Health and Exercise – Part 1

By Ella Samuel

Everyone needs both aerobic and muscle-strengthening physical activity. Even short periods of physical activity can improve health. A healthy lifestyle can help you thrive throughout your life. Making healthy choices isn’t always easy, however. It can be hard to find the time and energy to exercise regularly or prepare healthy meals. Physical activity can improve health now and in the future. People of all ages, races and ethnicities, shapes, sizes, and abilities can benefit from more physical activity. Your efforts will pay off in many ways, and for the rest of your life.

A lot of us today have busy, demanding lives. You may feel pulled in different directions and experience stress from dealing with work, family and other matters, leaving little time for yourself. Learning to balance your life with some time for yourself will pay off with big benefits — a healthy outlook and better health.
Conscious effort on being physically active for 30 minutes most days of the week will help keep you in good shape and health. You can break this up into three 10-minute sessions when pressed for time. Also eat a well-balanced, low-fat diet with lots of fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Choose a diet that’s low in saturated fat and cholesterol, and moderate in sugar, salt and total fat.

Physical activity
Helps prevent unhealthy weight gain.
Reduces the risk of many chronic diseases, such as heart disease, cancer, and type 2 diabetes.
Helps reduce feelings of anxiety and improves sleep quality.
Improves cognitive ability and reduces risk of dementia.
Improves bone and musculoskeletal health.
Immediate Benefits for Adults
Improves sleep quality
Reduces feelings of anxiety
Reduces blood pressure

Long-term Benefits for Adults
Brain Health – Reduces risks of developing dementia (including Alzheimer’s disease) and reduces risk of depression
Heart Health – Lowers risk of heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes
Cancer Prevention – Lowers risk of eight cancers: bladder, breast, colon, endometrium, esophagus, kidney, lung, and stomach
Healthy Weight – Reduces risk of weight gain
Bone Strength – Improves bone health
Balance and Coordination – Reduces risks of falls

Your health is one of the most important things in your life. It affects your physical, mental, and emotional well-being. That’s why it’s so important to be proactive about your health and take steps to prevent illness and disease.

Being proactive in health means taking steps to improve your health before you get sick. This includes things like eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, getting enough sleep, and managing stress. It also means getting regular checkups with your doctor.

An annual physical is a preventive care visit that allows your doctor to assess your overall health and identify any potential problems. During an annual physical, your doctor will ask you questions about your health history, family history, and lifestyle habits. They will also perform a physical exam, which may include checking your blood pressure, heart rate, weight, and height.