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BOSTON, Feb. 28 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- As part of the 5th Annual Get Active America! program, participating health clubs will open their doors -- free of charge -- so more Americans can revitalize their lives and benefit from the supportive environment and professional knowledge that health clubs offer. Throughout the entire month of May 2008, health clubs will be out in their local communities bringing information and inspiration to tens of thousands, helping them see how active, healthy living can bring better health and a happier frame of mind.
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As part of Get Active America!, many clubs will be educating their local communities about disease prevention and healthy aging through exercise; and clubs will be creating programs to benefit families and older adults with a broad spectrum of exercise needs.
Get Active America! is sponsored by Michael Foods' AllWhites(R) and Advil(R). Both companies will be providing free samples for participating clubs to distribute to their members and guests.
Research shows that regular exercise not only helps prevent disease and support healthy aging, but it also has a dramatic effect on quality of life. In fact, studies published in peer-reviewed journals over the past few years have demonstrated that habitual physical activity (weekly walking, jogging and running) reduces depressive symptoms and improves emotional well-being. What's more, fitness center members are more likely to pursue health promoting lifestyles and behaviors. And adolescents who participate in a range of physical activity behaviors, especially those that are characterized by high parental involvement, are more likely to have higher grades than those who engage in sedentary behaviors.
This May, enter your local "Gateway to Healthy Living" and transform your life.
WHO: International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association (IHRSA) and participating member health clubs nationwide.
WHAT: 5th Annual Get Active America! month allows the general public to take exercise classes, use the equipment, and have access to professional trainers at participating health clubs free of charge.
Get Active America! is part of the fitness industry's outreach campaign to bring healthier living to all Americans. Let it become your "Gateway to Healthy Living."
WHEN: Program Highlights
May 12-15, 2008: Bring a Guest!
Health clubs nationwide invite current members to bring in their friends, family members, neighbors and co-workers so they, too, can experience the health and quality-of-life benefits of exercise--for free!
May 16-18, 2008: Open House
Health clubs nationwide open their doors to their communities for free to help Americans learn how they can live more physically active--and healthier--lives.
Each participating health club will create its own supplemental menu of events to take place during the month of May. Events may range from useful health-related classes and seminars to organized walks to community service drives in support of local charities.
WHERE: At participating health clubs across the United States. See www.getactiveamerica.com for a listing.
THE IMPORTANCE OF GET ACTIVE AMERICA!:
People who participate in moderate-intensity or vigorous-intensity physical activity on a regular basis lower their risk of coronary heart disease, stroke, non-insulin-dependent (type 2) diabetes mellitus, high blood pressure, and colon cancer. (Centers for Disease Control)
The number of Americans diagnosed with diabetes
