Winter Garden Magazine November 2016 | Page 15

Get moving! Below are six easy ways to incorporate more walking into your day: If you spend a large portion of your day sitting, you're not alone. 2. Schedule a walk with the family after dinner. 6 ways to add steps to your day Inactivity is one of the key factors contributing to the nation's high rate of obesity and its related health effects. Research shows 50 to 70 percent of people spend six or more hours a day sitting, and 20 to 35 percent spend four or more hours a day watching TV. This type of inactivity - or 'sitting disease' - can lead to serious health conditions. For example, nearly 35 percent of U.S. adults are obese, and obesity-related conditions including heart disease, stroke, Type 2 diabetes and certain types of cancer are among the leading causes of preventable death. The estimated annual medical cost of obesity in the U.S. is $147 billion. Annual medical spending on an obese patient is estimated to be $1,429 higher than it is for a person of normal weight, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). While those figures are discouraging, there is one easy solution that could have a profound impact. NOW OPEN FLORI D A H OS P I TAL WI NTER GAR DE N 1. Take a walk with a coworker at lunchtime or schedule a walking meeting. 3. Take the stairs instead of the elevator. 4. Walk to see a colleague rather than call or e-mail. 5. Get off the bus or train one stop early on your way to work. 6. Start or join a walking or hiking group. Walking is one of the simplest, least expensive and most effective ways individuals can improve their health. It does not require any special skills, expensive equipment or a gym membership. By getting just 30 minutes of moderate physical activity, such as a brisk walk, at least five times a week, you could realize significant health benefits. Walking has been shown to lower the risk of developing cardiovascular disease, hypertension and Type 2 diabetes, improve muscle, bone and joint health, maintain a healthy weight, lead to better sleep and provide a mental boost. So don't just sit there and let the cool weather go to waste. Take steps to a better you, and see how walking does work! FLORIDA HOSPITAL NOW SERVING WEST ORANGE COUNTY Our new facility features state-of-the-art technology and board-certified physicians trained in the treatment of both adults and children. This hospital-based emergency room specializes in treating chest pain, heart attacks, strokes and orthopaedic injuries as well as other major conditions. Outpatient imaging, lab and surgical services, as well as primary care and specialty physician offices are also available — all in one convenient location. Visit FloridaHospital.com/WinterGarden to find out more. 2000 Fowler Grove Boulevard, Winter Garden, FL 34787 | (407) 303-1700 Florida Hospital is recognized as the best hospital in Central Florida by U.S. News & World Report. NOVEMBER 2016  |  WINTER GARDEN MAGAZINE   |  15 16-FHWG-04591