The Olympics and Paralympics show us the wonder and power of the human body, mind, and spirit harnessed and stretched to their potential. Watching the best athletes in the world compete for the gold, we are awed by the beauty of their form, the displays of strength and endurance, the commitment, discipline and spirit of these superb athletes.
The Olympics and Paralympics motivate many people to try a new sport or reclaim one from the past. In our ongoing effort to motivate all Americans to become physically active and fit, we challenge you to banish the self-imposed mental boundaries that limit you, the harsh inner voice that whispers in your mind's ear, "No, I could never ski or ice skate or walk on snowshoes." We want to help you substitute a new voice, one that proclaims a resounding, "Yes!"
Winter sports offer a way to have fun and get fit FAST. Backed up by the findings of Healthy People 2010, the federal government's health goals and objectives for the nation over the next decade, and by a report released by the U.S. Surgeon General (Call to Action to Prevent and Reduce Overweight and Obesity, December 2001), we now have a growing body of conclusive scientific evidence proving the health benefits of physical activity.
Scientists and physicians now know that 30 minutes of moderate physical activity a day for adults (middle school and older) — 60 minutes for children — can reduce the risk of premature death from diseases associated with a sedentary lifestyle.
Over 300,000 people in our country die each year from preventable conditions related to physical inactivity and poor eating habits. Physical activity helps reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, certain forms of cancer, and osteoporosis and helps prevent overweight/obesity.
Since sports do expose participants to risks of injury and can even bring on heart attacks in some individuals, we ask you to consult some guidelines that will allow you to enjoy winter sports safely while promoting your overall health and fitness.
Getting in Shape for Winter Sports
Safety Tips: Cold Related Stress and Illness
Back to Popular Topics Archive
