I read a quote today from Dr Peter Kokkinos (Veterans Affairs [VA] Medical Center, Washington, DC), and it spawned too many thoughts. I realize how important exercise is to all of us. As a Registered Nurse, I'm also painfully aware of individual limitations toward health maintenance. I recognize the burden on Healthcare. We know beyond a doubt that exercise will reduce mortality. What is the problem then?
Here's the quote: "People are people, and we all get caught up in the excuse, 'I can't exercise I don't have time,'" Kokkinos commented. "But everyone needs to get involved to get this nation going again, because we are the fattest nation, the most sedentary nation in the world. And we need to do something about it." (1)
Dr. Kokkinos also states: "For God's sake, if we could walk on the moon we can certainly walk on earth."
These comments stem from research that included male Veterans who were enrolled in a study designed to measure the incidence of overall mortality as it relates to exercise. It is one of the largest studies ever done.
The results have proven that you can reduce your risk of death from overall causes by 70% by improving your exercise capability. Even moderate fitness yielded a 50% drop in mortality.
I agree with Dr. Kokkinos, and I appreciate the study, but I feel like this really is difficult for too many people. I'd like to see a study that actually targets resolutions to this lack of overall fitness.
Black veterans, white veterans, veterans with heart disease, and those with no heart disease were included in the study. No one socioeconomic group was targeted. The outcome remained the same for everyone - exercise will help you live longer.
Walking just thirty minutes a day would do the trick. Here are some limitations as I see them:
Mall walking means you have to get up pretty early; something than takes away from family time and other personal obligations. Yes, it's a free, viable alternative for winter months, but think about how many people work very long hours. The same limitations regarding family time apply to walking in the evening. Also, during the winter months it's too dark to walk safely. In many parts of the country it's too cold or just impossible due to snowfall and ice.
Too many people don't have space in the home for exercise equipment. Maybe they can't afford this sort of purchase.
Other forms of home exercise may require other expense and space: a computer, training DVD's, or monthly online subscriptions. At the very least, even Fit TV requires Cable.
I suppose you can stand in the room and march in place, but only the truly motivated will do this, bringing us back to square one.
For many, the options are truly limited. No, not everyone can simply walk thirty minutes a day.
Perhaps this is a by-product of capitalism. We have encouraged the work sector to sit in front of computers, allowed employers to remain unconcerned about the health of their employees, and permitted laws requiring mandatory overtime. In many states, an employee can be "fired at will". Many people work long hours, even seven days a week. Fatigue, stress and financial concerns, compounded by increased fatigue and worry stemming from frantic attempts to fit in daily exercise doesn't seem like a good recipe for success.
We have become cogs in the wheel, focused on work and productivity; allowing our own health and well being to be sacrificed. We have lost our substance. The day has to arrive when health takes precedence over money. It's not JUST an individual response to action; initiatives for health should involve changes in employee/employer relationships, legislation and obsession with productivity on the part of Corporate America. Can we never settle for "comfortable" profits?
I realize there are many large corporations who include employee wellness in their structure. On the flipside, I know of one small company that has even removed employee pay lunches, squeezing every sixty seconds possible from their employees. The same company cut employee lunch breaks to twenty minutes, both of these changes applicable to temporary employees.
We need to treat the entire dilemma regarding good health by taking this issue to a higher level for examination and resolution. How about some powerful advocacy in the workplace? Perhaps we could base our economy on individual empowerment rather than control.
That's my opinion, what is yours? Does your workplace provide incentives toward exercise? Can you break away from other obligations to fit in some exercise? Please leave a comment.
(1)http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/569106 ◦
"Fatigue, stress and financial concerns, compounded by increased fatigue and worry stemming from frantic attempts to fit in daily exercise doesn't seem like a good recipe for success. "
ReplyDeleteYet exercise helps fatigue and stress! The bottom line is if your health is important than you will make the effort to walk, even if it's for 10 minutes around your own house or back yard. It's not too difficult to set aside 10 minutes a day for say, jumping-jacks or walking up and down your own stairs.
Everyone has excuses and these excuses lead to zero changes in behavior. Your post gives excuses "I agree with Dr. Kokkinos, and I appreciate the study, but I feel like this really is difficult for too many people."
Worse, those with the excuses are being coddled by others with the same or different excuses. Stop the coddling and get to the truth telling - get off yer butt or you're gonna die sooner! Put away the potato chips and grab an apple instead! Drop the soda and grab a glass of cleansing water!
We all have personal responsibility for our own health. No changes in policies will make change in someone's health if that person simply does NOT want to make the effort.
You sound like a caring and compassionate soul, please put that to good use and encourage people and not coddle them!
I think that the barriers you mention are a little bit of a reach. not totally, but a little. Since the health and well being of a person starts from day one, the excuse of missing family time is pretty silly. The whole family can take that walk together. Otherwise, what will the family being doing at home? Sitting in front of the TV, computer, or on the phone, not interacting anyway.
ReplyDeletePlus, the doctor states that walking thirty minutes will do the trick, but it's not the only thing that will work. He is just saying that low impact, yet somewhat vigorous activity will work. Therefore, if walking is out, dancing in your living room is in. Or playing football outside with the family will work. (or tag, or whatever). Small things like parking farther away from the store, so you force yourself to walk, or taking the stairs at work contribute to your overall health as well.
It isn't that we don't have the ability, it's that we no longer think outside the box.
