HHS Health Promotion

"Regular physical activity substantially reduces the risk of dying of coronary heart disease, the nation's leading cause of death, and decreases the risk for colon cancer, diabetes and high blood pressure. It also helps to control weight; contributes to healthy bones, muscles, and joints; reduces falls among the elderly; helps to relieve the pain of arthritis; reduces symptoms of anxiety and depression; and is associated with fewer hospitalizations, physician visits, and medications. Moreover, physical activity need not be strenuous to be beneficial; people of all ages benefit from moderate physical activity, such as 30 minutes of brisk walking five or more times a week. "

So you see, you don't have to be an athlete to be physically healthy. Anyone that isn't a couch potato can fight against obesity. All you have to do is set 30 minutes apart to do a little exercise; whether it be taking a walk, jogging, playing some sort of sports or swimming. As long as you're active for 30 minutes (or more) straight nonstop, a little bit goes a long way. All it takes is persistence and determination.

As talked about in a previous post, HHS developed new programs to help people fight the problem of obesity and even to help people maintain good health. The structures of these programs all linked to one main idea: physical activity.

Here are some programs that HHS supports to encourage physical activity:

[1] HealthierUS.gov - This is the root of President Bush's Healthier US Initiative. It was devised to educate and aid people with helpful information as to healthier lifestyles.

[2] President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports (PCPFS) - This is the group that advises the president and the secretary of HHS on how to motivate people to sustain healthier lifestyles. They encourage people to take up sports and to become more active. (For more information, visit www.fitness.gov)

[3] Healthy People 2010 - This compiles of the goals/obejectives set for America to achieve by 2010. It includes the major threats to health and how to prevent them. "One of the Healthy People 2010 goals is improving Americans' health, fitness and quality of life through daily physical activity with targets established both for adults and for children." (For more information, visit www.health.gov/healthypeople/)

Honestly, if people really care enough, they'd know what's best for them. If you need help, then get help. There are many programs out there that are dedicated to helping you solve these health problems. Just remember, it's never too late to ask for help.

(http://www.hhs.gov/news/press/2002pres/physactive.html)

img: (http://www.bfhd.wa.gov/img/activity.jpg)