Making Movement a Priority
Being active throughout the day can be one of the most important ways to stay healthy. Making movement a priority in your day can improve your quality of life and is one of the easiest ways to prevent or improve chronic health conditions. Don’t know where to start? Focus on moving more! Any amount of physical activity can have health benefits. Even something as simple as five minutes of walking can be beneficial. Research has found that being physically active can improve your health both immediately and over the long term.
Preschool-aged children (3 – 5 years old) should be active throughout the day with a goal of 3 hours of activity per day. Parents and caregivers should encourage active play throughout the day and less screen time.
Kids (6-17 years old) should be active for 60 minutes each day. This may include organized activities such as sports, active play or walking to and from school.
Adults (ages 18-64) should be active for at least 150 minutes of moderate to intense activity per week. Anything that gets your heart pumping like walking. Adults should also participate in a strengthening activity twice per week.
Older adults (65 and older): should also participate in 150 minutes of aerobic activity and strengthening activity twice per week. Stretching and balance activities are also beneficial.
In addition to age-related guidelines, there are recommendations for people with different health conditions. They should work with their health care providers to find appropriate activities that are safe and effective for their health needs. Pregnant women and those who have recently given birth, benefit from regular physical activity and should maintain their current level of physical activity. Likewise, people with chronic health conditions or disabilities should aim to be physically active, too.
Make moving a priority and get a little more active today. Every minute counts and small changes can add up to big health benefits! #MoveYourWay
