Holiday shopping is stressful to your body as well as your wallet. Driving from store to store, getting in and out of the car, bundled in a sweater and winter coat, the expert shopper carries package after package from the store, to the car, over and over again. Six, eight, or ten hours later, the shopper arrives home exhausted, only to realize that 15, or 20 packages must be carried from the car into the house. This dilemma is compounded by the fact that the rain turned to sleet, and the sleet to snow. Travel by car and foot are treacherous. You are slipping and sliding all the way from the car to the house while carrying multiple packages of various sizes and shapes. The shopping bags get wet and tear, forcing you to tilt your body as you carry the packages. Of course, your family is not home to help you unload the car and you make the trip several times alone. You get into the house exhausted and crash onto the couch. You fall asleep slouched and slumped in an overstuffed pillow chair. Hours later you wake up with a stiff neck and lower back pain. You wonder what happened to your neck and back. Consider the following:
Visit your doctor regularly and listen to your body.
This article is not intended as a substitute for medical treatment. If you have questions related to your medical condition, please contact your family physician. For further inquires related to this topic email: drpmackarey@msn.com
Paul J. Mackarey PT, DHSc, OCS is a Doctor in Health Sciences specializing in orthopaedic and sports physical therapy. Dr. Mackarey is in private practice and is an affiliated faculty member at the University of Scranton, PT Dept.
Last Monday was the first day of buck hunting season (with firearms) in Pennsylvania. It is an exciting time of year for many men and WOMEN. This is the second of two parts dedicated to hunters of NEPA. Kelly Tratthen, former University of Scranton Women’s Basketball standout, took the day off from our clinic to hunt with her boyfriend and family (mom, dad and brothers and grandfather). While they had moderate success, the hunt continues. Good luck, be healthy and safe!
While I am not a hunter, I am an avid outdoors person with great passion for mountain biking, kayaking, whitewater rafting, hiking and mountain climbing in our state and national parks. I offer hunter safety tips based on the knowledge of experts in the field and offer health safety associated with outdoor activity based on my expertise as a health care provider.
Sources: www.pgc.state.pa.us
Read Part 1 on health and safety for hunters.
This article is not intended as a substitute for medical treatment. If you have questions related to your medical condition, please contact your family physician. For further inquires related to this topic email: drpmackarey@msn.com
Paul J. Mackarey PT, DHSc, OCS is a Doctor in Health Sciences specializing in orthopaedic and sports physical therapy. Dr. Mackarey is in private practice and is an affiliated faculty member at the University of Scranton, PT Dept.
Today is the first day of buck hunting season (with firearms) in Pennsylvania. In NEPA it is almost national holiday status for many men and WOMEN. In fact, in our office, Kelly Tratthen, former Lakeland High School and University of Scranton Women’s Basketball standout, requested the day off two months ago. As a non hunter and vegetarian, I was surprised because hunting was the last thing on my mind. Well, suffice it to say, Kelly will be missed by our patients today, she is hunting in Wayne County with her entire family; mom, dad, two brothers, grandfather and boyfriend. This column is dedicated to Kelly and all hunters of NEPA. Good luck. Be healthy and safe!
While I am not a hunter, I am an avid outdoors person with great passion for mountain biking, kayaking, whitewater rafting, hiking and mountain climbing in our state and national parks. I offer hunter safety tips based on the knowledge of experts in the field and offer health safety associated with outdoor activity based on my expertise as a health care provider.
Sources:
Read Part 2 on health and safety for hunters.
This article is not intended as a substitute for medical treatment. If you have questions related to your medical condition, please contact your family physician. For further inquires related to this topic email: drpmackarey@msn.com
Paul J. Mackarey PT, DHSc, OCS is a Doctor in Health Sciences specializing in orthopaedic and sports physical therapy. Dr. Mackarey is in private practice and is an affiliated faculty member at the University of Scranton, PT Dept.
Today, November 24, 2009, the scientific community proudly marks the 150th anniversary of the publication of The Origin of Species. Born on February 12, 1809, in the small town of Shrewsbury, England, Charles Darwin circumnavigated the globe on the HMS Beagle at the young age of 22 to make keen observations and document findings in unparalleled detail. He spent the next three decades analyzing his data to support a thesis and published his findings in arguably the most controversial book ever written. “His central idea, the simplicity of which is exceeded only by its stunning profundity, would shake social convention. His insights and clear unassuming prose would bring order to the chaos of biology, expose the mechanisms that underpin life's diversity, and illuminate the origins of our species,” according to James Evans, MD, PhD, The Journal of the American Medical Association, 2009.
