The Health Authority

Exercise

Table of Contents

• Do we get enough exercise from our daily activities?
• What are the benefits of regular physical activity?
• As a teen should I be concerned about heart disease?
• Are there any risks in exercising?
• Comparing the benefits and the risks of exercising
• Should I consult a doctor before I start an exercise program?
• Five common myths about exercise
• How do different activities help my heart and lungs?
• The key to success
• How do I pace myself?
• Effective ways to avoid injuries
• A sample activity program
• How do I keep going?
• How can I become more active throughout my day?
• A prescription for your health

Do we get enough exercise from our daily activities?

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, only 37% of teenagers participate in vigorous activities on a regular basis. Evidence suggests that even low- to moderate-intensity activities can have both short- and long-term benefits. If done daily, they help lower your risk of heart disease. Such activities include pleasure walking, stair climbing, yard work, dancing and home exercise. More vigorous exercise can help improve fitness of the heart and lungs, which can provide even more consistent benefits for lowering heart disease risk. Today, many teenagers and young adults are discovering the benefits of regular, vigorous exercise - activities like swimming, brisk walking, running, or jumping rope. These kinds of activities are sometimes called "aerobic" - meaning the body uses oxygen to produce the energy needed for the activity. Aerobic exercises can condition your heart and lungs if performed at the proper intensity for at least 30 minutes, 3-4 times a week. But you don't have to train like a marathon runner to become more physically fit! Any activity that gets you moving around, even if it's done for just a few minutes each day, is better than none at all. For inactive people, the trick is to get started. One great way is to take a walk for 10-15 minutes. Other ideas in this pamphlet will help you get moving and living a more active life.

go to the top of the page

What are the benefits of regular physical activity?

These are the benefits often experienced by people who get regular physical activity.

Feeling better

• gives you more energy
• helps in coping with stress
• improves your self-image
• increases resistance to fatigue
• helps counter anxiety and depression
• helps you to relax and feel less tense
• improves the ability to fall asleep quickly and sleep well
• provides an easy way to share an activity with friends or family and an opportunity to meet new friends

Looking better

• tones your muscles
• burns off calories to help lose extra pounds or helps you stay at your desirable weight
• helps control your appetite

You need to burn off 3,500 calories more than you take in to lose 1 pound. If you want to lose weight, regular physical activity can help you in either of two ways.

First, you can eat your usual amount of calories, but be more active. Or, second, you can eat fewer calories and be more active. This is an even better way to lose weight. About three-fourths of the energy you burn every day comes from what your body uses for its basic needs, such as sleeping, breathing, digesting food and reclining. A person burns up only a small amount of calories with daily activities such as sitting. Any physical activity in addition to what you normally do will burn up extra calories.

The average calories spent per hour by a 150-pound person are listed below. (A lighter person burns fewer calories; a heavier person burns more.) Since exact calorie figures are not available for most activities, the figures below are averaged from several sources and show the relative vigor of the activities.

The calories spent in a particular activity vary in proportion to one's body weight. For example, a 100-pound person burns 1/3 fewer calories, so you would multiply the number of calories by 0.7. For a 200-pound person, multiply by 1.3.

Working harder or faster for a given activity will only slightly increase the calories spent. A better way to burn up more calories is to increase the time spent on your activity.

Working better

Regular physical activity -

• helps you to be more productive at school and or work
• increases your capacity for physical work
• builds stamina for other physical activities
• increases muscle strength
• helps your heart and lungs work more efficiently

Consider the benefits of a well-conditioned heart:
In 1 minute with 45 to 50 beats, the heart of a well-conditioned person pumps the same amount of blood as an inactive person's heart pumps in 70 to 75 beats. Compared to the well-conditioned heart, the average heart pumps up to 36,000 more times per day, 13 million more times per year.

Feeling, looking, and working better - all these benefits from regular physical activity can help you enjoy your life more fully.

go to the top of the page

As a teenager should I be concerned with heart disease?

Yes! Many teenagers and young adults believe that they are too young to worry about heart disease. However, medical research shows that the heart disease process begins during childhood. Various studies show that physical activity is an important habit necessary for a healthy heart because it helps your heart function better, decreases cholesterol levels, and helps with weight control. Overall, medical evidence suggests that heart disease is almost twice as likely to develop in inactive people than in those who are active. Regular physical activity (even mild to moderate exercise) can help reduce your risk of heart disease. The best exercises to strengthen your heart and lungs are the aerobic ones like brisk walking, jogging, cycling and swimming.

