Americans & exercise

The answer is C.

According to the most recent survey released by the National Center for Health Statistics earlier this month, nearly 40 percent of Americans confessed they never exercise.

Now, just over 60 percent of people said they did do some exercise, but when it came to regular physical activity, just 3 out of every 10 people claimed to be doing it. What do they mean by regular physical activity? The researchers defined it as doing something that makes you sweat just a little, or quickens your breathing or heart rate even slightly, for 30 minutes, 5 times a week. Or as an alternative, doing something a lot more vigorous at least 20 minutes, 3 times a week.

Health officials say exercise can help keep problems like heart disease and diabetes at bay, and it doesn't require long distance running. Even doing little things can help, like taking stairs instead of elevators. Or don't hunt for that closest spot at the mall -- park in the far reaches of the lot, and feel smug as you walk briskly to the entrance.

Resources

Read the report from the National Center for Health Statistics.

April 27, 2002