Chronic diseases, which include asthma, diabetes, cancer, obesity and heart disease are sadly a widespread epidemic in the United States. According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “chronic diseases were responsible for five of the six leading causes of death in the United States in 2006”.
Americans are spending more hours in the office where they remain seated at a desk for most of the day. Between this and all of the advances in technology that require us to move less, we are becoming a nation of sedentary, under-active and unhealthy people.
The minimum recommendation of physical activity is a mere 30 minutes of moderate activity on 5 or more days out of the week.
30 minutes a day (and not even every day!) and you can greatly reduce your risk for many chronic diseases. I think we can handle that!
- 66% of Americans over 20 are overweight
- 34% of that number are considered obese
- Diabetes affects nearly 23 million Americans
- Over 80% of those with Diabetes are overweight or have a history of excessive weight (NASM, p5)
You only get 1 body and 1 chance to treat it right. Do you?
Chronic diseases effect us all, whether directly or indirectly. Are you doing what you can to live a long, pain-free life? Are you motivating your loved ones to do the same? Be the inspiration that gets your child, your spouse, your mother-whoever!- moving more.
No Comments