For decades health professionals have been warning that increased mortality is associated with sedentary lifestyles. According to Healthy People 2020, 36% of adults did not pursue any physical activity during leisure time. A study discussed in a recent Harvard Heart Letter revealed that the average participant’s day consisted of 7.7 hours sleep and 10.4 hours sitting— presumably much of that at work.
Aging brings challenges. My least favorite one, so far, has been the attack of persistent UTIs. Menopause seemed to have opened that door. Anyone who has experienced a urinary tract infection will know immediately if she gets another one. How can we avoid UTIs without using antibiotics?
Are you wellness-wise? Healthy living encompasses making wise choices that promote our overall wellness, including physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Sadly, many individuals disregard their overall health by indulging in unhealthy food, living a sedentary life, neglecting their mental well-being, and giving little importance to soul care. We desire complete wellness while neglecting the disciplines to achieve it.
Many people who work out have their favorite exercises; however, to be fully fit, both aerobic and anaerobic exercises should be combined in a workout regimen.
Exercise burns calories and builds muscle and bones. It is a necessity for good health at any stage in life, especially for senior citizens. Many health problems faced by older people might have been avoided if exercise had been part of a daily routine. Any movement burns calories. I could write a weight loss book in one sentence: “If you burn more calories than you take in, you will lose weight,” end of book. I coauthored Lose the Weight, and Keep the Faith, with Nick Gaglione, a fitness trainer. “Cut and burn” was the crux of our message. If you cut calories and burn calories through purposeful exercising you will lose weight. To lose a pound a week, you must burn 3500 calories more than you consume.