The Problem Of Physical Inactivity

​Physical inactivity is a significant health problem that is often left unnoticed. It is one of the leading causes of death. Studies show that one in four adults over fifty do not exercise regularly. About 60% of Americans over eighteen are inactive. Half of adults living in Massachusetts do not participate in the recommended amount of physical activity. The American Heart Association recommends thirty to sixty minutes of moderate intensity aerobic exercise three to four times a week. Physical inactivity can lead to many chronic health issues, including heart disease. In fact, 33% of deaths from coronary heart disease could be prevented if the patient had been physically active. This method of prevention for these diseases is often overlooked because the benefits from it are underestimated.

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Author

Avani Patel
​Outbreak!2020

Physical activity has been proven to prevent premature death from cardiovascular disease and can help significantly in the recovery of cardiac surgeries. Heart disease and stroke is a preventable cause of death. Physical activity can also prevent the development of diabetes and reduces the risk for some cancers. Regular activity helps with arthritis, osteoporosis, and other conditions that affect joints, muscles, and bones. Sedentary behavior and physical inactivity can lead to a greater risk of obesity and type 2 diabetes. Being physically active can be beneficial to one’s mental health as well.
The Active Communities Tool (ACT) is a guide instituted by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) help municipalities create a plan to improve physical activity and provide funding for this improvement. Representatives from each part of the community, such as public health, transportation, and public works, would come together to help implement the plan. ACT was introduced in December of 2019 and consists of a guide and assessment modules to help community-built municipalities. ACT could help many cities and towns in the United States. However, not many know about this tool. Cities and towns could perform annual studies to find out the rate of physical inactivity. This could lead to the creation of more exercise centers and specific plans for each age group. Senior citizens tend to be physically inactive because of disabilities and other health issues, but it is recommended that exercise is done based on skill level and agility. People of all ages should be physically active to improve health conditions and reduce risks for chronic disease. My grandfather recently visited a rehab center and my family must do exercises with him daily. Had I known the benefits of physical activity; I would have had my family start exercising a long time ago. Being physically active is significant in helping one live a longer life.
   
References
“Department of Health.” Physical Inactivity and Cardiovascular Disease, Aug. 1999, www.health.ny.gov/diseases/chronic/cvd.htm.
 
González, Karimé et al. “Physical Inactivity, Sedentary Behavior and Chronic Diseases.” Korean journal of family medicine vol. 38,3 (2017): 111-115. doi:10.4082/kjfm.2017.38.3.111
 
Taylor, Denise. “Physical activity is medicine for older adults.” Postgraduate medical journal vol. 90,1059 (2014): 26-32. doi:10.1136/postgradmedj-2012-131366
 
“Physical Activity.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 19 May 2020, www.cdc.gov/physicalactivity/index.html.
 
“Physical Inactivity Is One of the Major Risk Factors for Non-Communicable Diseases, Including Cancer.” Physical Inactivity Is One of the Major Risk Factors for Non-Communicable Diseases, Including Cancer. | ICCP Portal, 9 Aug. 2016,
 
www.iccp-portal.org/news/physical-inactivity-one-major-risk-factors-non-communicable-diseases-including-cancer.