Ditch the Escalator for the Stairs for Health
By Tom Herrin
There is no reason for anyone to knock themselves out just to get exercise that can improve the function of the body and boost health. While it is OK to get that aggressive program going, the real product can come from something much simpler. Unless someone is trying to achieve some big, new goal, doing small things can be every bit as helpful and yield some good results. Most information points to the fact that doing something is much better than doing nothing, and it can have some pretty good results. It may be nothing new, but it still can have a considerable impact on health.
It Is Rarely Too Late to Start
Since many people tend to become sedentary when the time is right, they seem too willing to accept the consequences. According to information from the American Cancer Society, anytime someone goes from very inactive to doing something, they reduce their risk of premature death quite a bit. And it appears that they biggest difference is made at that time. Simply said, the time to become more active is right now. People should never feel that they cannot get any better than what they are at the moment. Their healthier future can begin almost immediately.
Age Does Not Mean Hanging It Up
A lot of people seem to feel that when they reach a certain age and/or retire, they can stop being active. What a miserable existence it would be to do nothing. It also means that they are putting their health at a greater risk. It has been speculated that fewer than 20 percent of those 65 and older get the amount of exercise that is recommended. That amount is actually less than three hours per week. That can be done in less than 30 minutes per day. This amount can apparently be helpful in maintaining blood pressure, preventing heart disease, and avoiding some cancers along with several other things.
Look for the Little Ways to Get Healthier
We all have things we can do to get that needed exercise. I try to find simple things. When possible, I will walk up the stairs instead of using the escalator or elevator. I also try to park a little farther away from the door in a parking lot when it is possible. For me, finding a way to add just a few steps to my day seems to get me moving and provide me with a better feeling of health. I know it never seems to take much effort for me to breathe better and improve my blood pressure. Hopefully it can work as well for you.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in West Hollywood, Calif.