Being Active

We can reduce the likelihood of some cancers and improve wellbeing by being physically active every day.

Being active is doing any activity that gets our bodies moving, heart beating and breathing deeper. It includes housework, walking to work, doing the gardening, biking, playing sport and dancing. Being active doesn't mean we have to go to the gym (but this is good too).

It's not too late to start being more active.

Activity recommendations:

• Sit less, move more! Break up long periods of sitting
• Do at least two and a half hours of moderate or 90 minutes of vigorous physical activity spread throughout the week
• For extra health benefits, aim for five hours of moderate or two and a half hours of vigorous physical activity spread throughout the week
• Do muscle-strengthening activities on at least two days each week
• Doing some physical activity is better than doing none.

Physical activity is also important for people affected by cancer. It may help you to feel better mentally, sleep better, help to prevent pain and fatigue and may even help you live longer.

For fun, free and low-cost ideas to get your family moving visit Healthy Kids and Sport NZ. You can also find more information related to healthy activity guidelines on the Ministry of Health website.