GOLDEN VALLEY, Minn. — Are you getting enough ‘movement’ in your daily routine? If you’re a typical American, the answer is ‘probably not.’ The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services’ new report on physical fitness shows only 26 percent of men and 19 percent of women are being active enough to stay healthy. Their report says just 20 percent of children are getting enough daily activity.
The HHS report says inactivity is adding $117 billion annually to the nation’s healthcare costs. Additionally, HHS says ten percent of premature deaths are the direct result of not getting enough daily activity.
The National Center for Health Statistics recently released a new report on American’s growing mid-section. Their findings show that between 1960 and 2016, an average man’s weight has increased by 32 pounds. During the same time frame, the average women’s weight has increased by 31 pounds. The average height for both men and women increased by one inch during the same time period. Use this link to read the complete report from NCHS.
Get Moving
The Department of Health & Human Services has developed guidelines on the amount of daily physical activity is needed to stay healthy. Their experts conclude that moving more and sitting less will improve the health of people of all ages. The Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans is more than 100 pages long. It provides activity recommendations for children & teens, active adults, and older adults.
Children & teens (age 6-17) – 60 minutes of daily aerobic activity (light to moderate intensity); muscle-building at least three days each week; bone-strengthening exercises at least three days each week.
Adults – 2 ½ - 5 hours of moderate-intensity activity and 1 ¼ - 2 ½ hours of aerobic movement each week; muscle-strengthening activities on all muscle groups two or more days a week.
Older adults – 2 ½ hours of weekly aerobic movement, muscle-strengthening, and balance training; Discuss appropriate amounts of activity with fitness professional; people with chronic conditions should be as physically active as possible.
As with any lifestyle changes, talk with a doctor/medical professional before launching into a new exercise regimen
Know Your Numbers
This information is provided by Health Fair 11 as part of its Know Your Numbers Campaign. Health Fair 11 is a non-profit organization that operates with the support of KARE 11 TV and UCare. Learn more at www.HealthFair11.org. To find out how your organization can become an official Health Fair 11 sponsor, email healthfair@kare11.com .
Resources use for this article
Department of Health & Human Services – New activity guidelines (overview)
Health.gov - New guidelines summary
Health.gov - New guidelines details
National Center for Health Statistics - Average weight men/women http://bit.ly/2QUrSnS
