Why Is It Important To Keep Fit & Healthy?

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, deciding to live healthier is easy, but doing it is a lot more difficult. It's important to get healthy and stay healthy to minimize health risks, minimize costs of treating disease and to have a high quality of life. Regular physical activity, healthy eating habits, regular check-ups and avoiding risky behaviors are some ways to stay fit and healthy and these can provide important health benefits.

Physical Activity

Dr. Steven G. Aldana, professor of exercise science at Brigham Young University, states that one of the greatest benefits of regular physical activity and fitness is the dramatic decrease in risk of heart disease.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also recommend regular physical activity to reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes and some cancers, to strengthen bones and muscles, and to increase the chance of living healthier for longer.

Healthy Eating

The Harvard School of Public Health recommends a diet high in fruits, vegetables and whole grains to maintain or achieve good health. According to the Executive Summary for the 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, some major causes of morbidity and mortality are related to poor diet. Healthy eating habits that provide adequate nutrients without providing excessive calories can improve health.

Regular Check-Ups

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends regular check-ups with your doctor to find potential health problems before they start. Doctors can screen for cancers, check blood pressure and cholesterol, heart problems and other potential health concerns.

Different screenings and tests are recommended at different stages in life and your doctor will best be able to provide you with the information you need. Your doctor can give you personalized recommendations to help you achieve your best health.

Mental Health

Staying fit and healthy through physical activity and healthy eating habits can also improve mental health. For example, a 2010 meta-analysis published in the "Annals of Behavioral Medicine" found that physical activity can reduce depression symptoms.

Another 2010 study published in "Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine" found that diets rich in fruits and vegetables should be recommended for optimizing mental health.

Costs of Unhealthy Living

In 2003, Dr. Richard Carmona, then surgeon general of the United States, said that in 2000 the total annual cost for obesity was $117 billion. He said diabetes costs America $132 billion each year. The American Heart Association reports that the cost of cardiovascular diseases and stroke in the United States in 2009 was estimated to be $475 billion. Committing to living a fit and healthy life will help lower these costs.