A quick video message:
It’s Healthy Aging Month! Power Up this Month with Movement!
September is here and that means cooler temperatures (maybe), making it the perfect time to start or reenergize your body and mind with exercise. It’s also Healthy Aging Month. Physical activity is the most effective way to give your health and body an energy boost. But it’s not easy to stay motivated. According to the CDC, only 23% of US adults meet activity guidelines for both aerobic and muscle-strengthening exercise. As I like to say, motion is lotion for your body. Exercise:
lowers your risk of falling or having a fall-related injury.
helps you stay independent as you get older.
Promotes brain health, lowering your risk of developing dementia and Alzheimer’s and improves your thinking.
Lowers your risk of developing chronic health problems (such as diabetes, high blood pressure or heart disease) and reduces their risk of getting worse
Decreases your risk of getting several types of cancer and helps prevent them from coming back.
But it can be hard to get motivated. So here are some tips to get going:
Start Where You Are
o If you haven’t been active, start small
o Stand up, stretch, and walk around
o Take stand breaks and march in place
o If you have a smart watch or a fit bit, when it tells you to stand up, do it!
Move with Purpose:
o You don’t have to go to the gym or a 2-mile walk
o Work movement into your day
o Gardening, yard work, walk your dog, walking up the steps, parking further away from the store
Start Slowly
o Don’t jump “gung-ho” into a high intensity exercise program. You want to start slowly to lower your risk of injury. Nothing can derail an exercise plan like aches and pains from overuse.
o So, start small. Even adding 10 minutes of walking every other day is progress!
Check with Your Doctor
o If you have health worries, talk with your health care provider before beginning a new activity routine.
o If you have muscle or joint problems, ask about physical therapy. You’ll learn specific exercises to strengthen and protect body.
Find a Friend
o If you get bored easily, find a friend to walk with or go to an exercise class with you. If you set up a time to meet, you’re more likely to follow through because you don’t want to let your friend down.
Find Your Happy Places to Walk
o If you decide to walk more, finding beautiful, happy places to walk can keep things fun and interesting. So get out of your neighborhood once in a while. Nature is nurture! Connecting with nature lowers stress and boosts mood. My favorite places to walk are the Botanical Gardens and Jemison Park. But there are many parks and gardens in and around Birmingham where you can connect with nature.
Here are two handouts from the Exerise Is Medicine folks:
Remember, exercise is medicine!
I'll see you all next week on Good Day Alabama! Thanks, as always, for watching and subscribing!
Beth
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