Invest In Yourself

    Since the dawn of the industrial age to present day, physical activity levels have decreased significantly enough to warrant a concern based on the overwhelming prevalence of chronic diseases. Chronic diseases would include obesity and various forms of heart disease and cancers. Due to society relying more and more on technological advances such as improved methods of transportations we have minimized our activity levels to point of sedentarism. In 1900 the leading cause of death was pneumonia, while in 2000 the leading cause of death was cardiovascular disease; a significant change even with improvements in modern medicine. Scientific evidence indicates that chronic diseases such as diabetes, various forms of cardiovascular disease, obesity, and some forms of cancer can be decreased by simply increasing physical activity levels. Even so lifespan expectancy has increased, but yet the current leading causes of death are preventable through maintaining a healthy lifestyle by consistently exercising, eating a balanced diet, and not smoking tobacco. Notably, the solution to the number one killer in America is obvious and lies in a few modifications that can be easily implemented. Whether it is walking or doing calisthenics, a greater emphasis and responsibility lies in each individual to find ways to stay healthy through increased physical activity.

    Where can we start to make simple modifications in lifestyle to combat aging, the risk of cardiovascular disease, and improve quality of life? Increase physical activity by making time to exercise or even incorporate some simple strategies. A few strategies might be to take the stairs rather than the elevator, park car further away from work, and even walking to and from work. Exercising can be as easy as performing 30 minutes of moderate cardio five days per week; brisk walking that can be done any time of day. Performing physical activity consistently on a long term basis can also increase metabolic rates, lower stress levels, and positively affect hormone production.

    Exercising can have many other benefits besides looking trim and fit, the bottom line is that exercise is our preservative from the natural processes of aging. The body is the greatest tool we will ever own, treat it as an investment and take care of it. Invest in yourself as you would with your vehicle or house; seek out professionals like dieticians or personal trainers that can help you reach your wellness goals. Through regular exercise, eating a healthy diet, and stretching we can combat the effects of aging and a sedentary lifestyle.

 

Source

http://www.publicagenda.org/charts/leading-causes-death-1900-and-2004

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