Go With What You Do Know for Better Health
By Tom Herrin
It may sound a little ridiculous to say that someone wanting to improve their health should just keep doing what they are already doing. In many cases, it is actually a good way to boost their health. The only thing they may need to change is to simply do more of it. That may be the kicker for some. People have become accustomed to always searching for the easiest way to do something that they forget about that little extra that can test them to a greater extent. Adding a few steps to what they are currently doing can be the best way to improve health. It may not produce those big muscles and high endurance, but it may help to build a little more cushion against many common illnesses.
Doing Nothing Really Can Be a Killer
Once people make that decision to take it easy and coast, they are putting themselves at a much greater risk of experiencing serious health issues. Even a little more activity can turn things around completely. Alpa Patel, PhD., of the American Cancer Society said effectively that when people who have been sedentary begin to do anything, their risks of dying early from anything decreases. Added to this was a statement that benefits continue to add on with anything more that people do.
Age Is No Exemption
Many people seem to feel that once they retire, they will no longer need to do much of anything. Either someone will do something for them or they will have some kind of modern conveniences to take care of it all. It has been recommended that adults 65 or over should get a minimum of 2 1/2 hours per week of moderate exercise. It is actually estimated that fewer than 20 percent of those in that group get that amount.
Improving Activity Is Simple
It doesn't take a rocket scientist to determine a way to get more exercise. The important thing to remember is that small things can add up much faster than people may realize. I try to extend my regular walking activities a little more. I may park at the edge of the parking lot when I go to a store so that I can get more steps to the door, or I may take the stairs instead of the elevator. I may walk to the corner store rather than drive, or I may just make a couple of laps around the store when I am shopping. With a little thought, we can add steps that extend our activity time to get more out of it.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Sparks, Nev.