Increase your summer activity with simple measures

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It seems like summer should be an easy time to increase physical activity, yet it’s also easy to make excuses for staying on the couch.

It’s too hot.

It’s raining.

There are mosquitoes.

I’m busy going to my kids’ activities.

Try increasing physical activity in natural ways that fit your life. While at ballgames, get up and walk around instead of sitting the whole time. (A stroll to the concession stand may not be the best choice.)

Taking a walk during your lunch break will help ease the stress of your workday. Even a 15- to 20-minute walk at a moderate pace will benefit your cardiovascular system.

Tending your garden can help lower blood pressure, prevent diabetes and slow osteoporosis. After your workout of planting, weeding and harvesting, the vegetables from your garden provide nutritious meals.

Don’t know what to do with all those vegetables? Get ideas for low-sodium, gluten-free and high-fiber dishes from websites such as Dallas County Extension, Eat Greater Des Moines and Iowa Food and Family.

If your diligent work in the garden yields a bumper crop, please consider donating your excess produce to your local food pantry. Contact the Dallas County Public Health Department at 515-993-3750 for food pantry locations.

Ann Cochran is the health navigation coordinator in the Dallas County Public Health Department.

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