Coronary artery disease is the major cause of heart disease and heart attack in America. It develops when fatty deposits build up on the inner walls of the blood vessels feeding the heart (coronary arteries). Eventually one or more of the major coronary arteries may become blocked - either by the buildup of deposits or by a blood clot forming in the artery's narrowed passageway. The result is a heart attack.

We know that there are several factors that can increase your risk for developing coronary artery disease - and thus the chances for a heart attack. Fortunately, many of these risk factors can be reduced or eliminated.

Common risk factors for heart disease that you can do something about:

Cigarette Smoking, Physical Inactivity and High Blood Pressure, High Cholesterol and Obesity. The more risk factors you have, the greater your risk for heart disease and heart attack.

Cigarette Smoking. Heavy smokers are two to four times more likely to have a heart attack than nonsmokers. The heart attack death rate among all smokers is 70 percent greater than among nonsmokers. People who are active regularly are more likely to cut down or stop cigarette smoking.

Physical Inactivity. The lack of physical activity increases your risk for developing heart disease. Physical activity can help control blood lipids, diabetes and obesity as well as help to lower blood pressure. Also, physical activity of the right intensity, frequency and duration can increase the fitness of your heart and lungs - which may help protect you against heart disease even if you have other risk factors.

Blood Pressure. High blood pressure can be controlled by lowering salt intake, maintaining a healthy weight, and taking medication-if prescribed your doctor. Teenagers should have their blood pressure checked at least once a year.

High Cholesterol. Simple dietary changes can lower your cholesterol and decrease your chances of developing heart disease. Drink skim or 1% milk. Eat more fruits, vegetables and grains and avoid fried foods. Also, if either of your parents has high cholesterol (240 milligrams per deciliter or higher) have your cholesterol checked.

Obesity. Excess weight may increase your risk of developing high blood pressure and high blood cholesterol. Regular physical activity can help you maintain your desirable body weight. People at their desirable weight are less likely to develop diabetes. And, exercise may also decrease a diabetic person's need for insulin.

The Dietmate program offers a simple and effective way to relieve your chance for heart disease. Click here for information on Dietmate.

Remember that even if you are active, you should not ignore other risk factors. Reduce or eliminate any risk factors you can to lower your chances of having a heart attack.

Tips for your heart's health:

• Stay physically active.
• Stop smoking and avoid other people's smoke if possible.
• Control high blood pressure and high blood cholesterol.
• Cut down on total fats, saturated fats, cholesterol and salt in your diet.
• Reduce weight if overweight.

go to the top of the page

 

Are there any risks in exercising?

Muscles and joints

For teens, the most common risk in exercising is injury to the muscles and joints. This usually happens from exercising too hard or for too long - particularly if a person has been inactive for some time. However, most of these injuries can be prevented or easily treated as explained in "Effective ways to avoid injuries."

Heat exhaustion and heat stroke

If precautions are not taken during hot, humid days, heat exhaustion or heat stroke can occur - although they are fairly rare. Heat stroke is the more serious of the two. Their symptoms are similar:

The last two symptoms of heat stroke are important to know. If the body temperature becomes dangerously high, it can be a serious problem. Both heat exhaustion and heat stroke can be avoided if you drink enough liquids to replace those lost during exercise. And be sure to take the other important precautions listed later in the section on avoiding injuries.

Heart problems

In some cases, people have died while exercising. Most of these deaths are caused by overexertion in people who already had heart conditions. In people under age 30, these heart conditions are usually congenital heart defects (heart defects present at birth). Many of these deaths have been preceded by warning signs such as chest pain, lightheadedness, fainting and extreme breathlessness. These are symptoms that should not be ignored and should be brought to the attention of a doctor immediately.

Some of the deaths that occur during exercise are not caused by the physical effort itself. Death can occur at any time and during any kind of activity - eating, sleeping, sitting. This does not necessarily mean that a particular activity caused the death - only that the two events happened at the same time.

Exercising too hard is not beneficial for anyone. If you consider the time your body may have been out of shape, it is only natural that it will take time to get it back into good condition. A gradual approach will help you maximize your benefits and minimize your risks.

go to the top of the page

Comparing the benefits and the risks

Should you begin a regular exercise program? Consider the ways physical activity can benefit you and weigh them against the possible risks.

