Each month, Simply Wellness will offer a wellness challenge and invites anyone who is looking to improve their wellbeing to participate.  Make these challenges a part of your daily routine and a personal goal for the month.  Adhere to the challenge and always remind yourself that you are important and these changes will enable you to make gradual progress towards a healthier lifestyle.

October Challenge

Did You Know?
Exercise lowers risk for chronic diseases.

Concerned about heart disease? Regular exercise is a proven way to decrease risk for these and other chronic diseases. It will help to prevent or manage high blood pressure. It also raises high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, known as the “good” cholesterol, and lowers low density lipoprotein (LDL) or “bad” cholesterol. This combination will decrease the amount of harmful plaques that can buildup on your artery walls and keep blood flowing smoothly. Regular exercise can also help prevent type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis, and certain cancers. (ACSM Dr. B. Parir 2008)

Try These: 10 fun ways to ward off risk of disease and burn calories at the same time!

• Jumping rope--544 calories/hour
• Roller-skating--476 calories/hour
• Bicycling--408 calories/hour
• Swimming--408 calories/hour
• Hop-scotching with the kids--340 calories/hour
• Ballroom dancing—296 calories/hour
• Coaching your kid's soccer team—272 calories/hour
• Paddling a canoe—238 calories/hour
• Walking in the woods—238 calories/hour
• Playing Frisbee—204 calories/hour