Get in shape for National Physical Fitness & Sports Month Published May 6, 2014 By 412th Medical Group EAFB EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The 412th Medical Group is teaming up with the President's Council on Fitness, Sports, and Nutrition in honor of National Physical Fitness and Sports Month. During the month of May, we encourage you to get 30 minutes of physical activity every day. Did you know that regular physical activity increases your chances of living a longer, healthier life? It also reduces your risk for high blood pressure, heart disease and some types of cancer. Yet according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 2012 statistics, nearly 54% of Californians don't get the recommended amount of physical activity. The Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans recommend that adults: Aim for two hours and 30 minutes of moderate aerobic activity each week. Moderate activity includes things like walking fast, dancing, swimming and raking leaves. Do muscle-strengthening activities, like lifting weights and using exercises bands, at least two days a week. Physical activity is for everyone. No matter what shape you are in, you can find activities that work for you. However, if you have a health problem like heart disease, diabetes, or obesity, you should talk to your health care provider about the types and amounts of physical activity that are right for you. Together, we can rise to the challenge and get more active during the month of May! For more information, tips and resources, visit our health information table located in the lobby of the 412th Medical Group Family Health and Flight Medicine clinics. You can also visit the Health and Wellness Center and talk to Todd Amon, Fitness Assessment Cell manager, or Ken Ballard, exercise physiologist, at (661) 277-8480. The Fitness Center has a schedule of classes and certified trainers available for hire, if you want a personalized training program, or to just answer questions.