I think that you can't take your family out much to be active with you when you're working long hours and concerned about making enough money for school and daycare. The trade off becomes spending time at dinner, paying the bills and tucking in the children. Yes, there are ways to incorporate healthy activities, but you have to have free time to do these things on a regular enough basis. I still wonder what the problem is, thus the article and welcome your viewpoint. My mind is not closed on this matter at all.
ReplyDeleteMaggie,
ReplyDeleteThank you too. I find it bizarre, nevertheless that excuses prevail over quality of life. It isn't palatable to me, and you may be correct, but I swear, I can't swallow it.
Part of the problem is that we need to restructure our priorities. You mention fatigue from work, yes I understand that....most employees are over worked. But are all of them done so by the whip of their employer? Could they change jobs to reduce stress, hours, and fatigue? Sure, but in some cases that would mean losing out on an "extra' that the salary would otherwise cover.
ReplyDeletePriorities. I for one, prefer making less, and having more - more quality time with family. Then again I opted to stay at home, and work odd jobs when the schedule fits...that takes care of day care costs (which are beastly here - barely worth it)...and means I have plenty of time for family, fitness and whatnot. We do sacrifice however, and the recession although affecting us, just means we have to budget a little tighter, and continue to think outside of the box. We'll be OK.
Priorities though...
You can dance while cooking dinner (I do it just for fun)...a thirty minute dinner means a thirty minute low impact dancing session, fun and functional! Wait 'till the kids are in bed to do the bills, or better yet, set them aside and do them once a month if you can. That takes acer of that chore. Use the time you save to get the kids up and out.
There are problems, and yes there are barriers - but they simply aren't quite as bad as most people make them out to be. They just need motivation, and inspiration.
I've been walking, minimum of 30 minutes a day, for the past 30 years. Simple arm swinging promotes mild exercise to every muscle of the body. Just passed my 82nd birthday, last week, so guess I am somewhat of a testimonial as to its worth.
ReplyDeleteHi Jack,
ReplyDeleteThank you for your comment. You are a testimonial for good health, and I'm glad you've pointed this out. I sure don't mean to blame anyone in particular for our obesity and health problems in Amercica. It IS and individual responsibility, but there has to be something that would tip the scales...downward that is, to get people moving. Darn it anyway!
Anok, Also, I'v just reread your comment. You do have some great suggestions. My mom used to dance with us in the living room. Great points.
ReplyDeleteKathleen do not you think people themselves are careless about exercise.When there is a will there is a way.I have read all the comments and found jack is a living
ReplyDeleteexample.
Yes, debasis,
ReplyDeleteI do think there is always a way. I have completely played the devil's advocate with this article. These are all excuses that people perceive as valid, and they are drawbacks, no doubt. Nevertheless, I have written many articles presenting simple solutions to exercise, even in chairs for those who are physically limited. When I read this research article I put out a challenge to others, and you, my readers have helped enormously by commenting that things indeed are quite the contrary. I have yet to receive one comment from anyone who says, yes, I am one of these people...so, I have to wonder - What is the problem??? Again, I cannot believe that we would rather perish than institute beneficial activity into our daily lives.
Yes I know you are bit negative with the employment and employers but you know in human health is above everything and one can easily skip the job in sake of health.However our expectations are unlimited
ReplyDeleteIt seems to me a lot of people would rather take a pill to fix a problem than commit to exercise, eating better etc. I know it's not always easy to fit it into a busy schedule, but once you do, you feel so much better both physically and mentally.
ReplyDeleteHI Chris,
ReplyDeleteYes, you do feel better then the cycle stops. It's taking those first steps, and apparently it's too hard, I'm ashamed to say.
You know I don't have the right answers in this article; so do I, but look at the wonderful support I'm getting for others when they see all of your comments. YAAAY, and thanks for contributing.
Have you seen www.IowaAvenue.com - A Weight Management Community -
ReplyDeleteThere is a group of walkers. Check it out you might like what you see.
Hi Diana,
ReplyDeleteThank you for the link. I have visited, and it's full of great advice.
Thank you again.
Hello All:
ReplyDeleteI'm all for the concept of something is better than nothing. So, yes, walk-ing in a mall or on the sidewalks around the block is better than being sedentary.
But people who are SBS, Sedentary Besides Strolling (an term I coined) still have the typical things to deal with--they're unfit!
Here's a bit from my upcoming book which will be linked to from SifuS-lim.com
The Walking Argument
Undoubtedly some readers are going to read my observations on walking and misinterpret them. Some will go on to say, “I read that walking is bad so I am going to sit back and forget walking.” Come on, people, wake up! Walking is wonderful but you have to complement it with some exercises. You can’t continue to be S.B.S. You have to use your hips and engage your core muscles! With hip dysfunction, you will someday need a geriatric walker.
There are plenty of folks in their 50s, cruising around in “mobility scooters”, those ubiquitous motorized three-wheeled carts. Sadly, many of these people didn’t suffer a major injury or an unpreventable debilitat-ing disease; they just rusted away in their couches and chairs or behind the counter at their store.
And as for strolling, that’s lovely stuff for getting somewhere and reliev-ing or preventing stress, just like ‘sitting on the dock of the bay’. But as for placing a physical demand on your body, strolling ranks very low. Strolling is devoid of huffing and puffing. You have to move at a fast pace, move your arms like a madman, drag a snow tire, or stroll up an incline in order to generate huffing and puffing. To me, hiking trails is a lot more rewarding and a lot easier than speed or power walking the neighborhood. Imagine how hard speed-walking the neighborhood might be if someone is supersized. But keep on doing whatever move-ment you are willing and able to do—as long as it’s doing you good!
Keep on moving!
Yours in daily wellness and natural euphoria,
Sifu Slim