Editor:

    I read with great enthusiasm the article (in the
August 3, 2007 edition of the Sentry) regarding the Governor launching
the “Take it Outside” program, encouraging young people to get outside
and become more physically active.  I applaud the Governor’s
Council on Physical Education’s initiative.  Hopefully, adults
will also take the opportunity to participate!

    As a member of the American College of Sports
Medicine (ACSM), I am committed to the belief that scientific research
in exercise science and sports medicine can effectively contribute to
health and wellness for all people.

    This is evident in the updated physical activity
recommendations recently published by ACSM, in conjunction with the
American Heart Association (AHA). More than 10 years of research have
contributed to the update of the guidelines, which were last issued in
1995. These updated guidelines explicitly state what all healthy adults
and older adults should do to maintain health, and in turn, quality of
life.

    ACSM and AHA recommend that all healthy adults ages
18 to 65 do moderately intense physical activity for at least 30
minutes, at least five days per week (or vigorous activity three days
per week), in addition to strength training twice per week. Engaging in
this amount of physical activity doesn’t have to involve an expensive
gym membership or a personal trainer – just a little motivation and a
good pair of tennis shoes will do. The point is to keep moving and stay
moving.

    Why is this so crucial? As has been well reported
and documented in recent years, the U.S. population is overweight, and
is mired with many health issues that could be easily prevented through
physical activity. A simple half-hour of physical activity can do
wonders for the body, and can help keep problems like diabetes,
cardiovascular disease and stroke at bay.

    In addition, ACSM and AHA have released guidelines
specifically for adults over age 65, or adults over age 50 with
conditions such as arthritis. At a time when the baby boomer population
is progressing into senior citizenship, this is especially important.
Recommendations for older adults are the same as for younger adults,
with the addition of increased strength training recommendations,
balance exercises for older adults at risk of falling, and the
encouragement of a physical activity plan developed with a health care
professional.

    Exercise for older adults not only helps prevent
many of the diseases prevalent in later years, but also helps older
adults to continue to have functional health – that is, helps them
continue to perform the tasks that are part of every day life. After
all, life is much less enjoyable without the ability to garden, pick up
the grandchildren, or cook a great meal.

    In closing, I encourage your readers to take the
ACSM and AHA guidelines to heart, and make physical activity a part of
their daily lives. Exercise through doing the things you love, like
playing basketball, roller blading, or simply going for a walk with
your spouse, your kids, or a friend. ACSM gives more detail on these
guidelines and provides informative resources for starting an exercise
program on its Web site at www.acsm.org.

    It’s worth the end reward: a longer, healthier, happier life.

MaryAnn Molloy, Chief Fitness Officer

Healthy Body, Fit Mind

South Portland