Hannah Sherman, Community Health Intern, Sarah Goldring, Extension Agent, sbercaw@udel.edu, Gina Crist, Extension Community Health Specialist, gcrist@udel.edu
Physical Activity is one of the best things people can do to improve their health. It is vital for healthy aging and can reduce the burden of chronic diseases and prevent early death. Physical activity helps you reduce stress/anxiety, function better mentally and physically, and sleep better. Active people generally live longer and are at less risk for serious health problems like heart disease, type 2 diabetes, obesity, and some cancers. For people with chronic diseases, physical activity can help manage these conditions and complications. Below is a chart with the benefits of adding physical activity into your lifestyle. Make sure to check out next week’s post on physical activity recommendations for different ages.
| Benefits of Physical Activity |
| For Children |
|
· Reduces risk of depression · Improves aerobic fitness · Improves muscular fitness · Improves bone health · Promotes favorable body composition · Improves attention and some measures of academic performance (with school physical activity programs) |
| For Adults |
|
· Lowers risk of high blood pressure · Lowers risk of stroke · Improves aerobic fitness · Improves mental health · Improves cognitive function · Reduces arthritis symptoms · Prevents weight gain |