Getting physical important for improving health

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention reports regular physical activity is one of the most important things you can do for your health.

Physical activity and nutrition work together for better health. Being active increases the amount of calories burned. As people age their metabolism slows, so maintaining energy balance requires moving more and eating less. Different types of physical activity include.

Aerobic activities make you breathe harder and make your heart beat faster. Aerobic activities can be moderate or vigorous in their intensity. Vigorous activities take more effort than moderate ones.

For moderate activities, you can talk while you do them, but you can't sing. For vigorous activities, you can only say a few words without stopping to catch your breath.

Muscle-strengthening activities make your muscles stronger. These include activities like push-ups and lifting weights. It is important to work all the different parts of the body -- legs, hips, back, chest, stomach, shoulders and arms.

Bone-strengthening activities make your bones stronger. Bone strengthening activities, like jumping, are especially important for children and adolescents. These activities produce a force on the bones that promotes bone growth and strength.

Balance and stretching activities enhance physical stability and flexibility, which reduces risk of injuries. Examples are gentle stretching, dancing, yoga, martial arts, and tai chi.

It is important to note that when someone is not physically active, they are more likely to:

-- Get heart disease.

-- Get type 2 diabetes.

-- Have high blood pressure.

-- Have high blood cholesterol.

-- Have a stroke.

Beyond decreasing your risk for several diseases, there are extra perks for those who get fit with their partner/spouse, kids, and/or friends. Studies have shown families who work out together tend to be happier, have better love lives, and have better communication (Revelation Health Group, 2014).

In hopes of increasing family workout time, we (Purdue Extension-Putnam County) are introducing our latest program called "Summer Nights." This program will include tutorials and workshops of various physical activities. These activities range from square dancing, Zumba, salsa and more.

Our first event of the series is a night of square dancing. We have several members from across the state coming in to teach and "refresh" those who are interested in square dancing. This event will take place on May 15 at 7 p.m. Individuals and families must register for the event by May 12.

Pricing includes: $2/individual, $5/families. Family pricing starts at three or more in family, the $5 is one flat fee regardless of number in family.

For more information, persons may contact extension educator, Jennifer Cannon at 653-8411

Upcoming Events

May 6 -- Extension Office closed, Election Day.

May 7 -- Small Fruit Workshop, White Violet Center, St. Mary of the Woods.

May 14 -- RRCA meeting at Roachdale, 6 p.m.

May 5 -- "Summer Nights" square dancing, Fairgrounds, 7 p.m.

May 17 -- Master Gardener plant swap, Greencastle Kroger parking lot, 9 a.m.-noon.