Exercise: 7 benefits of regular physical activity You know exercise is good for you, but do you know how good? From boosting your mood to improving your sex life, find out how exercise can improve your life. By Mayo Clinic Staff

Want to feel better, have more energy and perhaps even live longer? Look no further than exercise. The health benefits of regular exercise and physical activity are hard to ignore. And the benefits of exercise are yours for the taking, regardless of your age, sex or physical ability. Need more convincing to exercise? Check out these seven ways exercise can improve your life.

Exercise can help prevent excess weight gain or help maintain weight loss. When you engage in physical activity, you burn calories. The more intense the activity, the more calories you burn. You don't need to set aside large chunks of time for exercise to reap weight-loss benefits. If you can't do an actual workout, get more active throughout the day in simple ways by taking the stairs instead of the elevator or revving up your household chores.

Worried about heart disease? Hoping to prevent high blood pressure? No matter what your current weight, being active boosts high-density lipoprotein (HDL), or "good," cholesterol and decreases unhealthy triglycerides. This one-two punch keeps your blood flowing smoothly, which decreases your risk of cardiovascular diseases. In fact, regular physical activity can help you prevent or manage a wide range of health problems and concerns, including stroke, metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, depression, certain types of cancer, arthritis and falls.

Need an emotional lift? Or need to blow off some steam after a stressful day? A workout at the gym or a brisk 30-minute walk can help. Physical activity stimulates various brain chemicals that may leave you feeling happier and more relaxed. You may also feel better about your appearance and yourself when you exercise regularly, which can boost your confidence and improve your self-esteem.

Winded by grocery shopping or household chores? Regular physical activity can improve your muscle strength and boost your endurance. Exercise and physical activity deliver oxygen and nutrients to your tissues and help your cardiovascular system work more efficiently. And when your heart and lungs work more efficiently, you have more energy to go about your daily chores.

.

Read the original here:
Exercise: 7 benefits of regular physical activity - Mayo ...

Boones Ferry Concert: Features 1920s and 1930s jazz music by the Stolen Sweets - Jen Bernard, Keith Brush, Pete Krebs, David Langenes, Lara Mitchell and Erin Sutherland. 7:30 p.m. Sat, Jan. 25. St. Francis of Assisi Episcopal Church, 8818 S.W. Miley Road, Wilsonville; $15 in advance, $18 at door; http://www.boonesferryconcerts.org

**********************************************************************

Workshop Series:TheWilsonville Public Libraryis hosting a poetry course in celebration of the 100th birthday of former Oregon poet laureate William Stafford (1914-1993).

John Ehrstine, a professor emeritus of English at Washington State University, will conduct the first seven seminars in the library's Oak Room. Classes will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesdays, Jan. 29-March 12, at8200 S.W. Wilsonville Road.

Oregon Poet Laureate Paulann Petersen will kick off the series with a presentation and discussion about Stafford, who was chosen by the Oregon Library Association as this years Oregon Reads celebrated writer.

In 1942, Stafford registered with his draft board as a conscientious objector and was interned in Civilian Public Service camps where hard physical labor and discipline helped shape his career.

He began his life-long habit of writing in the early hours of each day. In 1964, he was awarded the Shelley Memorial Award, and in 1970 he was named a Consultant in Poetry to the Library of Congress. Four years later, Gov. Tom McCall appointed him Oregons fourth Poet Laureate. Stafford also was a professor at Lewis & Clark College for many years.

Kim Stafford, William Stafford's son, will conclude the series on Wednesday, March 19, with a presentation titled You Must Revise Your Life: William Stafford on Poetry and Peace.

The Portland-area author will speak from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at McMenamins Wilsonville Old Church,30340 S.W. Boones Ferry Road. Doors open at 5 p.m.

Admission to the Jan. 29 and March 19 sessions are free.

See the rest here:
Stolen Sweets concert, William Stafford poetry course, Elevation Youth Ensemble play: Wilsonville events

DUNCAN VFW Post 1192, which assumed the duties of placing American flags in front of every home and business that wants one during official holidays, had its first excercise in the endeavor during Martin Luther King Day.

I think it went real well, said Tom Morse, VFW commander. I think word of mouth will pick up as the months go on.

Forty-eight flags were displayed on Monday for the King holiday.

The VFW post took over the flag distribution progam from the Duncan Jaycees, which has disbanded.

The veterans group will distribute and display flags for seven other holidays this year: Presidents Day on Feb. 17, Memorial Day on May 26, Flag Day on June 14, Fourth of July, Labor Day on Sept. 1, Columbus Day Oct. 13, and Veterans Day Nov. 11.

Morse said he hopes more than 100 flags are requested by years end.

Flags are displayed from 8 a.m. to about 8 p.m. each holiday. The VFW charges a $50 fee to furnish a flag for the eight holidays during the year, Morse said.

I would like to get all the businesses down (U.S. Highway) 81 and Main Street to put flags up, Morse said.

The 3-by-5 foot flags are displayed on 7-foot poles, but the VFW also will provide flag holders if requested, he said.

The flags will not be displayed during inclement weather, he added.

See more here:
VFW displays flags for MLK Day