Move More, Prevent More

Welcome to PMH Moves – a year-long Health Promotion series shared through PMH Communications. Each month, we’ll highlight a different way movement supports health across the lifespan — from boosting mood and focus to strength, walking, healthy aging, and staying active through the seasons.

While the topics will change, the message stays the same: every bit of movement counts — and it all adds up. Take what works for you and leave the rest.

This month’s article explores why walking may be one of the most underrated forms of movement—and why it deserves a place in your routine.

What is your why? Why do you move your body? For some there is joy in movement – training for a race, playing a sport, the satisfaction of maintaining a garden. Others may move as a means of transportation – walking to work, biking to school. While these seem like two different things they are both achieving the goal of movement.  We all need to move to maintain health. Even small movements add up over time. When we keep our bodies moving, our muscles stay active and strong.  While we can’t control our genetics, we can control the impact on our health now, and the future. Regular exercise is a powerful tool to prevent, manage, and reduce complications from chronic diseases.

Haven’t moved in a while? Now is a great time to get started. Gradually increasing activity will improve heart and lung function. Find a movement activity or two that you like and begin with just a few minutes of activity a few times a week. The key is to be consistent, making movement part of the routine. Movement now will help extend the ability to enjoy activities in the future.

Need a little help getting started? Health Promotion offers the Get Better Together self-management program for adults with chronic health conditions. The program has physical activity sections designed to improve balance, posture, and endurance and include modifications. Additionally, Health Promotion staff and trained community leaders offer Steppin’ Up Classes in many communities across the region. The one-hour program leads older adult participants through exercises to improve or maintain fitness and independence. Participants may choose to sit or stand to complete the program.

For more information on programs in the region, visit Programs & Services – Prairie Mountain Health

Submitted by Deb Wilson, Community Liaison Healthy Living Facilitator