With the huge surge of interest in fitness and exercise one would think that fitness had become a way of life in the U.S. Unfortunately, we are less fit as a people than we ever were. The CDC reports that regular physical activity substantially reduces the risk of dying of coronary disease, the nation’s leading cause of death, and decreases the risk for stroke, colon cancer, diabetes, and high blood pressure. It also helps control weight; contributes to healthy bones, muscles and joints; reduces symptoms of anxiety and depression.

Physical activity need not be strenuous to be beneficial; people of all ages benefit from participating in regular, moderate-intensity physical activity, such as 30 minutes of brisk walking five or more times a week. So why aren’t we onboard? Despite the proven benefits of physical activity, more than 50% of American adults do not get enough physical activity to provide health benefits. 25% of American adults are not active at all in their leisure time. A lack of physical activity can hurt your health and memory.

Exercise lets us make a very important deposit in our memory banks by reducing the mental disorders, memory loss and dementia. These mental disorders pose a significant public health burden in the U.S., and are a major cause of hospitalization and disability. In the process of exercising, we could restore our population to one of bright, active and mentally engaged people making positive contributions to society well into advanced age. How do you incorporate exercise into your daily life?