Physical Activty:
Putting FUN Back In Your Life
Kids call it "play" or "fun."
So why do so many people stop exercising—stop having fun—when they grow up. You know the excuses: "too many responsibilities" or "not enough time." Perhaps you have some excuses of your own. Whatever the reason, many of us stop exercising, thinking we'll go back to it later. When and if "later" ever comes, we're out of shape—and what used to be fun is more like work.
Until you get back in shape.
Getting back in shape is the challenge. Putting fun and play back into our lives is the goal. For ideas and events that will help you be more active, visit the website of the "Get Up and Do Something" campaign.
Exercise is one of the most important things you can do for your health.
10 Reasons To Be More Active
- It can help you maintain or lose weight.
- It can help you manage the stress in your life.
- It can reduce feelings of anxiety and depression.
- It reduces your risk of developing colon cancer.
- It reduces your risk of developing diabetes.
- It can help you control blood pressure and blood cholesterol levels.
- It reduces your risk of dying prematurely from heart disease.
- It helps build and maintain healthy bones, muscles and joints.
- It increases your energy, strength and stamina.
- It helps you look and feel better.
If you want to play again, find an exercise that's fun for you. Exercise is something you need to do for the rest of your life, so the most important element is finding an activity you really enjoy. Try walking, swimming, bicycling, skiing, skating, dancing, tennis, volleyball, or any activity that sounds enjoyable to you.
Even if or when you're not "exercising," try to be more active. Do housework, gardening, hobbies or projects. Climb stairs instead of using elevators. Walk to the corner store instead of driving. Only watch television if there is a program you really want to watch—and be more active (work on a hobby or exercise) while you're watching the show. Limit TV watching to two hours or less a day.
CAUTIONS : Start gradually. Begin with what's comfortable, even if it's only five minutes. Add two minutes a week until you work up to a desirable level. You goal should be to exercise for at least 20 to 30 minutes a session, at least three to five days a week. You'll need to exercise longer, 30 to 60 minutes a session, if you are trying to lose weight.
You should check with your doctor first if you are over 40 and haven't been exercising regularly, are overweight, or have any chronic disease or family history of heart disease. Your doctor will recommend appropriate exercise. However, don't let the need for a physical check-up be an excuse for not becoming more active.
Never exercise to the point of pain. If you feel any chest or heart pains, check with your doctor before resuming exercise.
Lt. Governor's Challenge
The Lt. Governor's Challenge is a great way to get started!
Lt. Governor John C. Carney, Jr., is challenging Delawareans to become more active. The Challenge involves increasing your daily activity, and keeping track for a 12-week period in a logbook or on the Internet. You can start with easy, fun activities. The logbook assigns points to whatever activity you enjoy. You can earn gold, silver or bronze medals when you complete the Challenge.
"Whether it's bowling, gardening or walking, increased activity in your life can have great benefits," says Lt. Governor Carney. "People who add physical activity to their lives are healthier and feel better. They are more focused and energized. And all you have to do is take a little time each day to do something you already enjoy doing. Just a little walking each day can make a big difference."
Lt. Governor Carney started the challenge in 2002, in cooperation with the American Cancer Society, the Delaware Division of Public Health, the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce, Christiana Care Health System and University of Delaware. More than 15,000 Delawareans of all ages have taken the Challenge since then.
Links
Information about the U.S. Surgeon General's Report on Physical Activity and Health is available from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
A strategic plan for promoting physical activity and healthy nutrition in Delaware was published in November 2002. The Blueprint for a Healthier Delaware report is available on the website of the Health Education Network of Delaware.
For current data on physical activity and obesity in Delaware, go to our Behavioral Risk Factor Survey (BRFS) pages.
Delaware state employees can participate in the DelaWELL program, starting with a free health risk appraisal.
For information about bicycling in Delaware, visit the website of the Delaware Bicycle Council.
A calendar of physical activity events in the state is available on the Get Up and Do Something website .
Visit Be Healthy Delaware — the website of the Healthy Delaware Foundation and the Center for Health Promotion (University of Delaware).
