2005 Tip #8:
Why? Why Move?

Headlines across the country this week worried us with conclusions from yet another study that our children in America will probably have shorter life spans that we will have — a huge reversal of decades of medical progress and better nutrition that has produced for each successive generation longer life spans. If we don’t turn conditions to a better direction, I believe this will be the case. With statistics like 75% of California youth failing the fitness tests in our schools and with a prediction that one out of every three children born this year in California will get diabetes, there is truly a basis for great concern.

Yet, I also believe we can beat the numbers and turn things around — both personally and for our children and grandchildren. Movement is key.

As we move towards the rebirth and renewal of Spring season and gear up our thoughts for enjoying the longer days, let’s keep physical movement of as many of our 430 voluntary muscles as possible during the week. Use it or lose it. Muscles not in use typically lose 1% of their strength per day.

Exercise is key to so much of our health and our personal energy — not just in fighting diabetes and obesity. I attended a “50 Plus Fitness Club” seminar with Dr. Walter Bortz last weekend. He’s authored an easy to absorb and hope inspiring book — Dare To Be 100. Here’s one of his recommendations that I’ll be sharing over the next few weeks:

“Heart disease is the biggest killer, but it’s slightly misnamed. The real culprit is artery disease. When they are clogged with clot or cholesterol, they fail in their function, and damage ensues. A program of lifelong physical exercise is the single most important protection against stopped-up pipes and heart trouble.”

More details on why this is so in the next message.

What are your own answers to the question: Why move? What does it do for you?