Technology has kept most of the “baby boomers” from going outside and enjoying physical activity. Elderly Americans didn’t have physical education to show the importance of physical activity in everyday life. Physical activity is a treatment that two thirds of Americans can use to treat physical or mental ailments and do not (CDC1, 2001). Physical activity is the cure all. Yet it is the most neglected medicine that Americans use. Many people have the misconception that if they are thin that there is not need for physical activity, this is a very ignorant view. A healthy lifestyle is prudent to avoid the decline and deterioration associated with aging. It has been proven that physical activity can aid in the prevention of illness and disease. Some benefits of physical activity are shown below.Reduced risk of coronary heart disease.Reduced risk of colon cancer.Reduced risk of diabetes.Reduced risk of high blood pressure.Reduced risk of alls.Reduced risk of anxiety and depression.Maintains a healthy body weight.Maintains joint strength and mobility.Table 1.1 (CDC1, 2001)After knowing these benefits there is no reason for not being physically active. One would argue that smokers know the risk of smoking, yet 25% of Americans still smoke (CDC1, 2001). Adults do not fully understand the importance of physical activity, and the role it plays in maintaining good health. This point is not stressed enough in school. Physical activity is essential. Just as the body needs the correct vitamins and minerals to be healthy, it needs the right amount of activity to function properly.The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) can provide public health leadership and coordination in establishing a national framework to promote health and an improved quality of life (CDC2, 2001). The CDC wants to establish a foundation of prevention. However, the CDC realizes that they need to build on what currently is in place and what is kn...
