A recent study by Timothy Wessel, a physician at University of Florida, indicates one of strongest risk factors for developing heart disease is inactivity – even more so than being overweight. During four-year study of 906 women, Dr. Wessel documented those who were moderately active were less likely to develop heart disease than sedentary women, no matter how much they weighed. The study concluded: “These results suggest that fitness may be more important than overweight or obesity for cardiovascular risk in women.”

In January, updated U.S. Dietary Guidelines strongly urged that everyone should take part in “at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity” on most days, above whatever activities they do at home or work. To loose weight or to avoid gaining weight as we age, 60 minutes of daily moderate to vigorous exercise is recommended. And those who have already lost weight and are attempting to keep weight off need 60 to 90 minutes of daily exercise.

A study of 9,611 adults by University of Michigan Health System, found that people in their 50s and 60s who participated in daily exercise were 35 percent less likely to die within next eight years than their inactive couch potato counter parts.

Convinced that it’s time to add exercise to your day?

The Basics -- Make Exercise a Life Priority:

- If you’re not use to exercising, check with your doctor before beginning any strenuous fitness routine.

- Start slow. If 30 minutes of exercise is too much, start with 15 minutes and add a few minutes each day.

Wellness is anything that makes you feel healthier, stronger, see better, hear better, feel better, or fight symptoms of ageing.

What is Sickness Industry?

The sickness industry is healthcare industry i.e. anything concerned with being sick and treating symptoms of sickness. The Sickness Industry has little to do with preventing illness, being stronger or healthier.

What is important about Wellness Industry?

The Natural Marketing Institute (NMI), Managing Partner Steve French states, “Despite recent economic challenges, consumer spending last year in health and wellness industry continued to rise. We project this trend to continue with sales reaching more than $73 billion in 2005.” The Consumer Confidence Board corroborated this outlook when it reported that 2004 saw an increased economic expansion and job growth with an even more favourable outlook in 2005.