Eat Smart Move More Anderson County making the healthy choice the easy choice for all Anderson County residents.
The new 2018 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans were recently released providing evidencebased guidance to help all Americans maintain or improve their health through physical activity. The new report reminds us that being physically active is one of the most important actions that people of all ages can take to improve their health. The evidence is clear – physical activity fosters normal growth and development, can make people feel better, sleep better, and reduce the risk of many chronic illnesses. Health benefits start immediately after exercise for just about everyone, even those living with a chronic health condition or disability. The new Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans discusses the proven benefits of physical activity and outlines the amounts and types of activities recommended for different ages and populations.
Key Guidelines include: • Preschool-aged children should be physically active throughout the day to enhance normal growth and development. • School-aged children should be physically active for 60 minutes a day (1 hour). • Adults should move more and sit less throughout the day and be physically active at least 150 minutes a week doing moderate intensity exercising including muscle strengthening activities. • Older adults should be as physically active as their abilities and conditions allow and follow their doctor’s advice. • The Physical Activity Guidelines is issued by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and complements the USDA Dietary Guidelines for Americans. Together the two documents provide guidance for the public on the importance of being physically active and eating a healthy diet to promote good health and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
For example: • Additional health benefits related to brain health, heart health, and cancer prevention. • Immediate benefits for how people feel, function, and sleep. • Further benefits among older adults and people with chronic health conditions. • Risks of sedentary behavior, and fall related injury and prevention. • Guidance for preschool children, school age children, adults, and older adults. • Strategies that can be used to help everyone become more active. andersonmagazine.com
Just Remember to Eat Smart and Move More! The second edition of the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans is available at https://www.health.gov/ PAGuidelines/. n 23
January/February 2019