In naming life goals, most people will place optimum health very near the top of their priorities.
But that item sometimes slides down on the list as we juggle other demanding facets of life - making a living, raising a family, caring for elderly parents, keeping a home, even getting enough sleep.
As time goes by, we may put on more than a few pounds, depend too much on fast food and spend hours every night parked in front of the television pushing the remote button.
The importance of fitness and healthy weight to our lifestyle cannot be overemphasized. The good news is, it's never too late to begin achieving optimum health. Plus, there is better information and new methods and tools help you get started.
Take a minute to test what you really know about the ways and means of getting in shape.
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Aerobic exercise is the only activity that can result in a fit body.
True
False
Incorrect. Aerobic activity increases heart and lung performance only. Muscle strength and flexibility are equally important components of a well-conditioned person.
Correct! Aerobic activity increases heart and lung performance only. Muscle strength and flexibility are equally important components of a well-conditioned person.
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Regularly scheduled sessions at a fitness club are the best way to stick with a fitness program.
True
False
Incorrect. To keep you motivated, it¿s best to choose the form, place and time of exercise that suits you best.
Correct! To keep you motivated, it¿s best to choose the form, place and time of exercise that suits you best.
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The human skeleton reaches peak development by the time a person reaches 18 years of age.
True
False
Correct! Regular exercise during that period of time can increase development of bone mass.
Incorrect. Regular exercise during that period of time can increase development of bone mass.
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A person can't train too much.
True
False
Incorrect. Overtraining can result in permanent loss of bone density and an increase in the chances of skeletal breaks and injuries.
Correct! Overtraining can result in permanent loss of bone density and an increase in the chances of skeletal breaks and injuries.
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Pollution can influence a person's fitness profile.
True
False
Correct! Other factors include genetics, gender, and age.
Incorrect. Other factors include genetics, gender, and age.
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The anaerobic threshold refers to the point at which a person achieves his or her maximum heart rate.
True
False
Incorrect. The anaerobic threshold is reached when the body stops using oxygen to produce energy and therefore cannot use fat as an energy source.
Correct! The anaerobic threshold is reached when the body stops using oxygen to produce energy and therefore cannot use fat as an energy source.
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The body can store unlimited amounts of carbohydrates and proteins.
True
False
Incorrect. There is only limited "space" for carbohydrates and proteins - while there is plenty of room for storage of fat.
Correct! There is only limited "space" for carbohydrates and proteins - while there is plenty of room for storage of fat.
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Canned and frozen fruits and vegetables are just as healthy as those that are fresh.
True
False
Correct! Plus, they have a long shelf and are immediately available for meals.
Incorrect. Plus, they have a long shelf and are immediately available for meals.
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Fat tissue in the body carries more water than lean tissue.
True
False
Incorrect. Lean tissue carries 70% water compared to 20% for fat.
Correct! Lean tissue carries 70% water compared to 20% for fat.
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Being at a low fitness level increases the chances of diabetes.
True
False
Correct! Other risks are coronary heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and other disorders.
Incorrect. Other risks are coronary heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and other disorders.
For more information on women's health matters, any of the programs and services listed, or a referral to a Cedars-Sinai physician or program, call 1-800-CEDARS-1 (1-800-233-2771)
