Increasing physical activity to at least 30 minutes a day, five days a week and filling half the plate with fruits and vegetables can reap big health benefits
TULSA, OK – [December 30, 2013] – New Year resolutions to lose weight or get fit are nothing new, though the simplicity of eating better and moving more could be news to some. The Tulsa County Wellness Partnership encourages Tulsa County residents to try the following tips for better health.
Healthier eating can start as easily – and deliciously – as routinely filling half of one’s plate with fruits and vegetables. A balanced diet with all food groups can decrease the risk of chronic and potentially fatal illnesses such as heart disease, diabetes and some forms of cancer, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Likewise, adults who do just 30 minutes of moderate physical activity five days a week reduce their risk for high blood pressure, high cholesterol and Type 2 diabetes – medical conditions that disproportionately affect Oklahomans. A brisk walk, casual bike ride, and water aerobics are examples of moderate exercise, which the CDC defines as activity that raises the heart rate and can cause one to break a sweat.
Children and teens are encouraged to be active at least 60 minutes every day to get or remain healthy.
“Small choices often make a big difference, and that’s true when deciding which foods to eat, which beverages to drink, and how we choose to get from point A to point B. Those seemingly ‘little’ things can really affect a person’s health and energy,” said Dr. Colony Fugate, member of the Tulsa County Wellness Partnership. “Fortunately, with knowledge and practice, the healthy choice often becomes the easy choice.”
Oklahomans who are ready to eat better and move more this new year can find practical guidance at ShapeYourFutureOK.com, a website presented by the Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust (TSET) and the Oklahoma State Department of Health.
The site features tips for individuals and families, schools, workplaces, communities, along with links to state and federal health websites with much broader information and practical tools, such as the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s SuperTracker that helps participants keep track of calories, diet choices and physical activity.
Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust
TSET is a grant making state agency that funds the Oklahoma Tobacco Helpline, public education campaigns to improve health and grants to communities, statewide organizations, and research institutions. The TSET Board of Directors’ strategic plan focuses on reducing cancer and cardiovascular disease – the state’s leading causes of preventable death – by preventing tobacco use and obesity.
Tulsa County Wellness Partnership
The Tulsa County Wellness Partnership is a sponsored group of the Family Health Coalition and a CX grantee of the Oklahoma Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust. TCWP is dedicated to changing policy and environments in Tulsa County to make healthy nutrition and fitness the easy choice in schools, workplaces and communities. TCWP advocates for policies and projects that promote healthy eating and active living, such as community gardens and farmer’s markets. To learn more about local events or how to work toward a healthier school, workplace or community, please contact Daphne Gaulden at 918-595-4039 or dgaulden2@tulsa-health.org.
