By the Numbers
Getting fit may be more about numbers than you ever thought. But don’t worry.
Work these facts and figures into your health regimen, and you’ll be making a sound investment.
37 | The number of inches around the average American woman’s waist. |
Tip: Begin to trim.
Experts agree that a spare tire around the middle can lead to type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease. If you need to lose inches to meet the Center for Disease Control’s guidelines (fewer than thirty-five inches for women and forty for men), create your own tummy trimming program at mypyramid.gov.
Sources: CDC.gov, MSN Health
25 | The percentage of Americans who skip vacationing. |
Tip: Take a break.
Making time off a priority can be difficult, but experts say that frequent vacationers (people who take two trips a year) are less likely to be depressed and more likely to be satisfied with their marriages. If cash is tight, check out tripbase.com to sort destinations based on your interests and budget.
Sources: Monster.com, msN Health, Occupational Medicine
30 million | The number of Americans napping in tanning beds each year. |
Tip: Just say no to harmful rays.
Sun-kissed skin may be in, but fake baking should be out—a recent study found that frequent tanning-bed usage triples your risk for melanoma, the deadliest skin cancer. Instead, warm up your skin tone with a sunless tanning product, and just think about the wrinkles you’re avoiding.
Sources: CNN Health, New York Times, Skincancer.org
9 | The number of calories in a large stalk of celery. |
Tip: Munch on celery for the fiber, not to burn extra calories.
Packing your diet with fiber-filled veggies can do wonders for your waistline. Aim for twenty-five to thirty-five grams of dietary fiber daily to prevent spikes in blood sugar and to feel fuller longer. And choose low-fat ranch if you’re gonna dunk your produce.
Sources: FamilyEducation.com, MyFitnessPal.com, Time Magazine
150 | The number of minutes the average adult should spend exercising each week. |
Tip: Go to the mall.
Whatever your current activity level, start increasing your energy output in ten minute increments until you reach 150 minutes each week. Moderate intensity exercise doesn’t have to be drudgery either. Gardening, biking, ballroom dancing, and playing baseball all count toward your exercise goal. Even shopping burns 177 calories per hour—as long as it’s not online.
Sources: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
47 | The percentage of adults who are stressed out. |
Tip: Put on a foam finger.
According to scientists, avid sports fans release pent up stress, get a shot of self-esteem, and feel socially connected when they’re watching a big game. In fact, one study found that men experience a 20 percent rise in testosterone levels after cheering their team on to victory. Go, Cougs!
Sources: Stress.org, American Psychological Association, CNN Health
