Get Moving!

The warmer weather has arrived and it’s time to get moving! Physical activity is one of the best things you can do to improve your mental and physical health. No matter what your fitness level or mobility, being physically active is important for your health. Here are five great reasons to get your body moving today:

• Lower risk of heart disease and stroke, some cancers and diabetes. Heart disease and stroke are two of the leading causes of death in the United States. Being regularly active at a moderate intensity level can help lower risk for these diseases. Regular physical activity can also lower your blood pressure and improve your cholesterol levels. Getting the recommended amount of physical activity can lower the risk of many cancers. These include cancers of the bladder, breast, colon, endometrium, esophagus, kidney, lung, and stomach.
• More money in your wallet. In the US, we spend billions each year in health care costs associated with low levels of physical activity. Not getting enough physical activity can increase your risk of developing a chronic disease, which comes with higher health care costs. Staying active is good for your health and your wallet, too. You can always add physical activity in your day with allowing those that can to participate in a walking meeting, stretching breaks during long meetings, or taking a walk or wheeling yourself in your wheelchair during your lunch break.
• Better brain function. Regular physical activity can keep your thinking, learning, and judgment skills sharp and delay the decline of these skills as you age.
• Stronger Bones and muscles. Doing aerobic, muscle-strengthening, and bone-strengthening physical activities of at least moderate intensity can slow the loss of bone density. Being physically active can also help with arthritis pain and reduce the risk of hip fracture.
• Longer life. About 110,000 deaths per year could be prevented if U.S. adults aged 40 and older increased moderate-to-vigorous physical activity by even 10 minutes a day. 

All adults should avoid inactivity and adults who participate in any amount of physical activity gain some health benefits. If you have a disability, talk to your doctor about the amounts and types of physical activity that are appropriate for your abilities.

So, let’s get moving for overall better health.