Benefits+of+Physical+Activity


 * Benefits of Physical Activity **
 * Reduces the risk of dying from coronary heart disease and of developing high blood pressure, colon cancer, and diabetes
 * Can help reduce blood pressure in some people with hypertension
 * Helps maintain healthy bones, muscles, and joints
 * Reduces symptoms of anxiety and depression and fosters improvements in mood and feelings of well-being
 * Helps control weight, develop lean muscle, and reduce body fat.

**HOW PHYSICAL ACTIVITY IMPACTS HEALTH** Regular physical activity that is performed on most days of the week reduces the risk of developing or dying from some of the leading causes of illness and death in the United States. Regular physical activity improves health in the following ways:
 * Reduces the risk of dying prematurely.
 * Reduces the risk of dying prematurely from heart disease.
 * Reduces the risk of developing diabetes.
 * Reduces the risk of developing high blood pressure.
 * Helps reduce blood pressure in people who already have high blood pressure.
 * Reduces the risk of developing colon cancer.
 * Reduces feelings of depression and anxiety.
 * Helps control weight.
 * Helps build and maintain healthy bones, muscles, and joints.
 * Helps older adults become stronger and better able to move about without falling.
 * Promotes psychological well-being.

**HEALTH BURDENS THAT COULD BE REDUCED THROUGH PHYSICAL ACTIVITY ** Millions of Americans suffer from illnesses that can be prevented or improved through regular physical activity.
 * <span style="font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica;">13.5 million people have coronary heart disease.
 * <span style="font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica;">1.5 million people suffer from a heart attack in a given year.
 * <span style="font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica;">8 million people have adult-onset (non-insulin-dependent) diabetes.
 * <span style="font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica;">95,000 people are newly diagnosed with colon cancer each year.
 * <span style="font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica;">250,000 people suffer from a hip fractures each year.
 * <span style="font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica;">50 million people have high blood pressure.
 * <span style="font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica;">Over 60 million people (a third of the population) are overweight.

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