, such as 30 minutes of brisk walking five or more times a week.

Just remember to check with your doctor at Belize Medical Associates before starting your exercise program.

Tips for Being More Active

There are 1440 minutes in every day... Schedule 30 of them for physical activity.
Adults need recess too! With a little creativity and planning, even the person with the busiest schedule can make room for physical activity. For many folks, before or after work or meals is often an available time to exercise. Think about your weekly or daily schedule and look for or make opportunities to be more active. Every little bit helps. Consider the following suggestions:

* Walk to work, school, the store, or place of worship.
* Park the car farther away from your destination.
* Get on or off the bus several blocks away.
* Play with children or pets.  Everybody wins.  If you find it too difficult to be active after work, try it before work.
* Take fitness breaks - walking or doing desk exercises - instead of cigarette or coffee breaks.
* Perform home repair activities.
* Exercise while watching TV (for example, use hand weights, stationary bicycle/treadmill, or stretch).
* Dance to music.
* Keep a pair of comfortable walking or running shoes in your car and office. You'll be ready for activity wherever you go!
* Make a Saturday morning walk a group habit.
* Walk while doing errands.

Just remember to check with your doctor at Belize Medical Associates before starting your exercise program.