Sedentary Behavior – A Long, Slow, Sick Slide to Early Death

Sedentary Behavior – A Long, Slow, Sick Slide to Early Death

Sedentary behavior — an inactive lifestyle has great potential for creating a long, slow, sick slide to early death. Who wants that?

My Childhood Playground Days

When I was a kid in grade school in the 1940s and early '50s, I don't remember any fat kids; I do recall one boy my age who was chubby as a child. However, he lost his baby fat and became muscular in the late 1950s. All through grade school, each one of us spent time on the playground before school if we arrived early, had a mid-morning recess break, then an hour for lunch (I lived four blocks, about 400 yards, from my grade school). Because of PE, gym class, and the playground, many of us knew what it meant to be "in shape." An afternoon recess, and then it was home and off with the school clothes and on with the play clothes. I have photos of me with huge holes in the knees of my jeans – the part covering my backside was practically new!

I had a paper route and began delivering newspapers when I was eight years old. Began working like a man when I was 13. I've stood up most of my adult life; today, I have a stand-up desk.

The Alarming Truth About Sedentary Behavior in Adults

Now, soon to be 85, I think about all the folks my age who had similar physical experiences growing up. How are they faring today? How many are still alive? And of those alive, what's their overall health like? What are their health concerns? What medications do they take? What surgical procedures have they had to date? How is their balance, stability, and coordination? Are they concerned about falling and being injured?

If you want the exact numbers, get them from the CDC (Centers for Disease Control) or the Council On Aging.

The Consequences of Sedentary Behavior in Young People

A sedentary lifestyle is death; keep moving! Now, let's look at young folks – six to 16. What kind of activities are they experiencing? How many of them are fat or obese? I fear a tiny percentage will ever know what it means to be in shape.

So when their health begins to take a downturn early in years because of a sedentary lifestyle, and a knowledgeable health professional recommends getting back in shape, their response will be "what do you mean 'back in shape'?"

The consequences of what's being created here are beyond comprehension. Challenge both sides of your brain – every single day! Keep moving, stay active.

Warmly,

Stephen

P.S. Don't wait until it's too late; get started today with my video program at shop.neverleavetheplayground.com.

"I get younger every year," and I know you can too – never leave the playground!