San Diego Field Center Hispanic Community Health Study / Study of Latinos

Good morning to the HCHS/SOL followers,

Physical activity plays an important role in controlling weight. You gain weight when the calories you burn during physical activity are less than the calories you eat or drink. Regular physical activity helps strengthen bones; improves mental health; improves ability to perform daily activities and prevent falls.

Also, it helps to lower risk for heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and other health problems. In general, individuals who engage in regular physical activity may live longer.

• Moderate–intensity activity, like brisk walking, is generally safe for most people. Everyone can gain the health benefits of physical activity—age, ethnicity, shape or size do not matter. A healthy lifestyle that involves physical activity can help prevent many health problems.

• Aim for at least 150 minutes of physical activity per week (or 30 minutes per day, 5 or more days per week).

For more information: http://health.gov/paguidelines/guidelines/summary.aspx.

To access the Hispanic Community Health Study Data book, just click on the following link: http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/files/docs/resources/NHLBI-HCHSSOL-English-508.pdf