New exercise guidelines more doable

Adults should strive to exercise for two-and-a-half hours a week, according to new guidelines released by the U.S. government. The guidelines, which are meant to be used in the same way as the Food Guide Pyramid, are based on studies that show health benefits from regular, moderate exercise.

The release of the guidelines follows the latest figures on obese Americans. In July, the Centers for Disease Control reported that 25.6 percent of American adults are medically obese. Both poor diet and a lack of exercise were blamed.

Does restraining a Saint Bernard count as exercise? Maybe. The guidelines are accompanied by pamphlets explaining how to get moving in your own way.

Even still, busy veterinary team members might find it difficult to achieve the recommended amount of activity. To that end, the guidelines urge people to sneak in exercise where ever and when ever possible. A 10-minute walk around the practice is better than nothing. And if you work out for 10 minutes here and 10 minutes there, it all counts toward the suggested two-and-a-half hours per week.