Let’s Move It!
Let’s Move It
D. S. Mitchell
Sedentary and Overweight
Our society is becoming more sedentary and overweight. Many of us spend hours behind a desk at our jobs. We drive our cars to the fast food drive thru, never even getting out of our cars. We use our computers to shop, without ever leaving the house. With decreased activity people are increasingly complaining of posture related aches and pains, depression, anxiety and low self-esteem.
Too Much Sitting
Just like we enjoy eating and drinking too much, we enjoy sitting too much. We are surrounded by cars, snacks, elevators, sugary drinks and fast foods. The problem has become serious enough that the World Health Organization has a new agenda focused on encouraging physical activity.
Exercise For Mental Health
A “Black Dog Institute” of Australia study found that 1-2 hours of exercise per week can prevent depression. In addition to improved mental health multiple world-wide studies have shown that vigorous movement can stave off heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, fatigue, diabetes and even cancer.
Sitting Equals Smoking
Our country, and most of the industrialized economies are suffering from a “sitting disease”. Physical inactivity is one of the top 10 causes of disease and disability according to a recent study. That study attributed 1 in 6 deaths to “sitting” which is equal to smoking in that country.
