Sedentary Lifestyle & Colon Cancer

Sedentary lifestyles, those that include sitting for prolonged periods throughout the day, have been linked to many diseases including heart disease, certain cancers, obesity and diabetes. Colorectal cancer is no exception to the rule. In fact, studies show that thousands of new colon cancer cases in the United States are linked to inactivity each year.

Making small adjustments to the amount of activity you get each day could mean a world of difference for your body. Research shows that it’s not about how much total activity you get, but how often you’re getting that activity. Even those who work 60 hours a week at a desk job can increase their frequency of daily activity. For example, get up to get water or coffee during the day or walk down the hall to talk to a colleague rather than sending an email.

After a long week at the office, it’s easy to get lost watching hours of television, but it’s important to incorporate activity into your leisure time as well. If signing up for a vigorous exercise class at your gym sounds like no fun, search for other ways to get moving.

Looking for things to do around Richmond that require a little moving? Here are four attractions around town that will keep you on your feet. Don’t worry they’re fun and interesting too!

Visit Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden. Named one of the Best Botanical Gardens in the U.S. by the Travel Channel, Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden is a great weekend activity for the whole family. Go explore the beautifully cultivated gardens at this local 50-acre attraction.

Take a stroll around Maymont.  With the Maymont Mansion, Japanese Garden, Children’s Farm, and much more, Maymont provides many excuses to get moving.  It’s perfect for a weekend activity with the kids or grandkids!

See what’s new at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. The VMFA always has something new to offer and general admission is always free. Spend the afternoon walking around the beautiful museum and getting lost in new exhibits. Learn more about upcoming events at the VMFA .

Tour the Capitol Building. Explore the history of Virginia on a guided tour of the Capitol building downtown. This is a great way to spend the afternoon moving around and learning a little more about Virginia history. Guided tours are available each day.

Just a little extra movement can go a long way for your health and wellbeing. If you’re looking for more ideas on how to get active in Richmond, check out Richmond.com’s event calendar. It offers lots of great opportunities to get moving around town!