Lifestyle as Medicine - Physical Activity

Why it matters!

• More energy
• Healthier older age
• Reduced risk of anxiety and depression
• Helps with weight loss
• Lower risk of many cancers
• Reduces risk of heart
• disease and high blood pressure
• Reduces risk of cognitive decline/dementia
• Reduced risk diabetes

What should we aim for?

Adults should aim for:

• 150 minutes of moderate physical activity or 75 minutes of intense activity a week
• Reduce sedentary time (sitting down)
• Build strength two days a week
• Improve balance two days a week especially older adults

The health effects of physical activity

1. 40% reduction in cognitive decline
2. 35% reduction in type 2 diabetes
3. 33% reduction in high blood pressure
4. 48% reduction in depression
5. 30% reduction in all-cause mortality
6. 20% reduction in breast cancer
7. 25% reduction in heart disease and stroke
8. 19% reduction in colorectal cancer