Darwin’s impact on contemporary medicine is far reaching and is predicted to have an even more powerful impact in the future. The growing field of genetics supports this claim. According to geneticist Theodosius Dobzhansky, "Nothing in biology makes sense except in the light of evolution." He purports that if evolutionary biology is the foundation for biology and biology is the foundation of medicine, than the two must coexist if one is to discover the true cause of a disease. However, keeping time in perspective, the immediate cause of a disease may not be the genetic cause. But, the genetic cause is essential for an actual cure.
Others in medicine offer another perspective to support Dawin’s influence in patient care. William Meller, MD, author of Evolution Rx, states that in spite of our anxiety about healthy foods, toxins in the environment and prolific diseases such as cancer, human beings were designed to heal. He feels that this is supported by a million years of evolution and natural selection that has influenced us to be powerful, healthy and self-healing. In spite of germs, toxins, and pollution we continue to thrive. Today, there are 70,000 centenarians in the United States and it is expected that by 2050 there will be 800,000.
However, if your gene pool is questionable like most of us, don’t use that as an excuse. There are things you can do to live longer and healthier.
GUEST COLUMNIST: JANET M. CAPUTO, PT, OCS
Medical Reviewer: Gregory Cali, D.O.
The single best way to protect against influenza is to get a flu vaccination each year. Influenza vaccination is recommended for anyone who wants to reduce the likelihood of becoming ill with influenza or spreading influenza to others. In general, all healthy people from 6 months of age through 18 years old and those 50 years and older should get vaccinated. Vaccination is strongly recommended for those who are at risk for complications from influenza: residents of nursing homes and other long-term care facilities, pregnant women, people with long-term health problems (e.g. diseases of the heart, lung, kidney, or liver; metabolic [diabetes] or blood [anemia] disorders), anyone with a weakened immune system (e.g. HIV/AIDS, long-term steroid use, cancer treatment), individuals with certain muscle and nerve disorders who can develop breathing and swallowing problems (e.g. seizure disorders and cerebral palsy), and anyone 6 months through 18 years of age on long-term aspirin treatment because they could develop Reye’s Syndrome if they got the flu. The CDC now recommends that, in addition to these high-risk groups, all healthy children, who are 6 months to 5 years old, get a flu vaccination. Vaccination is also advocated for individuals who live with or care for people in the above mentioned high-risk groups. Healthcare providers and community workers are advised to receive their annual flu vaccination. To prevent outbreaks in crowded conditions, people living in dormitories and correctional facilities should consider getting the flu shot.
There are two types of seasonal flu vaccines available: the flu shot and the nasal-spray flu vaccine. The “flu shot” is an inactivated (killed) vaccine given by injection into the muscle. The live, attenuated (weakened) influenza vaccine is sprayed into the nostrils. Since influenza viruses are always changing, their vaccines are updated every year and, therefore, an annual vaccination is recommended. Each year scientists are hard at work trying to match the viruses in the vaccine to those most likely to cause the flu that year. The CDC recommends that you get vaccinated in October or November before the flu season peaks between late December and early March. Within two weeks of getting the flu shot antibodies develop in your body and provide protection against flu symptoms. If you do get flu symptoms, call your doctor. If you take prescription antiviral drugs within the first 48 hours of flu symptoms, the medications may help shorten recovery time. Antiviral medication may also help prevent the flu if you have been exposed to someone with flu symptoms. The novel H1N1 vaccine is not intended to replace the seasonal flu vaccine. Both vaccines are necessary to help protect against the influenza viruses circulating this year!
Since the viruses in the flu shot are inactivated (killed), you can not get the flu from the flu shot. You can get some minor side effects such as soreness, redness, and swelling at the injection site or you may develop a low-grade fever and body aches. Even though the vaccine can cause serious problems, such as severe allergic reactions, the risk is extremely small. To avoid complications, there are some people who should consult their physician before getting the flu shot. These individuals include those who have egg allergies (the virus is grown in eggs) and those who have had a severe reaction to a previous flu shot. You may not be a candidate for the flu shot if you ever had Guillain-Barre΄ Syndrome. Also, people who are moderately ill should usually wait until they recover before getting the flu vaccine.
