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| Saturday, September 4, 2010 |
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 Physical activity can bring you many health benefits. People who enjoy participating in moderate intensity or vigorous intensity physical activity on a regular basis benefit by lowering their risk of developing coronary heart disease, stroke, non-insulin-dependent (type 2) diabetes, and high blood pressure.
 Regular physical activity can improve health and reduce the risk of premature death in the following ways:

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Reduces the risk of developing coronary heart disease (CHD) and the risk of dying from CHD |
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Reduces the risk of stroke |
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Reduces the risk of having a second heart attack in people who have already had one heart attack |
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Lowers both total blood cholesterol and triglycerides and increases high-density lipoproteins (HDL or the "good" cholesterol) |
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Lowers the risk of developing high blood pressure |
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Helps reduce blood pressure in people who already have hypertension |
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Lowers the risk of developing non-insulin-dependent (type 2) diabetes mellitus |
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Reduces the risk of developing colon cancer |
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Helps people achieve and maintain a healthy body weight |
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Reduces feelings of depression and anxiety |
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Promotes psychological well-being and reduces feelings of stress |
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Helps build and maintain healthy bones, muscles, and joints |
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Helps older adults become stronger and better able to move about without falling or becoming excessively fatigued |

The good news about regular physical activity is that everyone can benefit from it.
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Older adults No one is too old to enjoy the benefits of regular physical activity. Evidence indicates that muscle-strengthening exercises can reduce the risk of falling and fracturing bones and can improve the ability to live independently.
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Parents and children Parents can help their children maintain a physically active lifestyle by providing encouragement and opportunities for physical activity. Families can plan outings and events that allow and encourage everyone in the family to be active.
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Teenagers Regular physical activity improves strength, builds lean muscle, and decreases body fat. Activity can build stronger bones to last a lifetime.
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People trying to manage their weight Regular physical activity burns calories while preserving lean muscle mass. Regular physical activity is a key component of any weight-loss or weight-management effort.
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People with high blood pressure Regular physical activity helps lower blood pressure.
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People with physical disabilities, including arthritis Regular physical activity can help people with chronic, disabling conditions improve their stamina and muscle strength. It also can improve psychological well-being and quality of life by increasing the ability to perform the activities of daily life.
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Everyone under stress, including persons experiencing anxiety or depression Regular physical activity improves one's mood, helps relieve depression, and increases feelings of well-being. |
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Great Prices on Fitness Books!
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