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Aging & Inactivity
Posted on 08-19-2025 in Primary Care Sports Medicine, Regenerative Medicine, Running & Stem Cell Therapy by Dr. Joshua Hackel
Posted on 08-19-2025 in Primary Care Sports Medicine, Regenerative Medicine, Running & Stem Cell Therapy by Dr. Joshua Hackel
Throughout my career, I’ve treated athletes from all walks of life and at various skill levels. From the amateur cross-country runner to both professional and college football players, one thing is consistent, as it is with us all, how we’ve treated our bodies when we were younger impacts our health as we age. I’m reminded of this weekly as I watch from the sidelines serving as a team physician for the University of West Florida football team.
These talented young men, who are in incredible physical shape now, will one day be retirees who want to enjoy a game of golf or perhaps just chase their grandchildren around the yard. It’s a stark reminder that everyone, not just athletes, must stay active if we want to remain healthy as the years advance. And as we approach the conclusion of Healthy Aging Month, it’s as important as ever to highlight the significance of inactivity and the role that it plays in our health.
Research indicates that the greatest threat to health is inactivity or a sedentary lifestyle. To articulate the severity of this issue, the World Health Organization has said that inactivity is one of the top 10 leading causes of death in the world. In the U.S., the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that inadequate activity levels are responsible for 1 in 10 premature deaths and $117 billion in annual healthcare costs.
The prevalence of physical inactivity among adults is higher increases by age group and has pronounced disparities that correlate to gender, race and ethnicity, and other demographic factors such as education and annual household income levels. The 2021 assessment of the CDC’s Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System cited that inactivity among adults is higher in:
According to the same report, the most effective way to combat sedentary behavior is to reduce time spent sitting and increasing physical movement. Key guidelines for adults include at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity (or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity) aerobic physical activity, such as running, riding a bike, dancing or swimming, a week. In fact, the National Institute on Aging (NIA) outlines endurance, strength, balance and flexibility exercises that, regardless of age, you can find activities that meet your fitness levels and needs.
If increasing your physical activity is a goal, but an injury or condition prevents you from doing so, contact us at 850.916.8783 or use our convenient online appointment form to schedule an initial consultation with our office. Our practice is dedicated to providing patients with state-of-the-art procedures to address a wide variety of sports medicine-related injuries and conditions.
July is Park & Recreation Month, a national celebration of the green spaces and recreational opportunities that help communities thrive. At North Florida Bone & Joint Specialists, we believe this observance is the perfect reminder of how time spent outdoors isn’t just good for the soul—it’s good for your joints, too.
With temperatures already in the eighties or higher across the Florida Panhandle, staying hydrated is critical for the health of your joints, not just for your overall health. While water intake is most commonly associated with skin health, digestion and energy levels, hydration is just as vital in keeping your joints moving comfortably and efficiently. Below are a few of the most common questions, along with answers, to help stay “fluid” in the Florida heat.
With the school year beginning soon, many parents, including me, are busy checking off supply lists and preparing our kids for the transition back to the classroom. But as a Sports Medicine physician and a parent, I know that ensuring a healthy and safe school year goes far beyond pencils and paper. The start of school is the perfect time to review a few key safety and wellness practices with your children, especially when it comes to backpack safety, hydration, and nutrition.