“For people who are inactive, even small increases in physical activity are associated with measurable health benefits.” –Healthy People 2010
"Every American should accumulate 30 minutes or more of moderate intensity physical activity on most, preferably all days of the week."
(US Surgeon General in his report on physical activity and health, 1996)
Many people think physical activity is about lifting weights and jogging on the treadmill. They don’t even like to hear the word exercise. The fact is, any type of increased physical activity will also provide many preventive health benefits. Shoveling snow in the driveway, walking the dog, washing the car—these are all types of physical activity. What is the best physical activity for you? It’s the one that you enjoy enough to do regularly. The most important thing is to get active. Do whatever it takes to make getting active fun for you.
Major benefits of physical activity:
Reduces your risk of heart disease
Helps control weight
Helps build and maintain healthy bones, muscles and joints
A November 2006 report published by the Utah Department of Health revealed that 53.8 percent of Utahn adults are getting in their recommended amount of physical activity. We are doing better than the rest of the nation, but still have a way to go to reach our goal of 65 percent by 2010. Regular physical activity decreases the risk of death from heart disease, lowers the risk of developing diabetes, cancer, high blood pressure, and numerous other health conditions. See how Utahns measure up.
