Health News
by Dr. Madelyn Fernstrom
When it comes to physical activity, there?s a lot of confusion about what the ?right? amount is to support good health. It?s time to set the record straight!
Guidelines for daily physical activity are translated from scientific studies, comparing duration and intensity of exercise, and health outcomes, including body weight, blood pressure, and other measures of heart health. Most of us are familiar with the recommendation of 30 minutes accumulated daily ? brisk walking is a great example ? as the minimum daily requirement for good health.
The good news is that this recommendation holds up well, and does support good health. The confusion comes with the interpretation that 30 daily minutes is enough, and no additional physical activity is needed. It?s important to think of this half-hour as a starting point, as your minimum daily activity ? and you can strive for more.
More recent studies support the idea that 45-60 minutes daily is a better health promoter than 30; and 75 minutes daily is optimal for weight loss or maintenance. When people hear these numbers, it often seems daunting, so they do nothing, rather than what they are willing and able to do.
If you?re new to exercise (with your doctor?s clearance), start with 30 minutes daily, and aim for more when you can. The cardiovascular benefits of aerobic activity (walking, running, biking, dancing) are a major plus.
Try adding some strengthen training to support muscle health; just twice a week can be a major boost to both muscle and bone strength. Find a certified instructor to get you started, to avoid injury.
- Today Is National Run At Work Day!
By Dr. Madelyn FernstromAre you one of those people who never can find the time to exercise? Are you so busy with your daily activities that a regular run or walk isn?t even on your radar? If so, the national campaign called Run At Work Day might interest...
- Boost Activity With ?interval Training?
By Dr. Madelyn Fernstrom We all know that being physically active is a major health promoter for mind and body. And while most people want to move more, actually doing so remains a constant challenge. Why? Lack of time is the number one reported reason....
- Cut Your Diabetes Risk
By Dr. Madelyn Fernstrom Nearly 10% of the US population has type 2 diabetes. But you don?t have to be part of this group! The good news is that even making one key lifestyle change can reduce your risk by about one-third. An NIH study showed how 5 specific...
- Fitness 3 Ways
By Dr. Madelyn Fernstrom When you think of ?exercise? or ?fitness? what comes to mind? A sweaty workout, leaving you exhausted? Think again! An active lifestyle comes in many forms. What?s known as ?activity of daily living? is the foundation of a healthy...
- Pick Up The Pace!
by Dr. Madelyn Fernstrom We all have to fight our inner ?couch potato.? But how many people are actually succeeding in walking 30 minutes a day, a national guideline for good health? The good news is that it?s gone up, since 2001. The bad news is that?s...
Health News
Are You Exercising Enough?
by Dr. Madelyn Fernstrom
Guidelines for daily physical activity are translated from scientific studies, comparing duration and intensity of exercise, and health outcomes, including body weight, blood pressure, and other measures of heart health. Most of us are familiar with the recommendation of 30 minutes accumulated daily ? brisk walking is a great example ? as the minimum daily requirement for good health.
The good news is that this recommendation holds up well, and does support good health. The confusion comes with the interpretation that 30 daily minutes is enough, and no additional physical activity is needed. It?s important to think of this half-hour as a starting point, as your minimum daily activity ? and you can strive for more.
More recent studies support the idea that 45-60 minutes daily is a better health promoter than 30; and 75 minutes daily is optimal for weight loss or maintenance. When people hear these numbers, it often seems daunting, so they do nothing, rather than what they are willing and able to do.
If you?re new to exercise (with your doctor?s clearance), start with 30 minutes daily, and aim for more when you can. The cardiovascular benefits of aerobic activity (walking, running, biking, dancing) are a major plus.
Try adding some strengthen training to support muscle health; just twice a week can be a major boost to both muscle and bone strength. Find a certified instructor to get you started, to avoid injury.
- Today Is National Run At Work Day!
By Dr. Madelyn FernstromAre you one of those people who never can find the time to exercise? Are you so busy with your daily activities that a regular run or walk isn?t even on your radar? If so, the national campaign called Run At Work Day might interest...
- Boost Activity With ?interval Training?
By Dr. Madelyn Fernstrom We all know that being physically active is a major health promoter for mind and body. And while most people want to move more, actually doing so remains a constant challenge. Why? Lack of time is the number one reported reason....
- Cut Your Diabetes Risk
By Dr. Madelyn Fernstrom Nearly 10% of the US population has type 2 diabetes. But you don?t have to be part of this group! The good news is that even making one key lifestyle change can reduce your risk by about one-third. An NIH study showed how 5 specific...
- Fitness 3 Ways
By Dr. Madelyn Fernstrom When you think of ?exercise? or ?fitness? what comes to mind? A sweaty workout, leaving you exhausted? Think again! An active lifestyle comes in many forms. What?s known as ?activity of daily living? is the foundation of a healthy...
- Pick Up The Pace!
by Dr. Madelyn Fernstrom We all have to fight our inner ?couch potato.? But how many people are actually succeeding in walking 30 minutes a day, a national guideline for good health? The good news is that it?s gone up, since 2001. The bad news is that?s...