Interestingly, my mother was recently hospitalized with an infection in her bloodstream. I would have considered her “moderately ill” given that 20% of the people who are diagnosed with her type of blood infection die! However, it was recommended that she receive the seasonal flu shot. I questioned the registered nurse about the possibility of a serious complication given my mother’s delicate state of health. She said that the risk of getting the flu far exceeded the risk of developing any serious adverse effects.
Some signs of a severe reaction following the flu shot include: high fever, behavior changes, difficulty breathing, hoarseness, wheezing, hives, paleness, weakness, fast heart beat, or dizziness. If you experience any of these symptoms or develop any other unusual signs, contact you doctor immediately. Your physician will need a description of exactly what happened as well as the date and time it occurred. Your doctor will report the reaction by filling out a Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) form.
If you missed them, go back and read Part I and Part II in this three-part series dedicated to cold and flu season.
Visit your doctor regularly and listen to your body.
Keep moving, eat healthy foods, exercise regularly, and live long and well!
Janet M. Caputo, PT, OCS – guest columnist is an associate and clinic director at Mackarey Physical Therapy where she specializes in outpatient orthopedic and neurologic rehab. She is presently working on her doctorate in physical therapy from the University of Scranton.
GUEST COLUMNIST: JANET M. CAPUTO, PT, OCS
Medical Reviewer: Gregory Cali, D.O.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), influenza “the flu” is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It can cause mild to severe illness and at times, death. Each year in the United States, on average, 5% to 20% of the population gets the flu and more than 200,000 people are hospitalized from flu related complications and approximately 36,000 people die from flu related causes. Those who are older, younger and have certain health related conditions are at higher risk for serious flu complications. However, experts at the CDC expect this year to be far worse and more complicated due to the H1N1 virus.
H1N1 was first detected in people in the United States in April of 2009. This virus was originally referred to as the “swine flu” because many of its genes were similar to influenza viruses that normally occur in pigs in North America. Scientists soon discovered that H1N1 is very different. The CDC has determined that this novel virus is contagious and on June 11, 2009, the World Health Organization announced that the H1N1 virus had reached pandemic proportions.
This new influenza virus spreads from person to person in much the same way as the old seasonal flu described in last week’s article. Flu viruses spread mainly from person-to-person through coughing or sneezing of people with influenza. Viruses can also spread when a person touches a surface with flu viruses on it and then touches his eyes, nose, or mouth.
There are numerous ways to protect yourself from acquiring either “flu”, the traditional seasonal or the new H1N1. Encourage everyone to cover their mouth and nose when they cough or sneeze. Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze.
If someone you live with has a confirmed case of the H1N1 flu, follow the same precautions you would to avoid the ordinary seasonal flu. Limit contact with the affected person. Avoid having visitors. Wash your hands with soap and water or with an alcohol-based hand rub. Consider using a face mask or a N95 respirator. Wash all dishes with warm water and soap.
Limiting the transmission of H1N1 in the classroom is critical since this “new flu” appears to have an affinity for young children. Students and staff who appear to have flu-like symptoms should be sent to a separate room until they can be sent home. The CDC recommends that they wear a surgical mask, if possible, and that those who care for ill students and staff also wear protective gear. Encourage students, faculty, and staff with flu-like symptoms to stay home for at least 24 hours after they no longer have a fever, or have signs of a fever, without the use of fever-reducing products. They should stay home even if they are using antiviral drugs. Remember to always emphasize the importance of the basic foundations of inFLUenza prevention. (See "10 Tips to Prevent the Spread of Flu.")
The most important prevention measure for both flu and cold is frequent hand washing. Hand washing by rubbing the hands with warm soapy water for at least 20 seconds helps to slough germs off the skin. In addition to frequent hand washing, getting a flu shot each year to prevent influenza is very important. Please join us next week to discuss WHO should get vaccinated, WHY you should get vaccinated, and WHAT risks are associated with getting vaccinated.
Janet M. Caputo, PT, OCS – guest columnist is an associate and clinic director at Mackarey Physical Therapy where she specializes in outpatient orthopedic and neurologic rehab. She is presently working on her doctorate in physical therapy from the University of Scranton.
Visit your doctor regularly and listen to your body.
