The New Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans from the US Dept of Health and Human Services has just come into effect.  It raises the amount and types of exercise needed for health.  It specifies 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity for most adults each week.  Adults also should include muscle-strengthening exercise that involves all major muscle groups on two or more days a week.
For children and adolescents ages 6 years and older, HHS recommends 60 minutes or more of physical activity each day. At least 3 days a week children and adolescents should engage in muscle-strengthening exercise.   Specifically, the new dietary guidelines include “key” recommendations that USDA says are “the most important in terms of their implications for improving public health.” The two key recommendations for balancing calories to manage weight are:
1. Prevent and/or reduce overweight and obesity through improved eating and physical activity.
2. Increase physical activity and reduce time spent in sedentary behaviors.
Its a tried and true recipe but most folk don’t follow it. Do yourself and your children a favor and get off the couch.