Easy Ways to Increase Physical Activity

The focus of this public service announcement is to promote physical activity in order to prevent health problems associated with a sedentary lifestyle, such as heart disease and diabetes. While the message can apply to almost anyone, it is particularly geared towards women who may face barriers to engaging in 30 minutes of moderate activity 3 days a week. According to a 1996 report of the U.S. Surgeon General, 1 in 4 U.S. women lead an exclusively sedentary lifestyle. Additionally, the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services reports that the number of Missouri women hospitalized due to either diabetes or heart disease increased between 1993 and 2003. The video showcases easy strategies for incorporating exercise into everyday activities, including: gardening, parking farther away at the store, housecleaning, dancing, and moving while watching television. It presents a positive message to encourage women to engage in some type of physical activity every day, even for short periods of time. This method has been tested by the video creators—during filming, Katie raised her heart rate and broke a sweat!

Learn more at http://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/dnpa/physical/everyone/recommendations/index.htm

References
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2008, March). Physical Activity for Everyone: How much exercise do you need? Retrieved March 16, 2008, from http://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/dnpa/physical/everyone/recommendations/index.htm

He, X., & Baker, D. (2004). Body mass index, physical activity, and the risk of decline in overall health and physical functioning in late middle age. American Journal of Public Health , 94 (9), 1567-1573.

McGinnis, J., Williams-Russo, P., & Knickman, J. (2002). The case for more active attention to health promotion. Health Affairs , 21 (2), 78-93.

Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services. (2005). Women's Health Information for Missouri Residents. Retrieved March 16, 2008, from http://www.dhss.mo.gov/ASPsWomensHealth/Maindowna.php?&cnty=929&dtdb=...

U.S. Surgeon General. (1996). Physical Activity and Health: A Report of the Surgeon General. Women's Health Fact Sheet. Retrieved March 15, 2008, from http://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/sgr/women.htm

Category:

Education

License:

Standard YouTube License