Keep moving, eat healthy foods, exercise regularly, and live long and well!
NEXT MONDAY – Read Dr. Paul J. Mackarey “Health & Exercise Forum!” Part III of III on Cold and Flu. And if you missed it last week, go back and read Part I of this series, which outlines the difference between the cold and the flu.
Guest Columnist: Janet M. Caputo, PT, OCS
Medical Reviewer: Gregory Cali, D.O.
It is that time of year when people wake up coughing and sneezing and hope that the symptoms are only a mild seasonal allergy. Unfortunately, it is also cold and flu season and it is important to know the difference. In the last month alone, our office was hit with several seasonal illnesses that lead to days off from work for Gretchen, Amy, and Chris. Did they have a cold or flu?
When you wake up sneezing and coughing with muscle aches and fever, how do you know if you have just a cold or if you have the flu? Generally, a cold is a milder respiratory illness than the flu. While cold symptoms can make you feel bad for a few days, flu symptoms can make you feel quite ill for a few days to a week. The flu can result in serious health problems, such as pneumonia, which require hospitalization.
A cold usually begins with a sore throat which resolves in a day or two. By the fourth or fifth day, you may experience nasal congestion, a runny nose and a cough. Fever is uncommon in adults but a slight fever is possible. Children are more likely to encounter a fever with their cold. The watery nasal secretions that occur during the first few days eventually become thicker and darker. Dark mucus is natural and does not necessarily mean that you have developed a sinus infection!
Your cold can be caused by several hundred different viruses and will usually last about a week. During the first three days of your cold, you are contagious. To prevent spreading your cold to others, staying home and getting some rest is recommended.
“Cold symptoms” can be mistaken for allergic rhinitis (hayfever) or a sinus infection. If your cold symptoms develop slowly and improve after one week, then a cold is the most likely cause. However, if after one week your symptoms have not improved, you may be suffering from an allergy or sinusitis. The best advice is to consult your family doctor for the correct diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
FLU symptoms differ from those of the common cold because they usually are more severe and develop suddenly. Flu symptoms include sore throat, fever, headache, muscle aches and soreness, nasal congestion, and cough. The flu is caused by a variety of inFLUenza viruses.
Most flu symptoms gradually improve after two to five days but it’s not unusual to feel run down for a week or more. A common complication of the flu is pneumonia, particularly in the young, elderly, or people with lung or heart problems. Shortness of breath frequently accompanies pneumonia. A fever that has been absent for a day or two and then returns is another common sign of pneumonia.
The symptoms of the common cold and the flu are so similar that you may have difficulty distinguishing between the two! Typically, the common cold is not accompanied by a fever above 101 °F. Body and muscle aches are additional symptoms that are frequently associated with the flu. Use this quick chart to decide whether your symptoms are a cold or the flu:
|
FLU SYMPTOMS |
COLD SYMPTOMS |
|
Sudden onset of illness |
Slow onset of illness |
|
High fever |
Low or no fever |
|
Extreme fatigue |
Mild fatigue |
|
Dry cough |
Severe cough with runny or stuffy nose |
|
Achy head |
No headache |
|
Achy muscles |
No achy muscles |
|
Chills |
No chills |
If you have flu or cold symptoms, notifying your family doctor is recommended especially if you have any one of the following serious symptoms:
Please join us next week when we will discuss cold and flu prevention, including vaccination.
Janet M. Caputo, PT, OCS – guest columnist is an associate and clinic director at Mackarey Physical Therapy where she specializes in outpatient orthopedic and neurologic rehab. She is presently working on her doctorate in physical therapy from the University of Scranton.
Visit your doctor regularly and listen to your body.
Keep moving, eat healthy foods, exercise regularly, and live long and well!
NEXT MONDAY – Read Dr. Paul J. Mackarey “Health & Exercise Forum!” Part II of III on Cold and Flu
October is National Physical Therapy Month! The American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) would like the public to recognize the dedication of physical therapists as health care providers. Moreover, physical therapists would like to thank the public for allowing us to participate in your health and wellness.
This column will address a question that is frequently asked by people of all ages and activity levels…stretching. First, it is important to keep in mind that stretching should NEVER be performed without warming up your body and muscles first. This can be done by running slowly in place or around the block for 5-10 minutes. Second, stretching should NEVER be painful. Third, a good stretch should be performed slowly and feel like slight tension in the muscle. NEVER bounce or jerk. Hold the stretch for 5-10 seconds, repeat 5-10 times, 2-4 times per week.
