Regular physical activity is good for everyone’s health and people of all ages and body types can be physically active. National Physical Fitness and Sports Month is a great time to spread the word about the benefits of getting active. Be proactive and lead your family, friends and  coworkers into new habits. Find out about organized walks and fitness challenges that are scheduled in your local area. Try something out of your comfort zone. You may like it!

Here are just a few benefits of physical activity:

•   Children and Adolescents
Physical activity can improve muscular fitness and bone and heart health.
•    Adults
Physical activity can lower risk for heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and some types of cancer.
•   Older Adults
Physical activity can lower the risk of falls and improve cognitive functioning (like learning and judgment skills).

Remember to stay hydrated before, during and after activities. It is important! Water is always a great choice. Many of the sports drinks are designed to replace electrolytes during and after exercise.

They may not be necessary before an activity. The American College of Sports Medicine recommends flavored drinks when fluid replacement is needed during and after exercise to enhance palatability and promote fluid replacement. It is best to drink 17 ounces of fluid 2 hours before exercise to promote adequate hydration and allow time for the body to excrete excess water.

Keep active throughout the day. The next time that you find yourself sitting for an extended length of time, try to get up and walk for two minutes for every hour that you sit. Day in and day out, we find ourselves sitting for long periods of time whether we are at the office or at school or on the computer or watching tv or playing video games, etc. This sedentary lifestyle is proving to cause very real and serious health concerns for all generations.

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