2005 Tip #9:
Spring Forward

"Spring: can be a noun – like in this wonderful season we've just entered. And "spring" can be a verb – as in "spring to action!" Let's enjoy spring both ways!

Today's headline in the Business Section of the Contra Costa Times reads:

"Obesity, inactivity cost state billions: Study finds that half of the people are inactive, as defined as less than 30 minutes of exercise three times a week."

The story goes on, in now familiar frameworks:

"The price tag for Californians' inactivity is $21.7 billion...California spent $13.3 billion on costs associated with physical inactivity and $2 billion on obesity in 2000."

'This report shows that costs are much higher than anyone anticipated,' said Susan Forester, chief of the cancer prevention and nutrition section of the California Department of Health Services."

This is the first study of California's damage due to the dual epidemics of obesity and diabetes. It reveals that the bigger portion of damage is from inactivity.

So, let's stay with our emphasis on MOVEMENT and ACTION!

Let's increase our level of activity this spring season and be part of the active California. I hope you'll find some good time later this week to pursue some exercise that you find fun and rewarding! Aim to build up to that goal of 30-40 minutes at least three times a week.

Spring forward!