2008 Woodie Awards
Guest editorial
Carol Oglesby, department of health and human performance
Issue date: 12/1/05 Section: Editorial
Physical activity is for everyone. The weather is still warm, the sun is shining and outdoor activities are calling your name. Why not walk through the campus or walk/bike to the Riverwalk or to a local park.
This season, remember that it's never too late - or too early - to begin an active lifestyle.
The health benefits of regular physical activity are well documented. Research has shown that it can help you:
Control weight
Control high blood pressure
Reduce the risk for diabetes, heart attack and colon cancer
Reduce the symptoms of depression and anxiety
Reduce arthritis pain and disability
Reduce risk for osteoporosis and falls
Adults should get at least 30 minutes of moderately intense physical activity most days, preferably all days of the week.
Children and teenagers should get at least 60 minutes of physical activity most, preferably all, days of the week.
Most people can get greater health benefits by increasing the intensity or the amount of time that they are physically active.
More intense or longer periods of physical activity may be needed to control body weight. About 60 minutes a day may be needed to prevent weight gain.
If you have a hard time getting started with regular physical activity, consider starting by doing 10 minutes of physical activity a day and gradually work your way up to 30 minutes.
Choose activities that are easy to fit into your everyday routine, such as walking or biking.
Keep a pair of comfortable walking or running shoes in your car and at your office. You'll be ready for activity wherever you go!
Plan ahead and make physical activity a regular part of your schedule. Invite a friend to exercise with you regularly. Join a group that promotes an appealing activity.
Have no place to be active? Look around your community for convenient places for physical activity, such as trails, parks, school athletic fields and community centers.
You don't need to be an accomplished athlete to enjoy being active.
The confidence you gain from simpler activities can inspire you to try new ones.
Regular physical activity makes important contributions to your health.
Take charge of your health by adding more physical activity into your life!
This season, remember that it's never too late - or too early - to begin an active lifestyle.
The health benefits of regular physical activity are well documented. Research has shown that it can help you:
Control weight
Control high blood pressure
Reduce the risk for diabetes, heart attack and colon cancer
Reduce the symptoms of depression and anxiety
Reduce arthritis pain and disability
Reduce risk for osteoporosis and falls
Adults should get at least 30 minutes of moderately intense physical activity most days, preferably all days of the week.
Children and teenagers should get at least 60 minutes of physical activity most, preferably all, days of the week.
Most people can get greater health benefits by increasing the intensity or the amount of time that they are physically active.
More intense or longer periods of physical activity may be needed to control body weight. About 60 minutes a day may be needed to prevent weight gain.
If you have a hard time getting started with regular physical activity, consider starting by doing 10 minutes of physical activity a day and gradually work your way up to 30 minutes.
Choose activities that are easy to fit into your everyday routine, such as walking or biking.
Keep a pair of comfortable walking or running shoes in your car and at your office. You'll be ready for activity wherever you go!
Plan ahead and make physical activity a regular part of your schedule. Invite a friend to exercise with you regularly. Join a group that promotes an appealing activity.
Have no place to be active? Look around your community for convenient places for physical activity, such as trails, parks, school athletic fields and community centers.
You don't need to be an accomplished athlete to enjoy being active.
The confidence you gain from simpler activities can inspire you to try new ones.
Regular physical activity makes important contributions to your health.
Take charge of your health by adding more physical activity into your life!
