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Physical Activity for Adolescents and Young Adults KEY MESSAGES Adolescents and young adults, both male and female, benefit from physical activity. Physical activity need not be strenuous to be beneficial. Moderate amounts of daily physical activity are recommended for people of all ages. This amount can be obtained in longer sessions of moderately intense activities, such as brisk walking for 30 minutes, or in shorter sessions of more intense activities, such as jogging or playing basketball for 15-20 minutes. Greater amounts of physical activity are even more beneficial, up to a point. Excessive amounts of physical activity can lead to injuries, menstrual abnormalities, and bone weakening. FACTS Nearly half of American youths aged 12-21 years are not vigorously active on a regular basis. About 14 percent of young people report no recent physical activity. Inactivity is more common among females (14%) than males (7%) and among black females (21%) than white females (12%). Participation in all types of physical activity declines strikingly as age or grade in school increases. Only 19 percent of all high school students are physically active for 20 minutes or more, five days a week, in physical education classes. Daily enrollment in physical education classes dropped from 42 percent to 25 percent among high school students between 1991 and 1995. Well designed school-based interventions directed at increasing physical activity in physical education classes have been shown to be effective. Social support from family and friends has been onsistently and positively related to regular physical activity. BENEFITS OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY Helps build and maintain healthy bones, muscles, and joints. Helps control weight, build lean muscle, and reduce fat. Prevents or delays the development of high blood pressure and helps reduce blood pressure in some adolescents with hypertension. WHAT COMMUNITIES CAN DO
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KEY MESSAGES Physical activity need not be strenuous to achieve health benefits. Men and women of all ages benefit from a moderate amount of daily physical activity. The same moderate amount of activity can be obtained in longer sessions of moderately intense activities (such as 30 minutes of brisk walking) as in shorter sessions of more strenuous activities (such as 15-20 minutes of jogging). Additional health benefits can be gained through greater amounts of physical activity. Adults who maintain a regular routine of physical activity that is of longer duration or of greater intensity are likely to derive greater benefit. However, because risk of injury also increases with greater amounts of activity, care should be taken to avoid excessive amounts. Previously sedentary people who begin physical activity programs should start with short sessions (5-10 minutes) of physical activity and gradually build up to the desired level of activity. Adults with chronic health problems, such as heart disease, diabetes, or obesity, or who are at high risk for these conditions should first consult a physician before beginning a new program of physical activity. Men over age 40 and women over age 50 who plan to begin a new program of vigorous activity should consult a physician to be sure they do not have heart disease or other health problems. FACTS
BENEFITS OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY
WHAT COMMUNITIES CAN DO
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention Box SG Suite 250 701 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20004
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Physical Activity and Older Adults KEY MESSAGES Older adults, both male and female, can benefit from regular physical activity. Physical activity need not be strenuous to achieve health benefits. Older adults can obtain significant health benefits with a moderate amount of physical activity, preferably daily. A moderate amount of activity can be obtained in longer sessions of moderately intense activities (such as walking) or in shorter sessions of more vigorous activities (such as fast walking or stairwalking). Additional health benefits can be gained through greater amounts of physical activity, either by increasing the duration, intensity, or frequency. Because risk of injury increases at high levels of physical activity, care should be taken not to engage in excessive amounts of activity. Previously sedentary older adults who begin physical activity programs should start with short intervals of moderate physical activity (5-10 minutes) and gradually build up to the desired amount. Older adults should consult with a physician before beginning a new physical activity program. In addition to cardiorespiratory endurance (aerobic) activity, older adults can benefit from muscle-strengthening activities. Stronger muscles help reduce the risk of falling and improve the ability to perform the routine tasks of daily life. FACTS The loss of strength and stamina attributed to aging is in part caused by reduced physical activity. Inactivity increases with age. By age 75, about one in three men and one in two women engage in no physical activity. Among adults aged 65 years and older, walking and gardening or yard work are, by far, the most popular physical activities. Social support from family and friends has been consistently and positively related to regular physical activity. BENEFITS OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY
WHAT COMMUNITIES CAN DO
This information was taken from http://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/sgr/fact.htm FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention Box SG Suite 250 701 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20004
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American
Dental Association News Release Good Oral Health Practices Should Begin in Infancy The American Dental Association (ADA) offers advice for parents and caregivers to help children maintain healthy teeth and gums:
Preventive dental care has greatly improved the oral health of American children. It is now possible for many children to reach adulthood without ever experiencing tooth decay and that is why good oral health practices should begin in infancy and continue throughout adult life. Brushing your Infant's Teeth For infants, parents should wipe the teeth and gums with a clean gauze or cloth. To make this easier, it is recommended that parents sit on a sofa with the child's head in their lap or put the child on a dressing table or floor to allow them to easily see the child's mouth. Establish Brushing Habits Early Attitudes and habits established at an early age are critical in maintaining good oral health throughout life. Parents must figure out ways to encourage their children to brush and floss regularly and one very important way is by setting a good example. Set a Good Example Use Proper Toothbrush Flossing This information is from the
American Dental Association.
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