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Article: Prevalence of health-care providers asking older adults about their physical activity levels -- United States, 1998.
- Article from:
- MMWR. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report
- Article date:
- May 17, 2002
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 2002 U.S. Government Printing Office. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
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Regular physical activity reduces the risk for heart disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure; helps in the control of weight; and maintains muscles, joints, and bone strength (1). Physical activity also might afford additional benefits for adults aged [greater than or equal to]50 years by increasing coordination and balance (2), preventing falls, and maintaining independence (1). Despite these findings, the prevalence of inactivity increases with age (3), and approximately one third of older U.S. adults are not active during their leisure time (4). The national health objectives for 2010 include recommendations to increase the proportion of adults who engage in regular, ...