Less Food More Exercise

Obesity is on the rise; in fact, the percentage of adults that are obese according to the Centers for Disease Control, throughout the United States, is between 20 to 30 percent of the population. That number is growing, largely because people are constantly on the go, eating food that isn't good for them, and avoiding exercise.

Obesity: The Latest Epidemic
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recently declared that obesity is an epidemic in the United States. It is among the top causes for death and disability. Obesity can also lead to chronic illness when left unchecked, as is often the case.

There are many reasons obese individuals do not seek treatment. Many lack insurance for example; others feel embarrassed about their condition, while still others are simply unable to leave their homes because they are grossly obese and need home healthcare.

It's time to make a change in the way we live, the way we eat and the way we care for our bodies.

Exercise - Or Lack Of - A Leading Cause Of Obesity
The CDC, working with multiple health organizations including the National Institutes of Health and the American Heart Association, suggest regular, consistent and physically charged exercise or physical activity can dramatically decrease one's risk for heart attacks, stroke, diabetes, high blood pressure and other chronic illnesses resulting from poor healthy and obesity.

Exercise is critical for anyone interested in maintaining or achieving a healthy weight and living a healthy life. In an age where technology reigns supreme, it's no wonder there are so many people facing obesity.

Children play video games or surf the Net instead of exercising outdoors. Parents are no better, flopping down on the couch after a long days work. Many people report there is not enough time in their day to allow for exercise, but often this is not the case. The key to finding time is making time, whether that means walking for ten minutes three times a day or setting aside one hour every other day to engage in some form of physical activity.

Exercise comes in many forms; the very act of housekeeping for example, or taking the stairs instead of the elevator are simply ways to incorporate more physical activity... or exercise... into your lifestyle.

Making Exercise A Priority
While many people acknowledge lack of activity prohibits them from realizing their health goals, few are motivated enough to get up off the couch and do something. Regular physical activity however, is critical for people that want to remain fit.

Strength training can help reduce the risk of osteoporosis or joint problems. Certain forms of physical activity may be helpful for patients with arthritis or related health disorders.

Exercising regularly also builds muscle, which means your metabolism speeds up, and you burn fat faster. Who doesn't want to burn fat faster?

How do you then, make exercise a priority? There are many ways to successfully incorporate exercise or physical activity in your life. You have to make exercise, and your health, the biggest priority in your life. If you don't, you risk losing your life long before you need to.

Here are some ideas for incorporating more physical activity in your life:

• Kick it up a notch. When doing household chores like sweeping the floor, vacuuming or changing sheets, work faster and harder than you would normally. Try to get everything done in half the time you usually do. Doing this will increase the intensity of your physical activity and help you burn more calories.
• Turn off the television. If you have time for TV you have time to exercise. Reduce your television time by ½ hour and you will have that much time each day to devote to some form of physical activity.
• Make it a family affair. No one has fun when only one person in the family is dieting or exercising. However, when you make exercise a family affair, not only will you have a better chance at sticking with your program, you are also likely to teach your family and children good habits. This may help them avoid obesity later in life.

Remember, when it comes to physical activity, every little bit counts.