Ocean County Freeholder Gerry P. Little, Liaison to the Ocean County Board of Health, pointed out the month of May is designated at National Physical Fitness and Sports Month to raise awareness of the importance of active living. He said, “It’s time to get active and moving. The weather is getting warmer and everyone will have the opportunity to get out, enjoy the sunshine, with sunscreen, of course, and get moving!”
Little continued, “Daily physical activity has significant health benefits, including substantially reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, certain cancers, obesity, osteoporosis, anxiety, and depression. Physical activity can lower cholesterol and blood pressure. People of all ages need to incorporate more physical activity into their daily lives. Adults need at least 30 minutes of activity 5 days each week and children should get at least 60 minutes of daily active play. We can find substitutions to many of our daily activities which can help increase movement. Push a lawn mower instead of sitting on one or take the stairs instead of the elevator. Children should be running, climbing or just getting up and moving away from the television and computer games.”
Daniel Regenye, Ocean County Health Department Public Health Coordinator, said, “Health benefits can be gained through simple everyday tasks, such as vacuuming the house, walking the dog or raking leaves. People tend to think they need to get to the gym to get activity. You neither need to sweat nor go to the gym to reap the benefits of daily activity. You can break up the 30 minutes into shorter increments. If you get a work break in the morning and afternoon, take a 10 minute walk each time and one at lunchtime and you completed your 30 minutes. Even the shorter time spans for exercise can greatly improve your health.
Freeholder Little continued, “Ocean County not only has a variety of sports activities for kids but has many types of sporting teams for adults; from sports like basketball to swim teams and softball/baseball teams. They are for both men and women.”
Regenye added, “If you are just beginning an exercise routine, check with your physician first. When you begin your activity schedule, make sure you stretch and warm up first and when done, give yourself time to cool down. Pick something you enjoy and keep at it and you will most certainly rise to the challenge!!!