For people who want to control or prevent type 2 diabetes, exercise is medicine. You can lower your blood sugar levels by accumulating 30 minutes of physical activity each day.

• Choose active forms of transportation to and from work - walk or cycle.
• Park your car at the far end of the parking lot and walk.
• Choose to stand or walk around whenever you are talking on the telephone.
• Take the stairs. Never use the escalator or elevator for less than 2 floors.
• Replace your coffee break with a "walking break".
• Walk at lunch and take along a couple of buddies for company.
• Walk to deliver messages instead of phoning or e-mailing.
• Schedule "walk & talk" meetings.

• Meet friends for a walk each day.
• Plan a family activity each weekend.
• Join or organise a mall-walking group

Check out the activities available at your local recreation centre.

• Cut back on TV and computer time - aim for no more than 2 hours a day.
• Get up and move around during television commercials.
• Choose not to use the television and stereo remote controls.
• Take a walk while waiting at your child's music lesson or soccer practice.
• Keep the "parent taxi service" to a minimum. Walk your children to visit friends, to the library and to sporting events whenever possible. This sends a positive message to kids too!
• Buy your daily newspaper from the local variety store. This will give you a destination and motivate you to go for a walk.
• Walk your dog or your neighbours dog twice a day. You won't find a more enthusiastic companion.
• Walk around the house while talking on your cordless phone.
• Mow the lawn with a push-mower.
• Make one night of the week family activity night.

It all adds up!

Small amounts of exercise throughout the day will add up to major fitness gains and reduce your risk of Type-2 diabetes.

For more information and practical hints to help increase your daily physical activity, contact Lambton Community Health Services at (519) 383-8331, or CLICK HERE.