Our modern health epidemic of obesity, diabetes, and heart disease is not a “knowledge problem,” it is a “behavior problem.”
In other words, it is no longer surprising to hear more evidence that the the top causes of death in America are preventable by diet and exercise. That being said, over the last year, a staggering number of research projects have added even more clarity to the conversation.
The New York Times has rounded up some amazing wellness research conclusions from the past year in one excellent article.
In brief…
- Exercise has been shown to produce more “immunity cells” making the active subjects less likely to develop disease.
- Working the body’s muscles, in effect, changes brain cells in ways that increase the number of critical neurons.
- Exercise “turns white fat cells brown” – a state where calories are actively burned.
- Running was shown to build up “gut microbes” drive a body towards “lifelong leanness.”
- Exercise of almost any amount may substantially lower risks for depression, muscle wasting, at least 13 types of cancer, and colds.
In spite of these insights, as a culture we already know that “sitting all day is bad and exercising will make us live longer and better.” Yet we are not adjusting our behaviors according.
What will it take to get us to respond? How about $2,500? That is the yearly savings we would see if we walked for 30 minutes most days.
Would you like for your workplace to be more immune; have more neurons; have browner fat; have better gut microbes; be less depressed; have a reduced risk of cancer and colds; and pay less in medical costs?
Then check out our most engaging and enjoyable office step challenges in the business!
Track Your Activity. Research shows that people who track their activity are much more likely to stay active long term.
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