Choose You Blog
Here’s a scary statistic: 42 percent of the U.S. population – more than 30 million additional people – will be obese by 2030…that’s according to projections published May 7 in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine.
It may sound discouraging, but consider this — in an article posted on CNN, the researchers who made those predictions said: “That’s the thing about forecasts – they are guesses. The world changes…if in fact we’re wrong and obesity rates are less, I’d be happy!”
In that case, let’s help prove them wrong! We want to make sure that projection doesn’t become your reality. This May, the American Cancer Society Choose You movement put out an APB (All Play Bulletin), asking women to Choose Play.
The concept is simple – exercise doesn’t have to be a grueling or intimidating chore. ‘Play’ can be anything that gets you breathing harder and your heart beating faster. All types of activity count, as long as you’re getting in 150 minutes of moderate intensity or 75 minutes of vigorous intensity each week, per American Cancer Society recommendations (see below for fun examples).
In fact, the concept of ‘play’ really resonates with women according to recent Society data. A survey conducted in March found that among women:
- 40 percent said they would engage in physical activity if it felt more like play (and less like work).
- 44 percent said they make time for physical activities they enjoy several times a week.
- 75 percent reported making time for fun physical activities because it’s good for the body.
- 63 percent reported making time for fun physical activities because it’s good for their mind.
Perhaps that’s why there was such a good turnout at Choose Play street teams that popped up recently in New York City. Participants swung their hips to the hula hoop or broke a sweat jumping on hippity hops, among other activities, all while proving that by reconnecting with your inner child you can find fitness in fun places. Check out the events page for upcoming street teams this month in Los Angeles and the District of Columbia.
The bottom line here is that whether you prefer riding your bike, gardening or jumping rope with your children, the most important thing is to Choose You and to make time for healthy play. The lifestyle choices you make today can not only help to reduce your risk of cancer, but perhaps even curtail those troubling predictions for 2030.
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