It's time we start dealing with an epidemic that's contributing to crippling disease and premature death of the people of our nation. Each one of us can reduce the horrifying effects of this epidemic if we will simply take responsibility for ourselves. What's this epidemic I speak of? Physical inactivity!

Have I overstated the problem? Are health and fitness professionals over-reacting? Decide for yourself. The Surgeon General’s Call to Action to Prevent and Decrease Overweight and Obesity in 2001 described the following facts:

	61% of adults in the United States were overweight or obese (BMI > 25) in 1999.
	13% of children aged 6 to 11 years and 14% of adolescents aged 12 to 19 years were overweight in 1999. This prevalence has nearly tripled for adolescents in the past 2 decades.
	300,000 deaths each year in the United States are associated with obesity.
	The economic cost of obesity in the United States was about $117 billion in 2000.

So what can you do about it? Do you always need to run instead of walk? Must you quit your desk job and take up some form of physical labor as a profession? No. You simply need to make physical activity a priority in your life and quit making excuses about why you can't get more active. Let’s address some of the most common excuses.

"I don’t have time." This one can be heard ringing from sea to shining sea. Granted, it seems as though we don’t have time for much of anything nowadays. However, my guess is that you manage to find 30+ minutes reading the paper, watching TV or chatting on the phone occasionally. It’s all a matter of priorities. If you can’t fit another activity for 30+ minutes into your day, then make a substitution and get rid of something that isn’t a high priority. (See article titled Fitting Fitness In for scheduling suggestions.)

"I’m so uncoordinated, I couldn’t possibly do that." Then choose an activity that you feel comfortable doing or learning. One excellent activity that I know everyone can do is walk. However, don’t allow a little insecurity keep you from learning new activities like aerobics or tennis or swimming. Don’t be afraid to learn something new. And more importantly, don’t expect yourself to be perfect at everything you do, you’ll miss out on a alot of fun. If it’s an aerobics class that you’re afraid to try then start out with a tape at home where you have privacy. Once you feel comfortable with the basic aerobic style moves, go to a class. Each person in the class was new to aerobics at one point as well. You’ll be amazed how supportive, instead of ridiculing, everyone is.

"I did it once and it hurt." If it hurts, don’t do it! Find another activity that's comfortable for your body. When being active, always listen to your body and heed its signals. Whenever you do any activity or exercise, use proper form and body mechanics to avoid injury. Educate yourself or take a lesson/class to learn the proper way to do a specific activity.

"I don’t have the money to spend on a club or gym membership." It’s not necessary to join a club or a gym to be physically active. Being active doesn’t require that you spend a dime. Walk, jog, dance, swim, run up and down the stairs or do one of many activities that are accessible to you each and every day. Look around, be creative, you’ll be amazed at what you can do right in your own home and yard to get your heart rate elevated for 30+ minutes.

"I get bored." Then you need to get creative and add some fun into your activity. If it’s not fun and enjoyable, you’ll never stick with it. Add a new twist to liven things up or participate in a variety of activities (cross-training). There are so many things that you can do to be active that "getting bored" simply isn’t an acceptable excuse.

"I don’t like doing it alone." Find a fitness partner. If you have a spouse or significant other, try involving them. Studies have shown that couples who participate in regular physical activity together are more likely to stay active throughout their lives than couples where only one person is active. Other alternatives are to find a friend that enjoys the same activities as you; take a class; or join your local walking, hiking or biking club. You don’t have to be active alone if you don’t want to be.

It’s time to toss aside the excuses and make a commitment to getting more active. Take responsibility for your own health and help protect yourself from disease and premature death. Once you're active on a regular basis, you’ll enjoy many benefits, both mentally and physically:

	Reduced risk of heart disease.
	Reduced risk of high blood pressure.
	Reduced blood pressure in patients who have high blood pressure.
	Increased HDL blood cholesterol (the good kind!)
	Decreased total blood cholesterol
	Reduced risk of diabetes.
	Reduced risk of developing colon cancer.
	Reduced risk of osteoporosis.
	Decreased resting heart rate (your heart won’t have to work as hard.)
	Increased lung capacity.
	Increased amount of blood your heart can pump to your body in a single beat.
	Reduced feelings of depression.
	Reduced stress.
	Effective weight control.
	Increased muscle tissue, healthy bones and flexible joints.
	Increased balance and coordination which is especially important for older adults.
	Better mental well-being.

Begin slow and take one step at a time if it's been awhile since you've enjoyed moderate or vigorous activity. If you have a chronic health problem be sure to check with your physician before you begin. Men over age 40 and women over age 50 should also consult their physician before beginning a vigorous exercise program.