We are told again and again the importance of saving for retirement. 

No one can argue that logic – people live longer and require more financial savings to support their desired standard of living.

However, we need to apply the same logic to our health.

Investing in our health is as crucial as investing in our retirement. 

With this philosophy in mind, I’ve been working on a new intro for the audible release of The Play Book: How To Get In The Habit Of Good Health.  It will be available in early 2023.  

There have been many shifts in the wellness world since my book launched.

Here is a sneak peek at some of the latest research I’m discovering and including in the intro:

1.  The mounting cost of inactivity.

Last week, I attended a live webinar by The World Health Organization (WHO) as it released its first-ever global report on the high cost of physical inactivity. 

“Almost 500 million people will develop heart disease, obesity, diabetes or other non-communicable diseases (NCDs) attributable to physical inactivity, between 2020 and 2030, costing US$ 27 billion annually if governments don’t take urgent action to encourage more physical activity among their populations.”

It’s a chicken and the egg scenario – who is responsible for getting people to exercise – governments, schools, the fitness industry?  As Walt Disney said, “The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing.” 

As a behaviour-change coach, I understand that the motivation for change often happens at the individual level and when our environment supports the activity.

People are more likely to implement change when they are ready, willing and able to get support from positive social networks.

2.  The power of nature for our physical and mental health.

Did you know that spending 20 minutes playing in a park can make you happier!?  Yup, you can read about it here.

Have you ever wondered how much nature exposure a week you need for health benefits?

According to Dr. Austin Perlmutter, an internal medicine physician in the U.S. with a passion for the science of connecting nature with human health says:

20 minutes lower cortisol (stress hormone)

30 minutes lower risk for depression

90 minutes improves thinking patterns

120 minutes better overall health

A recent report released by JAMA (Journal of the American Medical Association) Neurology stated, “Those who walked 3,800 steps a day had a 25% lower risk of developing dementia in the study.  Those who walked 9,800 had a 50% lower risk.  Those who walked at least 6,000 steps and walked reasonably quickly for about half an hour a day had a 62% lower likelihood of developing dementia.”  

Walking lowers your risk of developing dementia, a simple yet powerful solution.

3.  The genetic legacy of exercise.

How great is it to know that your effort to exercise today can benefit your future grandchildren?

The answer to genetic health lies in something scientists call developmental programming. 

“The findings, based on research in mice, suggest that the exercise we do today etches itself into our cells in ways that can be passed to later generations.

In the study, exercise by female mice before and during pregnancy influenced the health of their future children and children’s children, even if those progeny never exercised at all.”

Ultimately, how we play today can boost our mental and physical well-being and the health of our future grandchildren. 

Talk about handing wealth down to the next generation!

Play on!

Xoxo Coach Jan

P.S. Need a little extra inspiration to play a little more?

• I recently met author Jessica Gold who wrote an adorable kids’ book called “Get Outside” to inspire and educate young and old about creative ways to seek adventure in the great outdoors.  Take a peek here to order a copy.  A great Christmas gift!  

• If you are looking for some motivation on how to be better every day and overcome challenges, please join me Saturday, October 29th, at 4 pm est at a Traumatic Brain Injury survivor (TBI) cross-Canada video conference called Anything is Possible.  I am a guest, along with Sheldon Guy, a vision-impaired basketball coach.  Our host, Michael Coss, spent six and a half months in a coma following a 2006 car crash.  Michael is an incredible motivator, not only because he had to learn how to do everything over again but because he lives by the motto that anything is possible and strives to give back.

• I always strive to improve and learn more about my fantastic audience.  Your feedback is vital, and I would love to hear from you!  Send me an email at: janlovestoplay@gmail.com with any questions about your health or to book a discovery call about my coaching services – I’m happy to help!