HHS HealthBeat (September 13, 2006)

Getting stronger

From the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, I'm Ira Dreyfuss with HHS HealthBeat.

Americans have a lot of strength to gain, but there are signs many of us are working on it. A study finds that, in 2004, close to 20 percent of adults did strength training at least twice a week. Less than 18 percent did in 1998.

The study in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report also found strength training is not just for young athletes. People ages 65 and older had the sharpest growth.

Strength training can help older folks carry groceries, walk up stairs and other daily living activities. And CDC researcher Judy Kruger says people don't need a health club to train:

"They could use elastic bands, dumbbell free weights, and even milk jugs filled with water." (six seconds)

Learn more at www.hhs.gov.

HHS HealthBeat is a production of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. I'm Ira Dreyfuss.

Last revised: September, 26 2006