September 13, 2004 • RDH Magazine

By Juli Kagan, RDH, M.Ed.

Nike has a great campaign: "Just do it." I think RDHs should start a campaign called "Just Get Moving!" We work all day sitting in dental chairs, drive home sitting in our cars, eat dinner in seated positions, and often sit in front of computers or lie down watching TV. Getting active is the first step toward better health and fitness.

To begin, park your car farther away than normal. Walk briskly. Take the stairs instead of the elevator, or walk up the escalator if you can't find the stairs. Look for exercising opportunities. Activity adds up over the days, weeks, and years.

If you aren't used to routine exercise, gradually begin walking. Go when the sun rises or during the evening when the sun sets. Promise yourself you'll only go out for about 15 to 20 minutes. (Once you're out, 20 minutes will seem too short.) My girlfriend Kathy said to me the other day, "I used to think I needed to make time to go on the Stairmaster. Now, if I have just 20 minutes, I'll jump on and get it done. I feel better afterwards."

The same idea may be applied to walking or popping in an exercise video. Exercising your body and mind don't have to be Olympic events — just do it. Get moving.

I know, you're giving me excuses already. But here's the deal — make exercising the excuse that will convince you to want a higher level of health. Make health the reason to walk farther, step more frequently, and stand with better posture. Set a date with yourself to exercise. Make "me time." Better yet, find an activity you like or can do with others. There is nothing like a little peer pressure to get you motivated or to stay on track.

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