Stay Active, Stay Healthy
It’s true. People who exercise regularly tend to be healthier than those who don’t. Here are some of the best reasons to get up and get moving toward a happier, healthier life:
- Find your balance. When it comes to reaching or keeping a healthy weight, diet and exercise both play a critical role. The important part is that you remember that everyone’s body responds to different levels of physical activity differently.
- Take health to heart. Heart disease and stroke are two of the leading causes of death in the U.S. The recommended guidelines of at least 150 minutes (2 hours and 30 minutes) of moderate-intensity aerobic activity every week can help reduce your risk. Moreover, just 30 minutes of exercise per day can help lower your blood pressure and improve your cholesterol levels.
- Lower your risk. Regular physical activity can reduce your risk of developing type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome by controlling blood glucose levels, as well as by raising “good” cholesterol and lowering “bad” cholesterol numbers.
Stay fit. Stay sharp.
Regular physical activity can help keep your thinking, learning, and judgement skills sharp as you age. It can also reduce your risk of depression, and may even help you sleep better. So take a yoga class, walk around the block, or just do a little gardening. Because no matter what, any physical activity is better than none!
What is moderate-intensity physical activity? The “talk test” is a simple way to measure relative intensity. In general, if you’re doing a moderate-intensity activity, you can talk but not sing during the activity.
Healthy Recipe of the Month:
Hemp Seed Apricot Chews
Click here for the full recipe! From wholefoods.com/recipes
Need more guidance when it comes to healthier food + meal choices? Need tips on menu planning + grocery shopping? Visit choosemyplate.gov!
Use this exercise action plan to set goals and track your progress!
Health Facts of the Month
Did You Know?
- With rising temperatures across the country, hydration has never been more important!
- Keeping the body hydrated helps the heart pump blood through the blood vessels and muscles more easily + efficiently.
- 75% of Americans are dehydrated.
- The average American drinks just 2.5 cups of water daily, which is well below the recommended 8-10 cups per day.
- Just mild dehydration can affect your ability to think clearly.