Remember, flexibility is only one aspect of complete health and wellness. Strength training, cardiovascular fitness, meditation and stress management and proper nutrition are also necessary for a healthy lifestyle.
Stand with your feet facing a wall shoulder width apart.
Step your right foot back keeping it facing forward.
Bend your left knee and keep the right knee straight
Lean forward and push against a wall for the best stretch, keeping heels on the floor.
Feel the stretch at the back of your right leg below the knee
Repeat on the left
Stand with your left arm holding on to a stable object for balance.
Bend your right knee up toward your butt and pull up with your right hand.
Feel the stretch at the front of your right thigh.
Repeat on the left
Lying on your back, clasp the back of your right knee
Straighten out your right knee slowly up toward the sky
Feel the stretch at the back of your right thigh.
Repeat with your left leg straight.
Sit with your legs bent with heels together. (Indian Sit)
Hold your ankles or feet with both hands.
Keep your back straight and stomach in.
Push your knees towards the floor.
Feel the stretch on the inside of your thighs.
Lie on your back and raise your knees to your chest.
Hold them there with both your hands.
Feel the stretch at the bottom of your back.
Lie on your belly and prop up on your forearms
Hold up there and inhale and exhale
Feel the stretch in the small of your back
Stand with your left hand on your hip and your right arm above your head.
Bend to the left without leaning forward or back.
Feel the stretch on your right side.
Repeat with your left arm.
Stand upright with feet shoulder width apart
Cross arms over chest and turn to the right with your upper trunk
Keep lower body facing straight
Feel the stretch on the left lower back and trunk
Repeat turning to the left
Take your right arm across your chest.
Use your left hand to pull your right elbow towards your chest.
Keep the rest of your body facing forward.
Feel the stretch on the back of your right shoulder.
Repeat with your left arm.
Stand facing a corner with feet 12 inches away and put both arms up in a “T” position
Lean into wall with chest and keep feet away from wall
Feel the stretch in your biceps and chest.
Over the past several months I have written about the overwhelming value and merits of exercise. Recently, I have also described the effects of over exercising in my column, Boomeritis – Inflammation of the Baby Boomer! But, one thing is for certain; the benefits of a healthy lifestyle with proper diet and regular exercise, far outweigh the negative. In this column I will discuss one of the most understated benefits of exercise – mental health! Specifically, aerobic exercise (exercise that increases your heart rate for 30 minutes or more) such as walking, biking, running, swimming, hiking, elliptical & stepper machines to name a few, is the secret to “runner’s high.” This exercise euphoria is not limited to runners alone, but all who engage in aerobic exercise are more likely to experience high energy, positive attitude, and mental wellness.
Physical activity, specifically aerobic exercise, is a scientifically proven useful tool for preventing and easing depression symptoms. Studies in the British Journal of Medicine and the Journal of Exercise and Sports Science found that depression scores were significantly reduced in groups that engaged in aerobic running, jogging or walking programs, 30-45 minutes 3-5 days per week for 10-12 weeks when compared to a control group and a psychotherapy counseling group.
Depression is the most common mental disorder and is twice as common among women as in men. Symptoms include: fatigue, sleeplessness, decreased appetite, decreased sexual interest, weight change, and constipation. Many of these symptoms are likely to bring an individual to their family physician. Unfortunately, depression is on the increase in the United States. According to the National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey, in the 1990’s, 7 million visits to a primary care physician were for the treatment of depression. 10 years later the number doubled.
According to research reported in The Physical and Sportsmedicine, exercise reduces depression in two ways, psychologically (mentally) and physiological (physically).
Psychological or Mental Benefits of Exercise on Depression:
Physiological or Physical Benefits of Exercise on Depression:
First, and most importantly, consult your primary care physician to confirm the diagnosis of depression. Be sure that your symptoms are not related to other health problems. Also, if you are using antidepressant or other medications discuss the impact it may have on your exercise program with your physician.
Recognize and fight depression symptoms that are contrary to or prohibit physical activity such as: fatigue, lack of energy, slow motor skills. Work hard to recognize and overcome these symptoms to begin an exercise program. An aerobic exercise routine should eventually lessen these symptoms.
