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Arizona Doctor Discovers Triathlons as the Ultimate Weight Loss Program - Loses Sixty Pounds.
Please feel free to publish this article in your Newsletter or on your Website (with Resource Box included). Arizona Doctor Discovers Triathlons as the Ultimate Weight Loss Program - Loses Sixty Pounds. I never intended to get fat! I am not...

Choosing the Right Golf Balls
You've watched Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson on television – you know the brand of golf balls they use. And they're good, right? You should be able to use the same brand of golf balls and be good too, right? Wrong! Maybe using the same type golf...

Hiking Gear: Packing Tips
More and more people today enjoy the simple, wholesome fun of hiking. Hiking is an affordable, yet healthy and emotionally rewarding way to spend a vacation or a long weekend – and you don’t need to visit a travel agent. Experienced hikers...

Lyle Overbay: Milwaukee Brewers First Baseman
Not too many people would know who I'm talking about if I mentioned Lyle Overbay before the season started. Now that he's batting .347 with 5 homers and 31 RBI's(2nd in NL), many fans and fantasy owners are taking notice. Overbay has helped...

Vive Les Chats! Following Australian Football as an Expatriate
Vive Les Chats ! Paris is a truly wonderful city. There may be none more beautiful or with more character in the world. However, as an Aussie, one vital ingredient tragically lacking in the host of entertainment this city has to offer, is real...

 
The Importance of Physical Activity

Regular activity, fitness and exercise, are critical for the health and well being of people of all ages. Research shows that everyone , young or old can benefit from regular exercise, either vigourous or moderate. Even very old adults can improve mobility and function through physical activity. It should be a priority for everyone. Millions of people suffer from chronic illnesses, that can significantly improve through activity. Exercise reduces the risk of heart disease, diabetes, colon cancer, and high blood pressure. People who are active outlive those who are inactive.

Despite the well known benefits, most adults and children lead relatively sedentary lifestyles. They are not active enough. A sedentary lifestyle is defined as engaging in no leisure-time physical activity (exercises, sports, physically active hobbies) in a two-week period. Typically alot of older people lead sedentary lifestyles. More than one-third of young people in grades 9-12 do not exercise regularly. They tend to watch too much television.

The cost to the medical establishment is in the billions for treatments of diseases, which could be lessened with exercise. Regular exercise should be 30 mins, 5 days a week. Or 20 mins of vigourous exercise 3 times a week. Physical activity maintains muscle strength, joint structure, joint functioning and bone health. Exercise has an effect on


mental health as well, especially amoung young people. It increases the capacity for learning, increases self esteem and reduces anxiety and stress. Sports can introduce skills such as teamwork, self-discipline, sportsmanship, leadership and socialization. Lack of recreational activity may contribute to making young people susceptible to gangs, drugs or violence.

Obesity has become a nationwide epidemic. Regular activity, along with a nutritious diet, that incorporates portion control is the key to maintaining a healthy weight. Public and private sectors need to band together to encourage more activity. Walking programs for schools, worksites and the local community are some examples. The most important change has to come from the individual and families. Every person must realize the benefits of physical activity for the mind and body. Then commit to a lifestyle that is active for the whole family.


About the Author
I live in Toronto, Ontario. I live with my partner of 11 years. I also have a 12 year old son. I have been writing since I was young. I write short stories, articles and poetry. I have been writing for Allwrite online magazine for sometime. I have won Poetry Choice Awards from, The National Library of Poetry. I attended a convention in my youth where I won medals for my writing. I have had a poem published in Webster's Online Dictionary.

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