How to Be Active for Health << Staying Active and Eating Healthy << womenshealth.gov

How to Be Active for Health

You have probably heard by now that physical activity is good for you. Well, the news in favor of regular physical activity keeps coming in! The new 2008 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans state that an active lifestyle can lower your risk of early death from a variety of causes. There is strong evidence that regular physical activity can also lower your risk of:

calorie

Improve functional health for older adults

Reduce waistline size

Lower risk of hip fracture

Lower risk of lung cancer

Lower risk of endometrial cancer

Maintain weight after weight loss

Increase bone density

Improve sleep quality

Yet with all the benefits of being physically active, maybe you haven't quite gotten around to setting up a regular routine. If you are having trouble getting started, this section is for you. Here you will find information about the types of activity you need to do, as well as how much you need to do. You will also find tips for all types of women. Activity is important for everyone!

Additional Resources

Publications

Fact Sheet — Physical Activity — This publication explains the benefits of exercise for people of all ages. It discusses how much exercise you should get each day and when you should talk to your doctor.

http://www.womenshealth.gov/faq/physical-activity.cfm

2008 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans — The 2008 Physical Activity Guidelines is the government’s official publication for Americans to use to get healthy and stay healthy. The publication discusses the recommended amount of physical activity that adults and children should do weekly and how this will benefit their health.

http://www.health.gov/paguidelines/default.aspx

Exercise & Physical Activity: Your Everyday Guide From the National Institute on Aging — This 80-page illustrated booklet can help older adults get physically active. The booklet explains how physical activity can benefit older adults and provides sample activities to get you started. Also included are tips to keep you motivated and measure your progress.

http://www.nia.nih.gov/HealthInformation/Publications/ExerciseGuide/

Exercise for Your Bone Health — This publication contains information on why exercise is an essential factor in an osteoporosis prevention and treatment program.

http://www.niams.nih.gov/Health_Info/Bone/Bone_Health/Exercise/default.asp

Girlfriends' Health and Safety Tips — You and your girlfriends can help each other keep both mentally and physically fit. This fact sheet has information about how you and your social circle can support each other through the good times and the bad.

http://www.cdc.gov/women/girlfriends/index.htm

HealthierUS.gov — With a focus on physical fitness, nutrition, preventative screenings, and avoiding risky behaviors, HealthierUS.gov is a source of credible, accurate information to help Americans live healthier lives.

http://www.healthierus.gov

Healthy Eating and Physical Activity Across Your Lifespan: Young at Heart: Tips for Older Adults — This booklet gives tips for older adults on eating healthy, getting active, and losing weight.

http://win.niddk.nih.gov/publications/young_heart.htm

Pump Fiction: Tips for Buying Exercise Equipment — The Federal Trade Commission advises work-out "wannabes" to exercise good judgment when evaluating advertising claims for fitness equipment.

http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/consumer/products/pro10.shtm

Why Should I Be Physically Active? (Copyright © American Heart Association) — This American Heart Association fact sheet demonstrates the health benefits of living a more physically active life and explains how to appropriately exercise.

http://www.americanheart.org/downloadable/heart/119618454295630%20WhyShldIBePhyllyActve%209_07.pdf...

Organizations

= Indicates Federal Resources

Content last updated June 17, 2008.