Jersey Physical Therapy is supporting the President’s Council on Fitness, Sports & Nutrition in honor of National Physical Fitness and Sports Month. During the month of May, we challenge all adults to get 30 minutes of physical activity every day.
Fitness Is Vitally Important
Fitness is vitally important to healthy living. Just how important? Recently President Obama officially named May 2016 as National Physical Fitness and Sports Month. In a Presidential Proclamation he stated, “I call upon the people of the United States to make daily physical activity, sports participation, and good nutrition a priority in their lives.” This highlight on fitness by the administration started over four years ago with First Lady Michelle Obama’s Let’s Move! Initiative. According to Shellie Pfohl the Executive Director, “This program engages school and community leaders to provide students with more opportunities to be physically active before, during and after school, has welcomed the participation of more than 8,200 schools—more than 3.5 million students nationwide, since its launch.”
While physical activity is key for all life stages a focus has been drawn on starting early. Building this foundation of healthy living and activity in a child’s life helps them to learn better habits to maintain throughout their life. While the exercises and program are aimed at the younger generation the message and activities are for all ages. In President Obama’s Proclamation he further explains, “Whether exploring the great outdoors or shooting hoops with friends, regular physical activity can also relieve stress, boost energy and self-esteem, and prevent numerous chronic diseases, including some of the leading causes of death, such as cancer, stroke, and heart disease. Children should engage in physical activity for at least 1 hour each day, and adults should do so for at least 30 minutes.
Six Decades And Counting
“This year, we celebrate six decades since President Dwight Eisenhower established the President’s Council on Youth Fitness, known today as the President’s Council on Fitness, Sports, and Nutrition. The Council partners with the public, private, and non-profit sectors to empower people to lead healthy and active lives. Through their I Can Do It, You Can Do It! program, the Council facilitates physical activity for individuals with disabilities and offers opportunities for regular exercise at sites across our country. My Administration’s Go4Life campaign is motivating older Americans to recommit to making exercise a part of their daily lives. And First Lady Michelle Obama’s Let’s Move! initiative continues to inspire a rising generation to eat healthily and get plenty of physical activity so they can grow up strong and pursue their dreams. For more information on my Administration’s actions to promote sports and physical fitness — and for ways you can get involved — visit www.Fitness.gov and www.LetsMove.gov.”
Benefits of physical activity:
- Children and adolescents – Physical activity can improve muscular fitness, bone health, and heart health.
- Adults – Physical activity can lower the risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and some types of cancer.
- Older adults – Physical activity can lower the risk of falls and improve cognitive functioning (like learning and judgment skills).
The Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans recommend that adults:
- Aim for 2 hours and 30 minutes of moderate aerobic activity each week. Moderate activity includes things like walking fast, dancing, swimming, and raking leaves.
- Do muscle-strengthening activities – like lifting weights or using exercise bands – at least 2 days a week.
Physical activity is for everyone. No matter what shape you are in, you can find activities that work for you. Together, we can rise to the challenge and get more active during the month of May!