Do you know what cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity, colon cancer, high blood pressure, osteoporosis, lipid (cholesterol) disorders, depression and anxiety all have in common?
They are all increased by being inactive!
60-85% of the people in the world both from developed and developing countries lead inactive or sedentary lifestyles. That means you, sitting there reading this blog may be part of that statistic.
Physical inactivity has given rise to the host of chronic diseases that I listed above; these chronic diseases are for the most part preventable!
These diseases have become the leading cause of death in every part of the world, and I will repeat, these are PREVENTABLE.
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What are some of the major complications that lead to all these diseases?
Being inactive can lead to:
-Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Losing muscle strength, endurance and flexibility
-Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Brittle bones
-Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Altered Metabolism
-Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Decreased immune system
-Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Poor blood circulation
-Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Increased inflammation throughout your body
-Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Hormonal Imbalances
The more sedentary you are, the higher the risk of these complications and diseases.
So what can we do?
-Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Get moving! Check out the current guidelines in my blog here.
-Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Change your diet! Look for a wholesome diet that includes major whole foods such as vegetables, fruits, meats and
-         Start small and build – our everyday activities can lead to big results when done right – instead of parking as close as possible at the shops, opt for a spot further away, keep moving whilst watching tv, get up out of your chair regularly and walk at work, take the stairs instead of the elevator, walk during your lunch break, stand when you’re talking on the phone
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The choices we make on a daily basis can determine whether we are successful or unsuccessful. Just because we are lazy and lay down to watch TV or park close to the shops every once in a while will not lead us to ill health, instead it is the accumulation of this habit over time. We must take accountability for ourselves, our health by making small daily changes towards a healthier lifestyle.
This may involve:
-         Moving – Meeting the recommended physical activity guidelines
-Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Developing good sleep hygiene (bed time, getting quality sleep)
-Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Ensuring we are nutritionally filled (having a health looking plate) more often than not
-Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Regularly socialising
-Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Ensuring we manage our stress (work, relationships, financial)
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These steps combined will enable you to live a healthy, fulfilled life.
Choose your health, before a disease chooses you!
Move Right, Live Right.