A real highlight of the first morning of the Women’s Leadership Circle Summit was the presentation by Dr. Miriam Nelson, founder of Strong Women. I attended a weekend workshop that she gave a couple of years ago which was informative, challenging and inspiring. I could use a dose of her elixer of good sense every day.
Women’s health is not an age issue is her message. At any age eating better and being physically active are important. Changing the way we think and putting ourselves higher on the priority list are a must. Inactivity and poor nutrition are directly related to chronic disease and aging. Pro-aging is about living as full a life as possible – change the paradigm about how we think about aging. Muscles keep us active, vibrant and healthy. Participation in physical activity is abysmal – and declines precipitously with age. If you are fit and overweight, you are better off than ideal weight and sedentary. Over the last 20 years the percentage of obese Americans is worsening – far more related to our environment – sheer number of brands of grocery store items, fast food opportunities, TV . . . We must change our behavior, starting with ourselves, to change our families and their health by: these steps
Community-based program run by allied heath professionals based on research and books. In 34 states programs are running through cooperative extension, regional health and women’s offices. Strength training programs have gained the most participation. We need more research on adherence in exercise. It’s a leap of faith.
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