Potential benefits

• more energy and capacity for work and leisure activities
• greater resistance to stress, anxiety and fatigue, and a better outlook on life
• increased stamina, strength and flexibility
• improved efficiency of the heart and lungs
• loss of extra pounds or body fat
• help in staying at desirable weight
• reduced risk of heart attack

Potential risks

• muscle or joint injuries
• heat exhaustion or heat stroke on hot days (rare)
• aggravation of existing or hidden heart problems

go to the top of the page

Should I consult a doctor before I start an exercise program?

Most teenagers do not need to see a doctor if they start a gradual, sensible exercise program which will have minimal health risks. However, some adolescents should seek medical advice.

Use the following checklist to find out if you should consult a doctor before you start or significantly increase your physical activity.*

Mark those items that apply to you:

• Your doctor said you have a heart condition and recommended only medically supervised physical activity.
• During or right after you exercise, you frequently have pains or pressure in the left or mid-chest area, left neck, shoulder or arm.
• You have developed chest pain within the last month.
• You tend to lose consciousness or fall over due to dizziness.
• You feel extremely breathless after mild exertion.
• Your doctor recommended you take medicine for your blood pressure or a heart condition.
• Your doctor said you have bone or joint problems that could be made worse by the proposed physical activity.
• You have a medical condition or other physical reason not mentioned here which might need special attention in an exercise program. (For example, insulin-dependent diabetes.)
• You are middle-aged or older, have not been physically active, and plan a relatively vigorous exercise program.

If you've checked one or more items, see your doctor before you start. If you've checked no items, you can start on a gradual, sensible program of increased activity tailored to your needs. If you feel any of the physical symptoms listed above when you start your exercise program, contact your doctor right away.

• This checklist has been developed from several sources, particularly the Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire, British Columbia Ministry of Health, Department of National Health and Welfare, Canada (revised 1992).

go to the top of the page

 

Five common myths about exercise

Myth 1. Exercising makes you tired.
As they become more physically fit, most people feel physical activity gives them even more energy than before. Regular, moderate-to-brisk exercise can also help you reduce fatigue and manage stress.

Myth 2. Exercising takes too much time.
It only takes a few minutes a day to become more physically active. To condition your heart and lungs, regular exercise does not have to take more than about 30 to 60 minutes, three or four times a week. If you don't have 30 minutes in your schedule for an exercise break, try to find two 15-minute periods or even three 10-minute periods. Once you discover how much you enjoy these exercise breaks, you may want to make them a habit! Then physical activity becomes a natural part of your life.

Myth 3. All exercises give you the same benefits.
All physical activities can give you enjoyment. Low-intensity activities - if performed daily - also can have some long-term health benefits and lower your risk of heart disease. But only regular, brisk and sustained exercises such as brisk walking, jogging or swimming improve the efficiency of your heart and lungs and burn off substantial extra calories. Other activities may give you other benefits such as increased flexibility or muscle strength, depending on the type of activity.

Myth 4. The older you are, the less exercise you need.
We tend to become less active with age, and therefore need to make sure we are getting enough physical activity. What is important, no matter what your age, is tailoring the activity program to your own fitness level.

Myth 5. You have to be athletic to exercise.
Most physical activities do not require any special athletic skills. In fact, many people who found structured sports difficult have discovered that other activities are easy to do and enjoy. A perfect example is walking - an activity that requires no special talent, athletic ability or equipment.

go to the top of the page

How do different activities help my heart and lungs?

Some types of activity will improve the condition of your heart and lungs if they are brisk, sustained and regular. Low-intensity activities do not condition the heart and lungs much. But they can have other long-term health benefits.

The columns below describe three types of activities and how they affect your heart.

Column A - These vigorous exercises are especially helpful when done regularly. To condition your heart and lungs, the AHA recommends that you do them for at least 30 minutes, three or four times a week, at more than 50 percent of your exercise capacity. Other health experts suggest a shorter period for higher-intensity activities. These exercises can also burn up more calories than those that are not so vigorous.

Column B - These activities are moderately vigorous but still excellent choices. When done briskly for 30 minutes or longer, three or four times a week, they can also condition your heart and lungs.

Column C - These activities are not vigorous or sustained. They still have benefits - they can be enjoyable, improve coordination and muscle tone, relieve tension, and also help burn up some calories.

