Physical activity is important for good health and a high quality of life. Guidelines Advisory Committee 2018, a group of nationally recognized experts in public health, has submitted its recommendations to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary.
Physical Activity: Recommendations
The 2018 Scientific Report reinforces the 2008 Guidelines that physical activity reduces the risk of many diseases. In addition to disease prevention, regular activity helps people sleep better, feel better, and perform daily tasks more easily. The Committee also found that benefits can happen immediately, on the same day physical performances are performed.
Physical Activity: Specific Exercises
Expanding on findings from the Advisory Report, 2008, the 2018 Committee identified many health benefits of exercise activity including:
- Improved bone health and weight status for children ages 3 to 5
- Improved cognitive function for children ages 6 to 13
- Decreased risk of certain cancers, dementia, and excessive weight gain for adults
- Improved quality of life and sleep for adults
- Reduced feelings of anxiety and depression in adults
- Additional benefits for specific population including older adults, women who are pregnant or postpartum, and individuals with pre-existing medical conditions
Additionally, the Committee found that more time spent in sedentary behavior is related to greater all-cause mortality, cardiovascular disease mortality, type 2 diabetes, and the incidence of certain cancers.
Physical Activity: Get Involved
The 2018 Physical Activity Guidelines Advisory Committee Scientific Report is now online and the public is encouraged to view the Scientific Report and provide written comments at https://health.gov/paguidelines/pcd.
The comment period will be open for 30 days.
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