Hospital Corner: Choose to move for your health

Summer in Whitefish is nothing short of spectacular. Long, sunny days, which embellish the easy access to recreational activities, are among the reasons we live here and why so many love to visit in the summer. We love to get out and play!

Everyone from young children to older adults can benefit from being active and playing each day. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, children and teens need 60 minutes of activity daily, while adults should have 150 - 300 minutes of activity per week. Preschool-aged children (ages 3-5) need the most activity of all, but they often don’t have trouble being active all throughout the day.

So, what should enough activity and play look like for you? Like eating a diverse and balanced diet, the body needs a variety of physical activities to stay healthy. Some activities build the musculoskeletal system, focusing on strengthening muscles, ligaments and joints. This can improve balance and mobility. Others can help improve the respiratory system. Aerobic exercises use large muscle groups and improve heart and lung health. Varying the intensity of activities, some moderate and some more intense, helps your body gain from each style of activity.