Thanks to the COM352 students for contributing a bunch of new pages! I'll be moving these pages into the main area of the wiki soon.

From UMassWiki

Get off the couch!

Physical activity is probably the most important and essential thing that a person can do stay healthy and have more energy throughout the day. Physical activity can be almost anything, and usually consists of the daily errands or objectives that one faces on a normal day of life. Doing regular aerobic physical activity increases one’s fitness level and capacity for exercise. It also plays a major role in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases.

Physical inactivity is a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke, and is linked to cardiovascular mortality. Physical inactivity is also a major risk factor for developing coronary artery disease which is characterized by deposits of fatty substances in the inner lining of arteries that supply blood to the heart muscle. It also contributes to other risk factors including obesity, high blood pressure, high triglycerides, and diabetes.

Doing regular physical activity can help control blood lipid abnormalities, diabetes, and obesity. Aerobic physical activity can help reduce blood pressure and can also improve flexibility, build muscular strength, and increase endurance. Different forms of continuous aerobic activities that involve using the large muscles in the legs and arms help the heart by making it work more efficiently during exercise and at rest.

Physical activity is beneficial in so many ways, helping both healthy individuals and individuals with health complications. Even moderately intense physical activities are beneficial when done regularly for at least thirty minutes or longer on most or all days. These activities can help lower blood pressure and help obese or overweight people lose excess fat or stay at a reasonable weight. Cigarette smokers can also benefit by staying active because they are more likely to cut down or quit smoking. It may help with people with diabetes to decrease insulin requirements, and also helps lower triglyceride levels, which are linked to developing coronary artery disease in some people.

There are many different types of activities one may do to stay physically active. These activities are characterized as high and moderate intensity activities. Some types of those activities are:

High-intensity • Brisk walking, hiking, stair climbing, and aerobic exercise • Jogging, running, cycling, rowing, and swimming • Soccer and basketball or other activities with continuous running

Moderate-intensity • Walking for pleasure, gardening, and yard work • Housework, dancing • Recreational activities such as tennis, racquetball, soccer, basketball and touch football

The results of pooled studies show that people who modify their behavior and start regular physical activity after a heart attack have better rates of survival and a better quality of life. Physical activity builds healthy bones, muscles and joints, and reduces the risk of colon cancer. It can also help psychologically by reducing feelings of depression and anxiety. It can improve one’s mood and promote a sense of well being as well. The 1996 Surgeon General’s Report on Physical Activity also suggests that active people are at much lower risk for stroke.

Physical activity is one of the most important things to live a happy and healthy life. Millions of Americans suffer from illnesses that can be prevented or improved through regular physical activity. Take this advice and knowledge and instead of using the elevator, take the stairs, instead of driving or taking the bus, ride a bike or walk, help around the house more often or even just do the laundry more often. All this can only help in a positive way, so get off the couch and do something and stay active.

Source: • 2007 American Heart Association http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=4563

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