It’s no secret that regular physical activity is an integral part of staying healthy. The human body is meant for movement, not sitting for many hours a day. People who lead active lives live longer, feel better and tend to maintain a healthy weight. Regular physical activity can delay or prevent diabetes, some cancers, heart problems and other chronic diseases.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, most adults need at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity at least five days per week. To stay motivated, the key is to find the right exercise for you. You might consider walking with a friend, joining a class or planning a group bike ride. Concord has many resources and activities available.
One local resource to check out is the Governor’s Council on Physical Activity and Health. Formed by executive order in 1991, the council’s mission is to “promote a healthy lifestyle for all New Hampshire residents, through an emphasis on physical activity and fitness, by working in cooperation with all sectors of society.”
Over the years, the council has organized and promoted various physical activity and health promotion programs, such as Walk into History, F.I.T. Day, Intergenerational Wellness 5K Walk, the Outstanding Achievement Awards, and most recently, the 90-Mile Challenge.
The Outstanding Achievement Awards are given annually in recognition for inpiduals, organizations, schools and agencies that promote a healthy lifestyle in New Hampshire. Categories include seniors (older adults), worksites and employers, youth, community (town/city), school districts and/or inpidual schools, and disability-related.
The Intergenerational Wellness 5K Walk is a statewide health initiative, centered on bringing together towns, cities, schools, organizations and businesses in New Hampshire. This walk and the Outstanding Achievement Awards take place at the State House in the spring as part of the kickoff to the 90-Mile Challenge.
The first annual 90-Mile Challenge, sponsored by Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield, took place over the summer of 2012 with over 6,000 participants. The walk encouraged participants to move every day for at least one mile or 20 minutes of sustained physical activity.
This year’s kick-off celebration and activities will begin on May 31. Nominations are now being accepted for the Outstanding Achievement Awards. For nomination forms or more information on the Governor’s Council on Physical Activity and Health, visit nh.gov/gcpah or find us on Facebook at New Hampshire Governor’s Council on Physical Activity and Health.
There are 1,440 minutes in every day. Be sure to schedule 30 of them for physical activity!
Jason Aziz MS, CSCS, exercise specialist at Concord Hospital, is chair of the Governor’s Council on Physical Activity and Health. He can be reached at jaziz@crhc.org or 227-7000, ext. 4258.
Lisa Marzoli BS, MBA, wellness coordinator at Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield, is the chair of the Membership Committee of the Governor’s Council on Physical Activity and Health. She can be reached at lisa.marzoli@anthem.com or 845-6180.
