The U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) has issued some practical advice for staying active during the holiday season. “Not only does this festive season bring egg nog, cookies, candy canes and stuffing with extra gravy, in many areas it also means cooler temperatures”, notes the CDC. “Although being physically active can help you avoid some holiday weight gain, what should you do if it is too cold or icy outside? Why not beat holiday shoppers to your nearest mall for a morning walk?”

According to the CDC, middle-aged and older adults are among the most physically inactive age groups in the country. Approximately 31 million adults over the age of 50 are inactive. Doing something as simple as walking around a mall can help you remain physically active, which has many health benefits:

• lower your risk for heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, depression, and some cancers
• help control weight
• improve sleep
• for older adults, help maintain independence, reduce the risk of falling down and delay the start of mental decline, such as being forgetful.

Click on the following links for more information about mall walking and physical activity: