This past weekend I attended a brillant conference hosted by The Canadian Society of Exercise Physiology. I absorbed an abundance on topics about aging, osteoporosis, diabetes and Cardiovascular Disease. One common treatment for disease prevention, reduction and even reversal of these health disorders: Physical Activity!

Yes, I know you’ve heard it and I know you know it’s good for you. What you may not know is this. Recreational activity just doesn’t cut it anymore. If you want to live long and independent and disability free to your ‘greatness’ years, EXERCISE. Aerobic activity needs to be individually moderate to vigorous and daily for a minimum of 30 minutes. One to two miles of vigorous walking daily can reduce your risk for Cardiovascular disease by 30%. 2-8 miles/day as much as a 60%.

Get fitter, not just healthier and you will reduce your odds of becoming disabled by 30-50% and have a longer life of independent living! That means you can spend more of your hard earned buck on doing the fun things in life, not on caregivers!

It is no coincidence that on my travels home my wing buddy was a Kelowna Psychologist. I was super excited to be able to have an intellectual exchange and sure enough our discussion turned to treatment adherence. He fully agreed when I suggested that more than half the battle of successful healthy living practises is getting started, making a plan, getting to the playing field, showing up, living in the present, you get the idea. The challenge for you and us is how do we get people to adhere to the healthy living advice and guidance and to stick with it day in day out, month after month, year after year into those ‘greatness’ years?

It is no coincidence that you are involved in this inspirational program with Team Fitness or that you are reading this blog. There is a reason that you are right now in this place of health. If you are as little as 15lbs overweight and have even just one risk factor such as high blood pressure or cholesterol, family history of disease, are over the age of 45 or a BMI greater than 25 or waist circumference higher than 35inches for women, 40 inches for men, you significantly increase your risk for disease.

Every day you intentionally make your health a priority you honour yourself, those you influence and love and ‘us’ who teach, guide and inspire you to live strong and vital into your ‘greatness’ years.

Spending time on your health to help yourself become the best you can be allows you to bring your best to those you love and care about. Fine tuning the ’shell’ allows your spirit to sing, intellect to shine and love to grow. You will be a happier person, no question.

The Psychologist and I exchanged cards upon landing. He said “I’ve heard of your outfit.” I liked how that sounded. I think we wear it well and it is no coincidence that I’m wearing it. We love what we do and we think that it matters. We hope that ‘thinking’ rubs off on all of you!