Walking has been shown clinically to prevent the onset of our nations leading diseases including Type 2 diabetes and some of the most virulent strains of cancer. Consistent daily walking has been shown as an effective means of warding off disease, maintaining health and significantly decreasing the need for medical treatment, yet most Americans walk much less than the minimum recommended guidelines of 10,000 steps a day set by the Surgeon General due to the sedentary nature of our employment. As a result we have an overweight population with all of the health concerns that accompany issues of obesity.The National Coalition on Health Care (NCHC) reports that total spending on health care was $2.3 trillion last year, equivalent to $7600 per person. Health insurance premiums for a family of four sky rocketed to $12,100 during this same period and single coverage premiums averaged more than $4,400 annually.One tactic to save on health care is to buy high deductible “catastrophic” health insurance which is significantly less expensive (as much as 50%-75% less) however this strategy must be combined with a commitment towards exercise and a healthy lifestyle.The good news is that exercise does not have to be overly strenuous. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) report that walking three times per week for a minimum of 30 minutes reduces the risk of mortality from disease by 57%.Unfortunately 2/3 of the American population is now categorized as overweight according to the CDC and less than 10% of the population is exercising on a regular basis. While Congress must focus on ridding our health care system of excessive administrative costs, fraud and mismanagement there must also be a call for personal action. Prevention through a healthier lifestyle and exercise should play an integral role in our growing health care crisis but few politicians wish to risk the backlash of telling Americans they need to get out of their chairs and start moving.Desperate for answers, some state governments are considering instituting a “carrot and stick approach” to medical insurance programs. Alabama recently enacted a $300.00 annual increase for health care premiums to state employees that do not meet minimum health requirements and are unwilling to join their state wellness plan. Other nations are instituting more stringent guidelines as well. Japan has implemented a national program fining corporations if their employees do not meet specific weight and waistline guidelines.Rising health care costs and insurance premiums are taking the availability of health care out of the hands of millions and placing a tremendous burden on our economy according to the NCHC, accounting for approximately 16% of our current GDP and expected to rise to 20% of GDP in eight years.Now that health care costs are rising at 2-3 times the rate of inflation an emphasis on prevention seems more critical now more than ever before. Treadmill desks offer a solution which empowers employees to take control of their personal health and reduce their costs of medical care at the same time.
Tennis and Its Tools
Tennis has always looked to awe us. Ever since the beginning of open era, players like Rod Laver, Bjorg, Connors, McEnroe, Lendl, Sampras and presently Federer and Nadal have impressed us with their brilliance. We have literally passed out over their magic. The way they play those unbelievable shots from death, the muscular streak in few of them, the poise in others, the fluid backhand grace and drop shots that have marked few and the brute power that has defined others. Overall, tennis has been a very tempting sport.This has often kept the instruments of the game at the backdrop. Even they have been very important in letting the game prosper as it has. Imagine what the stars would do without tennis racquets or balls or even tennis bags. You would never imagine if not being told, that a tennis racket holds a world in itself there are so many points to ponder. Professional racquets come with a thin beam width. This offers greater range and flexibility to a player even as it adds to the quality of drop shots. These give greater control over shots. These racquets are also ergonomic in nature.In terms of balance, a racquet can be head heavy or head light. It can also be evenly balanced. The racquet length is divided over 5 main specifications. They vary between 27 and 28 inches keeping a distance of .25 inches. Today, the sports is being strongly followed frown a young age. This is why there are many junior racquets as well. They come with lighter grips and area little smaller in sizes. Used racquets can be bought over many online stores at attractive prices.The strings of racquet are made of intestine of animals. The wooden frame is laminated. In fact, today the laminated wooden frame is being replaced by fiberglass or ceramic or even titanium for more sternness. Even gut is replaced by nylon today. The head of the racquet is slightly inclined to give it greater potency of hitting low shots or corner shots out of the court width.A tennis ball is another important accessory which is usually 6.7 centimeters in diameter and its color is yellow. Today, the tennis balls used in professional international tennis has many chemicals mixed with rubber to attain the desired consistency. Naturally, Southeast Asia is the top exporter of these balls as rubber plantations are most abundant here. The felt of the ball is its most costly part. The felt is being steamed to provide it greater power to combat wind and also offers it a lot of reduction in bounce.Tennis bags come in backpacks as well as 12 size bags. Top global companies like Nike, Adidas, Dunlop, Wilson, Head and others are producing high quality bags to let a player feel comfortable with his package. In terms of size, there are 3 racquets, 6 racquets, 8-12 racquets, duffle gears and wheeled tour accessory bags. They are available online over many reputed outlets today.