Physical Activity Challenge: Article 5

Physical activity offers many benefits to your bones, muscles, and heart, but did you know that it is also good for your brain too? Physical activity is great for your cognition, sleep, and mental health.

Cognitive decline is a healthy part of aging, but physical activity is a great way to improve cognitive function as you age! In fact, cognitive decline is twice as common among adults who are inactive versus those that are active. Individuals who stay physically active experience improvements in cognition, including improved processing speed, attention, and memory. Physical activity also decreases the risk of developing cognitive diseases, such as dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.

Improved sleep is another great benefit of staying active! Adults who are more physically active sleep better. The more physically active you are, the less time it takes you to fall asleep. The quality of your sleep improves as well, with less awakenings and deeper sleep. As a result, you will have less daytime sleepiness!

Physical activity is also great for your mental health. It reduces feelings of anxiety and depressive symptoms. It also reduces the risk of developing depression and can improve the symptoms of depression. In fact, physical activity stimulates your brain to release chemicals that leave you feeling happier, relaxed, and less anxious!

Don’t forget! Kidder County District Health Unit is promoting a county-wide physical activity challenge for all ages running from July 1st through August 31st. Anyone who charts at least 30 days of at least 30 minutes of physical activity during this timeframe is eligible for a prize! Prizes are split up by age groups. Prizes include:

Youth-12 years: each get a prize and 3 bigger prize drawings

Kids 13-18 years: $100 Scheels gift card

Adults 19-64 years: $100 cash

Adults 65+ : $100 cash

Individuals can pick up calendars to chart activity for the months of July and August at KCDHU, Mad Moves, Kidder County Swimming Pool, Kidder County Library, any Senior Center in Kidder County, or the Steele Pharmacy. Turn in your calendars no later than September 3rd to be entered for prize drawings!

Questions? We would love to hear from you! Call Kidder County District Health Unit at 701-475-2582.