Personal Injury Law

YMCA - America On The Move Week

By Chrissie Cole

You can be healthy. It starts with two simple steps.

It's not too late to join America On The Move Week with the YMCA, a nationwide event that aims at inspiring families and individuals to incorporate healthy activities into their everyday daily routines.

America On the Move Week is part of Activate America – the YMCA's response to the nation's growing health crisis. Activate America engages communities nationwide to provide better opportunities for people of all ages in their pursuit of health and well-being.

'Lack of physical activity is one of the three behaviors that contributes to a host of chronic health conditions including cancer, diabetes, heart disease and high,' said Dr. Wilma Wooten, MD, San Diego's public health officer. 'It's time for people to put down the remote control and computer mouse and get up and move.'

Incorporating healthier behavior into every day routines at work, home and school, can lead to long-term health benefits. Just 2,000 extra steps and eating 100 fewer calories daily can help many Americans prevent the current average annual weight gain of 1-2 pounds.

'Start by making small changes you can manage and make incremental changes you can stick with long-term,' Wooten said. 'It doesn't have to be difficult. A brisk 30-minute walk daily, divided in two sessions, is enough to maintain a healthy weight.'

Manageable Steps to Staying Healthy and Improve Health Include:

-- If you smoke, now is a good time to quit.

-- Limit alcohol consumption.

-- Exercise regularly and eat healthy - more fruits and veggies, less fatty foods.

-- Get regular checkups.

-- Learn about your own health, identify risk factors and change your lifestyle accordingly.

-- Meet with elected and appointed public officials to advocate for necessary, urgent action. #

Full post as published by InjuryBoard on September 23, 2009 (boomark / email).