The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that only 20% of Americans over the age of eighteen meet the recommended guidelines for regular aerobic and strength training exercises. Individuals who do not exercise regularly are at an increased risk of disease and early mortality. As fitness professionals, it is crucial that we inform the public about the risks associated with living a sedentary lifestyle. Three common diseases related to inactivity are:
1. Type 2 Diabetes - In the United States 25.8 million people live with diabetes. A combination of regular strength training and aerobic exercise can decrease the risk for Type 2 Diabetes by reducing your body fat percentage, which in turn improves your insulin sensitivity.
2. Heart Disease - This is the number one killer of Americans! Regular exercise can decrease the risk for heart disease by preventing (or lowering) high blood pressure, high cholesterol, high glucose levels and by promoting a proper body mass index.
3. Osteoporosis - This disease is responsible for 1.5 million fractures a year in the United States. Weight-bearing exercises and strength training support increased bone density and help slow the effects of bone loss as you age.
With regular aerobic exercise and strength training you can improve your quality of life. So get out there and move!
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I am a sales rep for insulin used by type 2 diabetes patients and it is such a serious disease. The main challenge that my customers (health care professionals) face is non compliance and lack of motivation on their patient’s part. Diabetes is a disease that you have to be proactive in and can’t just pop a pill or take a shot to fix it like other diseases. It takes work on the patient’s side and they are not always willing to change their lifestyle. I wish they would understand how important it is to listen to the advice that their health care professionals give them. People need to understand first that exercise and lifestyle can greatly affect your chances of getting diabetes, and second that they can slow and sometimes stop the progression of the disease if they make positive changes like you mentioned!
ReplyDeleteJamie & Valerie...your points are well made. But the question remains - why won't Americans heed the warnings? I guess we must keep preaching the message!
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