| Regular activity, fitness and exercise, are critical | | | | 30 mins, 5 days a week. Or 20 mins of vigourous |
| for the health and well being of people of all ages. | | | | exercise 3 times a week. Physical activity |
| Research shows that everyone , young or old | | | | maintains muscle strength, joint structure, joint |
| can benefit from regular exercise, either | | | | functioning and bone health. Exercise has an |
| vigourous or moderate. Even very old adults can | | | | effect on mental health as well, especially amoung |
| improve mobility and function through physical | | | | young people. It increases the capacity for |
| activity. It should be a priority for everyone. | | | | learning, increases self esteem and reduces |
| Millions of people suffer from chronic illnesses, that | | | | anxiety and stress. Sports can introduce skills |
| can significantly improve through activity. Exercise | | | | such as teamwork, self-discipline, sportsmanship, |
| reduces the risk of heart disease, diabetes, colon | | | | leadership and socialization. Lack of recreational |
| cancer, and high blood pressure. People who are | | | | activity may contribute to making young people |
| active outlive those who are inactive. | | | | susceptible to gangs, drugs or violence. |
| Despite the well known benefits, most adults and | | | | Obesity has become a nationwide epidemic. |
| children lead relatively sedentary lifestyles. They | | | | Regular activity, along with a nutritious diet, that |
| are not active enough. A sedentary lifestyle is | | | | incorporates portion control is the key to |
| defined as engaging in no leisure-time physical | | | | maintaining a healthy weight. Public and private |
| activity (exercises, sports, physically active | | | | sectors need to band together to encourage |
| hobbies) in a two-week period. Typically alot of | | | | more activity. Walking programs for schools, |
| older people lead sedentary lifestyles. More than | | | | worksites and the local community are some |
| one-third of young people in grades 9-12 do not | | | | examples. The most important change has to |
| exercise regularly. They tend to watch too much | | | | come from the individual and families. Every |
| television. | | | | person must realize the benefits of physical |
| The cost to the medical establishment is in the | | | | activity for the mind and body. Then commit to a |
| billions for treatments of diseases, which could be | | | | lifestyle that is active for the whole family. |
| lessened with exercise. Regular exercise should be | | | | |