But there are new details in the report, such as counting to 30 while washing hands to be sure that cleaning is really thorough. Children need at least 60 minutes and most adults should get 45 minutes of exercise daily. It's not just sedentary living that's the problem, but the rise in obesity among all age groups. Kids need 60 minutes a day of exercise, which can include everything from bike riding to physical education classes or organized team sports. Not only does exercise help with weight control, but it also is needed to build and maintain strong bones, the guidelines note.
Many adults require almost as much exercise as kids, according to the guidelines.
The best news is that activity can be spread throughout the day in 10-minute intervals to make it easier to achieve goals. No slacking, however. Moderate physical activity should be equivalent to walking two miles in 30 minutes, according to the guidelines. The scientific evidence for the health benefits of physical activity is so strong that the guidelines urge everyone to be active every day. Don't drink to reduce heart-disease risk until midlife.