You don't have to be a star athlete.  Just be active

 

 

Keep moving throughout the day to feel great

 

 

 

No time to work out?  Life and work responsibilities can take over the time you set aside for exercise.  But it takes less time than you might think to live a healthier life.  Get at least 2 hours and 30 minutes of moderate physical activity or 1 hour and 15 minutes of vigorous physical activity (or a combination of both) each week to be healthier.

 

You can get a great workout without a gym.  Just getting outside and moving is a step in the right direction, but what you can't do is skip it.  Put it on your calendar-schedule time for exercise.  Do it for your health!

 

Get moving with a combination of activities:

 

• Strength training builds muscle and endurance.  Try push-ups, pull-ups, lunges, weights or resistance bands.
• Core work like abdominal crunches, planks and Pilate's will help build a strong center and support your spine and back.
• Stretching can improve flexibility and increase your range of motion.  Keep stretches gentle and remember not to bounce.
• Aerobic activities will help you burn calories.  Try walking, running, biking, softball-anything that gets your heart pumping.

You can find the time

If you're pressed for time, add exercise to your day by stretching in the morning, sneaking in several 10-minute walks during the day, taking the stairs, or using hand weights while you're on the phone.  If your budget is holding you back, take a walk, ride your bike or visit a local park for a free workout.  Many parks have walking, jogging or biking trails and fitness paths for core and strength workouts.  Some parks even have tennis courts or other fun activities.  If you have room, get a home gym.  You can find them pretty cheap at yard sales or second-hand stores.  You can also try work-out DVDs by checking them out from the library.  Or work out with fitness programs on TV or the Web.  Invite a friend or family member to "join" your gym and share equipment to cut costs and have more fun with your workouts.

Find activities that move you.



 

 

 

 Sure you're strong and can take on the world

 

 

Protect your health to stay in top condition

 

 

Regular health checkups and tests for high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, and skin, prostate and colon cancer are important.  Why?  Many of these health problems don't have any warning signs.  Take the first steps to lower your risk for these conditions:  talk to your doctor about your risk factors and get regular checkups.

 

Fortunately, you can take these steps and get regular checkups without spending a lot of time or money.  Many of the health insurance policies now offer 100% coverage for exams, flu shots and other preventive care for you and your family.  The reward are peace of mind and better health at no extra cost to you.  Check your plan benefits to see what preventive care tests are covered.

 

If Anthem is your insurance carrier go to menshealthweek.org and join other men who pledge to visit their doctors regularly for preventive health checkups and screenings.  You'll also find an interactive chart of recommended screenings.  For more information on preventive health screenings that are right for you, talk with your doctor or visit anthem.com and click on Health and Wellness.

 

 

 

NATIONAL MEN'S HEALTH WEEK

 

 

June 10-16 is National Men's Health Week.  Please remind all your male friends and family to take care of their health.  Not just for themselves, but also for the people who love and depend on them. 

 

Men's health is a tough subject as they think they're indestructible.  Or they are just too busy with work to take time out to visit their doctor.  Remind your favorite men of healthy habits-like staying active, eating healthy foods, quitting tobacco and getting regular checkups and health screenings.  Healthy habits can lower risk for many diseases and health problems.