‘Nutrition Advisor’ Outlines The Activity Pyramid

NEW HAVEN — Almost half of all adults do not get enough physical activity in their day-to-day life according to specialists at Yale-New Haven Hospital.

The US Surgeon General recommends that adults “accumulate 30 minutes or more of moderate-intensity physical activity on most, preferably all days of the week” to experience the benefits of exercise. Physical activity improves physical and mental health by reducing the risk of heart disease, improving blood cholesterol levels, preventing and managing high blood pressure, helping maintain a healthy weight, preventing bone loss, increasing muscular strength, managing stress, releasing tension, countering anxiety, boosting energy levels, and contributing to an overall optimistic outlook.

The Activity Pyramid, created by the Institute for Research and Education in Minnesota, outlines a “balanced diet”  for physical activity that begins with practical, everyday ways to increase your level of activity. Level one, which is the foundation of the Activity Pyramid, emphasizes transforming an inactive lifestyle to an active lifestyle. This can be accomplished by increasing ordinary daily activities such as taking the stairs instead of the elevator or walking the dog around the block.

Low-impact aerobic activities such as brisk walking or hiking are part of the second level of the pyramid. The third level aims to increase your body’s flexibility and strength. The top of the pyramid stresses the importance of cutting down on the amount of time you spend sitting down during the day. Even standing or walking around while talking on the phone or getting up from your desk every half-hour can make a difference.

To read the full article on the Activity Pyramid, including tips on how to implement it into your daily life, look for the Yale-New Haven Nutrition Advisor on the Yale-New Haven Hospital Web site at www.ynhh.org or call the Yale New Haven Health Call Center at 203/688-2000 or toll-free 888/700-6543 for a printed copy.