|
|
Physical Fitness... (Continued from front) |
 |
Regular physical activity can improve health and reduce the risk of premature death in the following ways:
 Reduces the risk of developing and dying from coronary heart disease (CHD).
Reduces the risk of stroke.
Reduces the risk of having a second heart attack in people who have already had one heart attack.
Lowers both total blood cholesterol and triglycerides and increases high-density lipoproteins (HDL or the "good" cholesterol).
Lowers the risk of developing high blood pressure.
Helps reduce blood pressure in people who already have hypertension. |
 |
Lowers the risk of developing non-insulin-dependent (type 2) diabetes mellitus.
Reduces the risk of developing colon cancer.
Helps people achieve and maintain a healthy body weight.
Reduces feelings of depression and anxiety.
Promotes psychological well-being and reduces feelings of stress.
Helps build and maintain healthy bones, muscles, and joints.
Helps older adults become stronger and better able to move about without falling or becoming excessively fatigued.
Associated with fewer hospitalizations, physician visits, and medications.
|
For more information on how physical activity can reduce the risk of disease, please visit the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' online document "Physical Activity Fundamental to Preventing Disease".
|
|
Big Rapids Children Getting Fit! |
|
For the first time ever, children from all 83 counties of Michigan and five surrounding islands, will experience the joys of exercise concurrently with millions of children worldwide. The program is called All Children Exercising Simultaneously (ACES). It is an international celebration recognizing the importance of physical activity for youth and at 10:00 a.m. on the first Wednesday of May each year, children in every U.S. state and in more than 50 countries worldwide get out of their seats and get moving to experience the joy of exercise. Michigan's participation in ACES has grown nearly every year and this year representation covers the entire state. This will be the first Project ACES program that has been in the Big Rapids Public school system.
Locally, Mecosta County Medical Center and Riverview Elementary worked together on May 3 to bring Project ACES to the children. MCMC's Education Coordinator and Registered Dietitian Amy Wemple, and MCMC's Cardiac Rehab Exercise Specialist Rachel Bonning talked to each fourth and fifth class on nutrition, fitness, and the problem with child obesity. The students then went outside from 2:15 p.m. until 2:45 p.m. to participate in a Tri-Fit-A-Thon (3 stations on cardio, strength, and stretching). |
 |
All participants received a t-shirt that was designed by Ian Schaub, a 5th grader from Riverview; a certificate of completion and a healthy snack. Parents were encouraged to attend this event to watch or participate with their child. Other participants who assisted were: Sam Daugherty-CEO of MCMC, Mort Meier-Riverview School Principal, Vince Carter-School Social Worker, Deb Tyson-Curriculum Director, Bob Maynard-Riverview Physical Education teacher, Jeff Kigar-Middle School Physical Education teacher; Fourth grade teachers-Mrs. Laurie Nielsen and Mrs. Pat Wentland, and Fifth grade teachers-Mr. Dave Byrnes and Mrs. June O'Hara.
|
 |
| "We are glad that this was such a success and we plan to grow and accomplish this project throughout the school system in the years to come," Wemple said. For more information, visit www.michiganfitness.org or contact Wemple at (231) 592-4380. |
    |
|
|
|
|