May 15, 2008
Springtime: a great time to get out and walk. (YKHC file photo)
Spring into Action!
by Annette Coyle, RD LD, Clinical Diabetes Educator
The melting snow and milder temperatures remind us that the arctic spring is here. We also begin to think of all those wonderful spring activities that await us-cleaning up the yard, making fish camp repairs, gardening, gearing up the boat, getting ourselves ready for hunting, fishing, berry picking, camping...
Now is also a great time to shed any extra pounds gained during a winter of relative inactivity. It doesn't take special clothes or special equipment to burn extra calories and shed those winter pounds. You can burn up to 239 calories an hour just by playing with your children!
According to www.calorielab.com, here are some more ways to use up extra calories:
Eskimo dancing | 278 calories / hr |
Hunting | 318 |
Fishing from the river bank | 199 |
Light housework | 119 |
Chopping wood | 398 |
Stacking wood | 318 |
Playing basketball | 557 |
Playing hacky sack | 239 |
Walking on grass or tundra | 318 |
Being active every day helps us feel better physically and emotionally. It also reduces the risk of developing type 2 diabetes and colon cancer. Being physically active can also relieve symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress. A stronger immune system is another benefit of being physically active. Its just an all around good thing!
So take a long walk on the tundra, breathe in the fresh air and be grateful for health, strength and life!
