We are happy to have Deb Lowther, a founder of Adult Essentials Gummies and Iron Kids Nutrition, back with us this week talking about the not-so-secret to better health…
What if I told you I had the secret to better health, easier weight control, more energy, more restful sleep, and better mood? One that could provide stress relief, stronger muscles and bones and reduced heartburn, anxiety, constipation, depression, while also preventing diabetes, heart disease, osteoporosis and cancer?
You’d be curious right. You’d probably be first in line to find out this secret; who doesn’t want better health with all those added benefits?
Good news is, it can be yours. All you need is a pair of running shoes and a few minutes a day.
What is this secret to better health?
Exercise.
Physical activity is not just for the marathon runners or the extreme health nuts; exercise is for everyone. The human body was made to move, but our modern sedentary habits have taken over and created an inactive lifestyle common for too many adults. Hours spent sitting in traffic, full time jobs in front of computer screens, kids growing up on couches resulting an unhealthy, stressed out, sleep deprived, lethargic, anxious population.
Taking just 20-30 minutes out a day for a brisk walk, a full stretch, to climb stairs, or ride a bike with your kids can make all the difference. You can even break it up into two 15 minute sessions of activity, if it’s easier to fit in fitness that way, and still reap the benefits of a more active lifestyle.
Staying physically active doesn’t have to be difficult, you don’t need a gym or a personal trainer. You just need to move. Everyday. Get your heart pumping, your blood flowing and your energy soaring. A little goes a long way to improving your health.
Physical activity everyday does more than just build muscle, improve your cardiovascular fitness and help you lose weight; it affects your stress level, your ability to get a good nights sleep, your energy level, your anxiety, digestion, circulation, bone density, immune system, mood and can prevent some serious diseases.
You may feel healthy now, being young, being busy and looking after everyone else, but years of inactivity will catch up with you and can threaten your long term health.
The Ministry of Health and Long Term Care warns “Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death among Canadian men and women. One-quarter of CVD deaths are the direct result of inactivity. Regular physical activity reduces the risk of high blood pressure and stroke.”
Find activities you enjoy so you will stay motivated and work them into your daily life. Start a neighbourhood walking group, rent a yoga DVD from the library, take the stairs at work, park or get off the bus 10 minutes from your office, challenge the kids to front rolls in the park or a bike ride around the block.
Make staying physically active part of your family lifestyle and enjoy all of the health benefits that go along with it for years to come.
Deb Lowther is a mother of 3 young daughters who, when not running after the kids, is running in the trails! She blogs about Raising Healthy Kids and ensures her own have fun while eating healthy & staying active. To read more articles you can visit her websites www.iron-kids.com & www.adultessentials.com or visit her on Twitter @Deb_Lowther or Facebook at IronKids.Health and Adult Essentials.