Be realistic. Expect that aerobic exercise will take time to have a noticeable benefit. Do not get overly ambitious and set yourself up for failure. Begin with an aerobic exercise program that is practical and destined to succeed. For example: inactive and deconditioned people should begin walking 5 minutes per day, 3-5 days per week for 1 week. Then, add 3-5 minutes each week until you attain 30-45 minutes per walk 3-5 times per week. Younger and fitter people can begin to walk for 15 minutes and continue until they attain 45-60 minutes per walk, 3-5 times per week. Remember, what seems impossible today will be easier and routine in 3-4 weeks so JUST DO IT !
Find a pleasurable environment: a beautiful park (Nay Aug), a scenic lake (Lake Scranton), quiet countryside (rural farmlands of Dalton). Use a mall in inclement weather.
Find a friendly, uplifting group to walk, talk and exercise with. This may be more appropriate for people feeling isolated or withdrawn. Others may enjoy the peace and quiet of exercising and meditating alone.
Be specific and compliant! Make a serious commitment. Keep a journal or exercise log. Mark a calendar. 30-45 minutes, 3-5 days per week – NO EXCUSES! Get and exercise buddy you can count on and help keep you compliant!
Make it fun! Mix it up. Walk 3 days, swim or bike 1-2 days, some days alone, some days with a buddy.
BE RELIGIOUS! Be religious about exercise BUT don’t get too compulsive!
Read Dr. Mackarey’s Health & Exercise Forum – every Monday
This article is not intended as a substitute for medical treatment. If you have questions related to your medical condition, please contact your family physician. For further inquires related to this topic email: drpmackarey@msn.com
Paul J. Mackarey PT, DHSc, OCS is a Doctor in Health Sciences specializing in orthopaedic and sports physical therapy. Dr. Mackarey is in private practice and is an affiliate faculty member at the University of Scranton, PT Dept.
October is National Physical Therapy Month. The American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) would like the nation to recognize the positive role physical therapy plays in your health and wellness. We are passionate about what we do! No, we don’t save lives, but we do save lifestyles and quality of life! PT’s are great people. We have a special gift to provide healthcare unique to our field. For example, while many different health care professionals treat back pain, PT’s are some of the very few working to rehabilitate stroke and head injury victims, amputees, children with cerebral palsy and other serious neurological and orthopedic disorders.
In honor of physical therapy month, I would like to share a story about a friend of mine who has multiple sclerosis (MS). Mary graduated from Temple University, School of Physical Therapy, with my wife and me in 1981. Shortly after graduation, she was married and had a daughter. Less than one year later she woke up unable to walk, with a weak and numb arm and leg. She was diagnosed with MS. Fortunately, over the past 28 years, her problem has not been aggressive and has progressed very slowly. This, along with a very supportive husband, has allowed her to raise four daughters, work part-time and stay very healthy and active. What is most impressive about Mary’s life with MS is the fact that she has never allowed MS to define her. She never complains and always sets goals. This year, for example, Mary celebrated her 50th birthday and set a goal to run a 10 mile race on the beach in New Jersey. She called me to join her for her birthday race. We finished the race together, holding our hands and heads high. I am proud and fortunate to call Mary and her husband, Tim, my friends. They inspire me and enrich my life.
I hope this story inspires you too. However, Mary may have pushed herself too far as she struggled to finish the race. She was fatigued for weeks after and promised not to run more than 3 miles at one time again. People with MS should avoid taking themselves to maximum fatigue. But, determination is invaluable. Remember, you cannot always control your gene pool or what happens to your body, however, you can control your lifestyle. Research suggests that lifestyle may play the biggest role on how healthy you are and how long you live. The food you eat, what you drink, if you smoke, how active you are and how you handle stress are critical factors that determine your longevity. Research also tells us that smoking, physical inactivity, and poor eating habits are the leading causes of death, in that order.
Physical activity is one of the most important factors in improving a lifestyle in a positive way. A minimum of 30 minutes of physical activity, 5 days per week can greatly contribute to longevity.
Researchers have found that the benefits of regular physical activity are numerous. Some of the more important benefits are:
Some simple suggestions for beginning an exercise program are:
Visit your doctor regularly and listen to your body.
Keep moving, eat healthy foods, exercise regularly, and live long and well!
