FOCUS ON WELLNESS – Prevention and Wellness Statistics
55% of recommended preventive care is administered, and only 52% is performed
38% of all deaths are due to avoidable factors: tobacco use, poor nutrition, physical inactivity and alcohol consumption
More than 60% of American adults do not get enough physical activity to provide the health benefits (CDC)
Unhealthy diet and physical inactivity play an important role in many chronic diseases and conditions including type 2 diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, stroke, breast cancer, colon cancer, gallbladder disease and arthritis (CDC)
According to the US Department of Health & Human Services, for every 100 employees in this country:
- 27 have cardiovascular disease
- 24 have high blood pressure
- 50 or more have high cholesterol
- 26 are overweight by 20% or more
- 10 are heavy drinkers
- 59 don’t get adequate exercise
- 44 suffer from stress
If a daily fitness walk could be put in a pill, it would be one of the most popular prescriptions in the world. It has so many health benefits. Walking can reduce the risk of many diseases — from heart attack and stroke to hip fracture and glaucoma. These may sound like claims on a bottle of snake oil, but they're backed by major research. Walking requires no prescription, the risk of side effects is very low, and the benefits are numerous:
A steady routine is the most important factor in getting the most out of your exercise program. Walking for at least 30 minutes a day, 5 or more days a week is recommended.
Use these tips to keep you on track:
- During your walks, you should be able to maintain a conversation. If you're breathing too lightly, increase your pace. If you can't catch your breath, slow it down.
- Walk around the local area after lunch or dedicate 15 minutes to walking up and down stairs. Climbing is an excellent way to strengthen your heart.
- At night, trade a half hour of TV for a brisk stroll around the block. Take a friend with you for company or get the whole family involved.
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