WELLNESS & WELL-BEING
Let’s Get Physical … Physical
By Vi c k i Fr e n c h B e n n i n g t o n
F
or those of you who remember Olivia Newton John’s
hit song, “Let’s Get Physical,” you will know it was at the
height of what was - at the time - a fairly new movement
centered on the novel idea of exercise.
At least novel to the extent that it was the “cool” thing
to do, with cute outfits, leg warmers and your hair style “just-so” for
the aerobics classes and gyms that were just coming into vogue. That
was 1981.
But alas, the glamorous decade of exercise has somewhat passed us
by, with more and more people (men and women) getting a little more
serious about their workouts, focusing much less on what is on his or
her back and more on what it takes to strengthen it – as the journey
takes them through the good, the bad and the ugly.
But that’s a good thing, right? After all, the point is to get fit.
And that’s what the two fitness days that are celebrated in September
are all about.
National Women’s Health and Fitness Day
This year, Wednesday., Sept. 26 is National Women’s Health and
Fitness Day, meant to encourage women of all ages to get involved in
a workout of some kind – not just for the day, but as the first day in a
lifetime of staying fit.
Many health and fitness organizations, senior centers, universities
and park departments are jumping onboard to provide health
information talks, fitness events, strength training exercises, etc. to get
the party – and your fitness life – started. Check out centers near you
for public events.
If you can’t find one, grab one of your best girlfriends and join a class
together, start walking the neighborhood or running at a nearby park.
Find an activity that you enjoy and that will keep you engaged as you
strengthen and tone your body, mind and soul.
It’s also a good day to think about scheduling routine doctor’s visits
for checkups and recommended preventive screenings.
Use the occasion to mark the beginning of eating a healthier diet,
adding more fruits and vegetables to your daily routine, or eliminating
foods high in fat or sugar.
Squeeze some steps into your daily work routine by parking further
from the door, using the steps instead of the elevator, or taking a walk
on your lunch hour.
Family Health and Fitness Day
On Saturday, Sept. 29, you can get start getting the family involved,
kicking it off with Family Health and Fitness Day.
This is your chance to get your spouse and children on the right track
by developing physical activity around the family, which can also form
bonds and establish lifelong habits.
The American Heart Association recommends that healthy children,
age 2 and older, participate in an hour of moderate to vigorous activity
every day. But that doesn’t mean they have to stand on a treadmill,
though you could make a fun time out of playing some favorite songs
and doing standard exercises together. But an hour of family fitness can
be easily achieved with other indoor and outdoor activities, especially
when you find some that everyone enjoys.
Here are a few AHA suggestions: Hike a nature trail, walk around the
block or ride bicycles together. Encourage children to join school or
club sports teams. Schedule family playtime - play a family game of tag,
badminton or tennis. Choose activities that require movement, such
as bowling, catch or miniature golf. Give children toys that encourage
physical activity, like balls, kites, skateboards and jump ropes.
Have children help with gardening. Caring for plants gives your
children a reason to get outside each day. Learning how to grow
a garden teaches children about food, while sampling the harvest
encourages healthy eating habits.
Ask the whole family to chip in with chores. Rake leaves, shovel snow
and do other home-maintenance projects as a family. Not only will your
home be better off, so will your family’s health.
Limiting screen time is a good idea. Experts warn that one to two
hours of screen time a day should be the limit for children, but some use
double that amount. Set boundaries, keep the television and electronic
media out of your child’s bedroom, and put a limit on computer usage.
SAVVY I SOPHISTICATED I SASSY
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