What do you think is the biggest killer in society today? Smoking, obesity, hypertension, high cholesterol, diabetes? You’re right in thinking that these things are all huge health problems that can cause death or lead to early death. Dr Mike Evans is suggesting that the actual biggest killer is lack of cardio respiratory fitness. That is…. EXERCISE!
Dr Mike Evans has created a fun cartoon called “23 and a Half Hours”. It is a 9 minute visual lecture that is both amusing and informative. He suggests that if we are active for just 30 minutes per day we will reduce the possibility of ailments by some astonishing percentages! You will have to watch it to find out for yourself!
http://devour.com/video/23-and-a-half-hours/
“According to a (study conducted by) Steven Blair, Professor at Arnold School of Public Health of South Carolina, low fitness is the strongest predictor of death, above obesity, smoking-related disease and high blood pressure”.
Lennert Veerman conducted a study in Australia, which proves that “TV is a chronic disease”. According to Veerman if a person sit and watches television for 6 hours a day they are reducing their lifespan by 5 years! Although 6 hours seems a huge deal of time it’s interesting to know that the average American watches 5hrs of television per day! So sure watch your favourite sitcom, movie, lifestyle program, but limit it to just that!
Exercise does not have to be overwhelming. Evans is suggesting just half an hour per day, which can be as simple as 3 lots of 10 minutes of walking each day! He is not suggesting the average person needs to start doing triathlon (although we can give you some tips if that’s what you’re interested in) he is simply suggesting that we leave the car at home and walk! Get off the train a stop early and walk the rest of the way to work!
So lets limit our hours of inactivity to 23 and a half per day and get up off the couch and start walking!
Furthermore if you know of any great bush-tracks, beach-walks, bike rides or have any gentle exercise suggestion please let us know.
I look forward to your feedback,
Lucy
Here is a link to Wild Walks, a guide to bushwalking with suggested tracks:
http://www.wildwalks.com/bushwalking-and-hiking-in-nsw
