Daily exercise reduces risks for diabetes, heart disease

By Sun Advocate

In the United States., one in five people have diabetes and heart disease is the leading cause of death.
But exercising for 30 minutes a day can cut the risk for the deadly diseases.
“Physical activity is particularly important for people at risk for diabetes and heart disease,” points out Dr. Peter Sheehan, senior faculty member at Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York City. “Staying active can help lower risk in and of itself, and it can help patients lose weight, which also lowers risk. It’s a double benefit.”
Health experts recommend that local residents:
•Stay active all day.
On a visit to the grocery store, people can park at the far end of the lot. They can walk a lap around the inside of the store before they begin shopping.
At work, people can take the stairs and walk around the office.
At home, people can walk around while they chat on the telephone.
•Enjoy the physical activity.
Even brisk exercise need not feel like a chore.
People don’t have to run at a track. Instead, they can play with their dogs at the park.
There’s no need to drive to a gym. People can garden for half an hour at home.
It doesn’t have to be a solo activity.
People can go for a stroll with a friend.
•Make a game of physical activity.
People can get a pedometer and count how many steps they take each day.
Once they have an idea of how many steps they take in a day, people can set a goal to raise their average.
Residents should aim to add 100 steps every day until they reach 10,000, or work to add 1,000 a week.
To learn more about how physical activity can lower the risk for type two diabetes and heart disease, Carbon County residents may call the American Diabetes Association at 1-800-342-2383.
In addition, residents with Internet access may email the organization at AskADA@diabetes.org or visit www.CheckUpAmerica.org. and ask for a copy of “Getting Started with Physical Activity.”