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Show Fighting Pounds Through Exercise Health Surveys indicate that many people are gaining weight or staying overweight on relatively moderate calorie intakes. Although overeating is probably the major cause of overweight, physical inactivity inac-tivity contributes greatly to the problem. THERE ARE a few encouraging en-couraging signs that desire for fitness, or health-consciousness, is replacing simple weight-consciousness in the minds of many Americans. There is growing awareness that a sedentary way of life can contribute to degenerative degenera-tive disease of the arteries and to obesity and its potential complications, most notably, diabetes, says a new pamphlet from the American Medical Association. THERE ALSO is a growing preference among Americans fnr a healthy, physically fit appearance. Emphasis is on condition. Body, skin and hair that are in good condition are widely regarded as necessary for good looks. You may feel too lazy to get started on a physical fitness program, but it's probably the lack of exercise that makes you feel that way. ON THE other hand, you may think of yourself as active ac-tive or energetic because you are always busy too busy to take time out for vigorous exercise. Some of the busiest people in the world have found time for jogging, tennis or morning calisthenics. There are all sorts of guides to simple home exercise programs. Or there is jogging or other such activities. Or regular participation in active ac-tive sports and games, such as handball or tennis. IF YOU are over age 30 or are unaccustomed to vigorous exercise, consult with your physician before starting a program. But, if you want to maintain main-tain good health and to keep the excess pounds off, a regular, vigorous exercise program is a must. For the rest of your life. |