Take It Outdoors!

Physical activity is it for July and beyond! This is the perfect time of year to get outside, enjoy our nice weather, and to be active.  Studies show that getting the recommended 30 minutes of physical activity per day for adults (1 hour for children) helps us achieve and maintain a healthy weight, lowers our risk for diabetes and certain types of cancer; improves our mood; helps us achieve and maintain a healthy weight; improves our quality of life; and improves functioning for those with arthritis.

Here are some additional tips and resources:

1. At Work

• Does your worksite have some open land around it? Ask your employer if you can grow some veggies at work.
• You can reach your goal by doing small bouts of physical activity like taking a walk on your break or starting a one-on-one walking meeting.

   

• When you can't get outside during work hours, remember to take the stairs instead of the elevator.

   

• Get information about alternative forms of transportation at Drive Less Save More.  Research shows that individuals who regularly use public transportation get more physical activity than those that drive.

2. At Home

• Enjoy one of Oregon's beautiful state parks with friends and family http://egov.oregon.gov/OPRD/PARKS/

   

• It’s not too late in the season to plant certain types of veggies in containers or in your garden. Check out these growing tips.

   

• Start a new habit by going for a daily walk before or after breakfast and before or after dinner! Start with 5-10 minutes and work up to 30 minutes or more.

   

• If you do need to get in the car for an outing, invite friends and neighbors along to share the ride.

   

• Plan healthy food to share with family and friends after enjoying your favorite activity. Try the Very Veggie Salad.

3. At Play

• Choose water as a beverage instead of high-calorie, high-sugar sports drinks during and after your outdoor activities.

   

• Ride bikes or walk to places near your home. It’s good for your health, it’s good for your budget and can save you time!

   

• Try parking a little farther away from your destination and bike or walk the rest of the way.

   

• Find an Arthritis Foundation class that was created for people with arthritis to keep joints flexible, muscles strong and to help reduce the pain associated with arthritis in your area.

Resources: The Arthritis Foundation National website www.arthritis.org is a wonderful resource on a variety of topics such as: Travel and Arthritis, Golf and Arthritis, Walking and Arthritis and 10 Tips for Easier Gardening.