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Physical activity is a choice
So what are you waiting for?

Physical inactivity is as dangerous to our health than smoking!

Physical activity is a choice. A choice that will improve your health, prevent illness, and you can get the most out of life. It's as simple as eat less and move more.

Obesity costs money
A recent study (1999), respected by federal, provincial and territorial Ministers of Health, reported that our physical activity significantly decreases the time we are in our mid 20s, with only 39 percent of men and 22 for percent of the women to enjoy their leisure time. In addition, the proportion of overweight men and women has increased steadily from 22 to 34 percent among men and from 14 to 23 percent among women between 1985 and 1996-97.

Obesity is a global problem that threatens the health and well-being of millions. Direct costs associated with obesity running at 2 billion dollars per year in Canada alone. The World Health Organization estimates that more than 1.2 billion people overweight worldwide, and of these, 250 million are classified as obese.

"Overweight people are not necessarily eat more, but they tend to be less active. Being overweight is simply a function of taking in more calories than you burn. And although genetics seems to be part of the equation obesity, the exact role it plays is not quite clear. "says Dr. David Lau, president of Obesity Canada and professor of medicine at the University of Calgary. "This is a condition largely preventable and curable and there is much that can be done. Even if you're dealing with a genetic mutation, people do not become obese unless they eat too much and not exercising. "Said Dr Lau.

Improve your health through physical activity
Advances in medicine, pharmacy, diagnostic tests and surgery will no doubt bring us great health. But his life choices we make have the greatest effect on our health and longevity.

Improve your health through physical activity is easier than you think. The best news of all is that physical activity need not be very intense to improve your health!

Exercise does not mean you have to go run a marathon, become an Olympic athlete, or you have to join an expensive gym. Vigorous exercise classes are not necessary. Any physical activity is necessary to improve your health and help prevent diseases can result from a simple walk.

Just a 30 minute walk every day helps to:

• Prevent heart attacks and strokes.
• Control blood pressure.
• Reduce cholesterol.
• tone muscles and strengthen bones (which also helps fight against osteoporosis)
• energy levels rise and make the most of our lives.
• Control your weight, improve sleep and increase your physical and mental well-being.

A walking program
Walking can be easily included in your daily routine. Start slowly and increase so that life becomes as natural as washing hands and put on your seatbelt. Remember that a little is good, but more is better.

• If you use public transportation, get off one stop earlier and walk the remaining distance.
• If you drive to work, walk for 15 minutes before getting into the car.
• When using an elevator down two floors up and take the stairs the rest of the way or do not use an elevator all.

When you start a walking program to remember these points:

• Enjoy what you see around you and build gradually to the half-hour per day recommended.
• Wear comfortable shoes and clothing.
• Drink a glass of water before and after the march.
• Have a heating rate of soft start and a cooling rate at the end of your walk.
• Hiking.