Why Exercise?
Physical activity or exercise can improve your health and reduce the risk of developing several diseases like type 2 diabetes, cancer and cardiovascular disease. Physical activity and exercise can have immediate and long-term health benefits. Most importantly, regular activity can improve your quality of life. A minimum of 30 minutes a day can allow you to enjoy these benefits.
If you are regularly physically active, you may:
- reduce your risk of a heart attack
- manage your weight better
- have a lower blood cholesterol level
- lower the risk of type 2 diabetes and some cancers
- have lower blood pressure
- have stronger bones, muscles and joints and lower risk of developing osteoporosis
- lower your risk of falls
- recover better from periods of hospitalisation or bed rest
- feel better – with more energy, a better mood, feel more relaxed and sleep better.
Can anyone do it?
- Doing any physical activity is better than doing none. If you currently do no physical activity, start by doing some, and gradually build up to the recommended amount.
- Be active on most, preferably all, days every week.
- Accumulate 150 to 300 minutes (2 ½ to 5 hours) of moderate intensity physical activity or 75 to 150 minutes (1 ¼ to 2 ½ hours) of vigorous intensity physical activity, or an equivalent combination of both moderate and vigorous activities, each week.
- Do muscle strengthening activities on at least two days each week.
Why eat healthy?
3 Main Reasons to Eat Healthy Here are three main reasons that will help remind you that eating healthy is the best choice to make for your diet:
- To provide the necessary nutrients that your body needs to create new cells, clean toxins, and to just function every day!
- Eating healthy now can help prevent future diseases such as diabetes and cancer.
- You will have more energy and be more alert.
Can anyone do it?
Yes! Eat a balanced, varied diet and eat sweets and foods that are high in fat or calories only in moderation. Following a healthy diet is something you must do for your entire life. You don't have to give up cake, ice cream, or pizza – just remember not to eat these often and to eat lower-fat or lower-sugar versions. Have milk or juice instead of soda, or have diet soda. Instead of cookies after school, have fruit; veggies; popcorn (low fat – don't use too much butter); or pretzels.
What is mental health?
Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices. Mental health is important at every stage of life, from childhood and adolescence through adulthood.
Why's it so important?
Over the course of your life, if you experience mental health problems, your thinking, mood, and behavior could be affected. Many factors contribute to mental health problems, including:
- Biological factors, such as genes or brain chemistry
- Life experiences, such as trauma or abuse
- Family history of mental health problems
Mental health problems are common but help is available. People with mental health problems can get better and many recover completely.