These and other low-intensity activities - like gardening, yard work, housework, dancing and home exercise - can help lower your risk of heart disease if done daily.

go to the top of the page

The key to success

How do I begin?

The key to a successful program is choosing an activity (or activities) that you will enjoy. Even moderate levels of activity have important health benefits. Here are some questions that can help you choose the right kind of activity for you:

 

1. How physically fit are you?

If you've been inactive for a while, you may want to start with walking or swimming at a comfortable pace. Beginning with less strenuous activities will allow you to become fit without straining your body. Once you are in better shape, you can gradually change to a more vigorous activity if you wish.

 

2. What benefits do you want from exercising?

If you want the benefits of exercise that condition your heart and lungs, check the activities in columns A and B on page 19. These activities - as well as those listed in column C - also give you other benefits as described in this booklet.

 

3. Do you like to exercise alone or with other people?

Do you like individual activities such as swimming, team sports such as soccer, or two-person activities such as racquetball? Companionship can help you get started and keep going. If you would like to exercise with someone else, can you find a partner easily and quickly? If not, choose another activity until you can find a partner.

 

4. Do you prefer to exercise outdoors or in your home?

Outdoor activities offer variety in scenery and weather. Indoor activities offer shelter from the weather and can offer the convenience of exercising at home as with stationary cycling. Some activities such as bench stepping, running in place or jumping rope can be done indoors or outdoors. If your activity can be seriously affected by weather, consider choosing a second, alternate activity. Then you can switch activities and still stay on your regular schedule.

 

5. How much money are you willing to spend for sports equipment or facilities?

Many activities require little or no equipment. For example, brisk walking only requires a comfortable pair of walking shoes. Also, many communities offer free or inexpensive recreation facilities and physical activity classes.

 

6. When can you best fit the activity into your schedule?

Do you feel more like being active in the morning, afternoon, or evening? Consider moving other activities around. Schedule your activity as a regular part of your routine. Remember that exercise sessions are spread out over the week and needn't take more than about 10 to 15 minutes at a time.

By choosing activities you like, you will be more likely to keep doing them regularly and enjoying the many benefits of physical activity.

go to the top of the page

How do I pace myself?

Build up slowly. If you've been inactive for a while, remember it will take time to get into shape. Start with low- to moderate-level activities for at least several minutes each day. You can slowly increase your time or pace as you become fit. And after a few weeks you will feel more in shape than you did when you first started.

 

How hard should I exercise?

It's important to exercise at a comfortable pace. For example, when jogging or walking briskly you should be able to keep up a conversation comfortably. If you do not feel normal again within 10 minutes of stopping exercise, you are pushing yourself too much.

Also, if you have difficulty breathing, experience faintness or prolonged weakness during or after exercising, you are exercising too hard. Simply cut back.

How long should I exercise?

That depends on your age, your level of physical fitness, and the level of intensity of your exercise. If you are inactive now, you might begin slowly with a 10-15 minute walk or other short session, three times a week. As you become more fit, you can do longer sessions or short sessions more often.

If you're active already and your goal is to condition your heart and lungs, try for a minimum of 30 minutes at your target heart rate zone. Each exercise session should include:

Warm up 5 minutes

Begin exercising slowly to give your body a chance to limber up and get ready for more vigorous exercise. Start at a medium pace and gradually increase it by the end of the 5-minute warm-up period.

Note: With especially vigorous activities such as jumping rope, jogging or stationary cycling, warm up for 5-10 minutes by jumping rope or jogging slowly. It is often a good idea to do stretching exercises after your warm-up period and after your exercise period. Many of these stretching exercises can be found in books on sports medicine and running. Below are three stretches you can use in your warm-up period and after your cool down period. Each of these exercises help stretch different parts of your body. Do stretching exercises slowly and steadily, and don't bounce when you stretch.

Wall push: Stand about 1 1/2 feet away from the wall. Then lean forward pushing against the wall, keeping heels flat. Count to 10 (or 20 for a longer stretch), then rest. Repeat one to two times.

Palm touch: Stand with your knees slightly bent. Then bend from the waist and try to touch your palms to the floor. Count to 10 or 20, then rest. Repeat one to two times. If you have lower back problems, do this exercise with your legs crossed.

Toe touch: Place your right leg level on a stair, chair, or other object. With your other leg slightly bent, lean forward and slowly try to touch your right toe with right hand. Hold and count to 1 0 or 20, then repeat with left hand. Do not bounce. Then switch legs and repeat with each hand. Repeat entire exercise one to two times.

Exercising for 30-60 minutes

Build up your exercising time gradually over the weeks ahead until you reach your goal of 30-60 minutes. Once you get in shape, your exercising will last from 30 to 60 minutes depending on the type of exercise you are doing and how briskly you do it. For example - for a given amount of time, jogging requires more energy than a brisk walk. Jogging will thus take less time than walking to achieve the same conditioning effect.

 

Cool down 5 minutes

After exercising, slow down gradually. For example, swim more slowly or change to a more leisurely stroke. You can also cool down by changing to a less vigorous exercise, such as changing from running to walking. This allows your body to relax gradually. Abrupt stopping can cause dizziness. If you have been running, walking briskly, or jumping rope, repeat your stretching and limbering exercises to loosen up your muscles.

 

How often should I exercise?

If you are engaging in vigorous activities exercise at least three or four times per week (every other day). If you are starting with less intense exercise, you should try to do something at least every day.

Exercising regularly is one of the most important aspects of your exercise program. If you don't exercise at least three times a week, you won't experience as many of the benefits of regular physical activity as you could or make as much progress. Try to spread your exercise sessions throughout the week to maximize the benefits. An every-other-day schedule is recommended and may work well for you.

What if I miss a few sessions?

Whenever you miss a few sessions (more than a week), you may need to resume exercising at a lower level than before. If you miss a few sessions because of a temporary, minor illness such as a cold, wait until you feel normal before you resume exercising. If you have a minor injury, wait until the pain disappears.

When you resume exercising, start at one-half to two-thirds your normal level, depending on the number of days you missed and how you feel while exercising.

Is there a top limit to exercising?

That depends on the benefits you are seeking.

Anything beyond 60 minutes daily of a vigorous or moderately vigorous activity will result in little added conditioning of your heart and lungs. And it may increase your risk of injury.

If you want to lose extra pounds or control your present weight, there is no upper limit in that the longer you exercise, the more calories you burn off. But remember that the most effective weight loss program includes cutting down on calories in addition to exercise.

Remember: How you exercise is just as important as the kind of activity you do. Your activity should be brisk, sustained and regular but you can do it in gradual steps. Common sense and your body will tell you when you are exercising too long or too hard. Don't push yourself to the point where exercise stops being enjoyable.

go to the top of the page

Effective ways to avoid injuries

The most powerful medicine for injuries is prevention. Here are some effective ways to avoid injuries:

 

1. Build up your level of activity gradually over the weeks to come.

• Try not to set your goals too high - otherwise you will be tempted to push yourself too far too quickly.
• For activities such as jogging, walking briskly and jumping rope, limber up gently and slowly before and after exercising.
• For other activities, build up slowly to your exercise goal, and cool down slowly afterwards.

1. Listen to your body for early warning pains.

• Exercising too much can cause injuries to joints, feet, ankles and legs. So don't make the mistake of exercising beyond early warning pains in these areas or more serious injuries may result. Fortunately, minor muscle and joint injuries can be readily treated by rest and aspirin.

1. Be aware of possible signs of heart problems such as:

• Pain or pressure in the left or mid-chest area, left neck, shoulder or arm during or just after exercising. (Vigorous exercise may cause a side stitch while exercising - a pain below your bottom ribs - which is not the result of a heart problem.)
• Sudden lightheadedness, cold sweat, pallor or fainting.

Ignoring these signals and continuing to exercise may lead to serious heart problems. Should any of these signs occur, stop exercising and call your doctor.

 

1. For outdoor activities, take appropriate precautions under special weather conditions.

On hot, humid days:

• Exercise during the cooler and/or less humid parts of the day such as early morning or early evening after the sun has gone down.
• Exercise less than normal for a week until you become adapted to the heat.
• Drink lots of fluids, particularly water - before, during and after exercising. Usually, you do not need extra salt because you get enough salt in your diet. (And a well-conditioned body is better able to conserve salt so that most of the sweat is water.) However, if you exercise very vigorously for an extended time in the heat (for example, running a marathon), it's a good idea to increase your salt intake a little.
• Watch out for signs of heat stroke - feeling dizzy, weak, lightheaded, and/or excessively tired; sweating stops; or body temperature becomes dangerously high.
• Wear a minimum of light, loose-fitting clothing.
• Avoid rubberized or plastic suits, sweatshirts, and sweat pants. Such clothing will not actually help you lose weight any faster by making you sweat more. The weight you lose in fluids by sweating will be quickly replaced as soon as you begin drinking fluids again. This type of clothing can also cause dangerously high temperatures, possibly resulting in heat stroke.

