#SaludTues Tweetchat 1p ET 12/15/15: “Redefining Physical Activity for Health: Evidence & Anecdote”

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Research over the past two decades has shown numerous health benefits associated with moderate intensity physical activity, which is why the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) developed the 2008 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans (PAG), recommending 150 minutes of moderate physical activity per week for adults and 60 minutes of moderate physical activity per day for kids, to include muscle-strengthening activities, for important health benefits and even more physical activity for greater health benefits.

However, there were many mixed messages along the way.

An important distinction is between physical activity for health and exercise for fitness or weight loss. The role of physical activity in health promotion and disease prevention has evolved drastically over recent decades, from recommendations 50 years ago for 60+ minutes of vigorous exercise, to our current Surgeon General recommendations to walk, with years between focused on fitness, performance and/or weight loss. It is not surprising that people are confused about the role of physical activity in lifelong health.

Another important distinction is between physical activity and weight status and nutrition. Each affect health through unique biological processes and mechanisms, thus shouldn’t be simplified or categorized together. Regardless of weight status or nutrition, physical activity is associated with positive health outcomes and physical inactivity is associated with adverse health outcomes.

Numerous studies have found that in obese, overweight, and normal weight people alike, physical inactivity is associated with increased risk of disease such as hypertension, dislipidemia, metabolic disease, and cardiovascular disease, as well as some cancers, digestive system problems, and musculoskeletal problems, most of which are seen more in Latinos than whites. Similarly, in obese, overweight, and normal weight people, physical activity is associated with reduced risk of disease as well as positive changes in physiological biomarkers such as blood pressure, lipid metabolism, glucose metabolism, neurohormonal factors, inflammation, and endothelial function and shear stress. Regardless of weight, research shows that it really is just about moving more and sitting less throughout the day and less about getting to the gym to pump iron.

Although, research regarding Latino’s physical activity levels are complex, research regarding Latino health disparities and inequities in opportunities to be physically active are crystal clear. Latino neighborhoods have less safe public space to walk and recreate and Latino schools provide less recess and P.E. Additionally, Latinos have less face-to-face time with their physicians, who, along with other health professionals, often simplify the physical activity message quickly as “lose some weight” or “get some exercise,” thus further contributing to confusion about the role of physical activity in disease prevention and overall health.

In order to reduce Latino health disparities, we need to use evidence as well as anecdote to redefine the role of physical activity for lifelong health for Latinos.

Join #SaludTues on December 15, 2015, to tweet about how we can use evidence and anecdote to redefine physical activity for lifelong Latino health, and how we can stay motivated to move more and sit less throughout the day.

• WHAT: #SaludTues Tweetchat: “Redefining Physical Activity for Health: Evidence & Anecdote”
• DATE: Tuesday, December 15, 2015
• TIME: 1-2 p.m. ET (Noon-1 p.m. CT)
• WHERE: On Twitter with hashtag #SaludTues
• HOST: @SaludToday
• CO-HOSTS: @msdcenter @MoveItMonday @nwtrpa
• SPECIAL GUEST: @Sylvia_Carlson

We’ll open the floor to data AND your stories and experiences as we explore:

• An important distinction between physical activity for health and exercise for fitness
• An important distinction between physical activity and weight status and nutrition.
• Evidence and anecdote to help Latinos stay motivated to move more and sit less.

#SaludTues is a weekly Tweetchat about Latino health at 12p CST/1p ET every Tuesday and hosted by @SaludToday, the Latino health social media campaign for the team at the Institute for Health Promotion Research (IHPR) at The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio.

Be sure to use the hashtag #SaludTues to follow the conversation on Twitter and share your strategies, stories, and resources that can help raise awareness about important health issues that affect Latinos.