On cold days:

• Wear one layer less of clothing than you would wear if you were outside but not exercising. It's also better to wear several layers of clothing rather than one heavy layer. You can always remove a layer if you get too warm.
• Use old mittens, gloves, or cotton socks to protect your hands.
• Wear a hat, since up to 40 percent of your body's heat is lost through your neck and head.

On rainy, icy or snowy days:

• Be aware of reduced visibility (for yourself and for drivers) and reduced traction on pathways.

1. Other handy tips are:

• Use proper equipment such as goggles to protect your eyes for handball or racquetball, or good shoes with adequate cushioning in the soles for running or walking.
• Hard or uneven surfaces such as cement or rough fields are more likely to cause injuries. Soft, even surfaces such as a level grass field, a dirt path, or a track for running are better for your feet and joints.
• If you run or jog, land on your heels rather than the balls of your feet. This will minimize the strain on your feet and lower legs.
• Joggers or walkers should also watch for cars and wear lightcolored clothes with a reflecting band during darkness so that drivers can see you. Remember, drivers don't see you as well as you see their cars. Face oncoming traffic and do not assume that drivers will notice you on the roadway.
• If you bicycle, you can help prevent injuries by always wearing a helmet and using lights and wheel-mounted reflectors at night. Also, ride in the direction of traffic and try to avoid busy streets.

go to the top of the page

A sample jogging program

There are many ways to begin an activity program. Below is an example of a jogging program. Jogging is an easy way for most teens to get regular exercise because it does not require special facilities or equipment other than good, comfortable shoes.

If jogging does not meet your needs, look for other exercise programs in pamphlets and books on aerobic exercise and sports medicine. Check out the programs and facilities of your local park and recreation department or community recreation centers.

A sample jogging program

The exercise pattern for the jogging sample activity program is a suggested guideline. Listen to your body and build up less quickly, if needed.

go to the top of the page

How do I keep going?

Here are some tips to help you stay physically active:

1. Set your sights on short-term as well as long-term goals. For example, if your long-term goal is to walk 1 mile, then your short-term goal can be to walk the first quarter mile. Or if your long-term goal is to lose 10 pounds, then focus on the immediate goal of losing the first two or three pounds. With short-term goals you will be less likely to push yourself too hard or too long. Also, think back to where you started. When you compare it to where you are now, you will see the progress you've made.
2. Discuss your program and goals with your family or friends. Their encouragement and understanding are important sources of support that can help you keep going. Your friends and family might even join in.
3. If you're having trouble sticking to your regular activity program, use the questions on pages 20 and 21 to think through the kinds of things that can affect your exercise enjoyment.
4. What were your original reasons for starting an activity program? Do these reasons still apply or are others more important? If you are feeling bored or aren't enjoying a particular activity, consider trying another one.

By continuing to be active regularly, you'll be building a good health habit with benefits you can enjoy throughout your life.

go to the top of the page

 

How can I become more active throughout my day?

To become more physically active throughout your day, take advantage of any opportunity to get up and move around. Here are some examples:

• Use the stairs - up and down - instead of the elevator. Start with one flight of stairs and gradually build up to more.
• Park a few blocks from school or the store and walk the rest of the way. Or if you ride on public transportation, get off a stop or two before and walk a few blocks.
• Take an activity break - get up and stretch, walk around and give your muscles and mind a chance to relax.
• Instead of eating that extra snack, take a brisk stroll around the neighborhood.
• Do housework, such as vacuuming, at a more brisk pace.
• Mow your lawn.
• Go dancing instead of seeing a movie.
• Take a walk after dinner instead of watching TV.

Encourage your parents and or siblings to take part in an exercise program and recreational activities they can either share with you or do on their own.

Whatever your age, moderate physical activity can become a good health habit with lifelong benefits.

A prescription for your health
Feel better
Look better
Work better
Live an active life!

Copyright © Personal Improvement Computer Systems, Incorporated 1998