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| SUNDAY, MAY 17, 2026
How to find time to be more
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention note that routine physical activity helps people maintain a healthy weight, reduces a person’s risk for chronic health problems like cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes, and strengthens bones and muscles, which can help aging adults overcome age-related reductions in muscle mass and strength and reduce their risk for falls. People have much to gain from incorporating exercise into their daily routines. But many adults are not reaping those rewards, and studies indicate sedentary lifestyles are on the rise. A 2024 study published in the journal The Lancet Global Health noted that 31 percent of the world’s adult population was physically inactive in 2022, which marked a 5 percent increase since 2010. And a recent report from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the United Health Foundation found that roughly one in five adults get no physical
activity beyond their regular job. The Heart Foundation notes lack of time is often cited as an excuse for not exercising, and that’s a legitimate hurdle for many professionals. Indeed, a 2026 report from Monster indicated that 73 percent of workers report regularly working more than 40 hours per week and 47 percent cite employer expectations or company culture as their top reasons for overworking. While professionals in such situations may find it challenging to overcome a lack of time to exercise, the following strategies may be just what people need to incorporate physical activity into their daily routines.
physical activity into your daily routine. Parents can walk children to the bus stop or their school in lieu of driving. Adults also can try walking to a local coffee shop near their home or office in lieu of driving to get their morning cup of Joe.
Adults who like to unwind at the end of the day by watching their favorite television shows can use that time to exerWHO guidelines recomcise without giving up their mend adults between the ages of 18 and 64 get at least entertainment. Invest in a 150 minutes of moderate-in- treadmill or elliptical and turn tensity physical activity or 75 television time into a time to minutes of vigorous physical break a sweat as well. Watchactivity each week. The WHO ing a 30-minute episode of a favorite TV show while on a also recommends mustreadmill or elliptical can help cle-strengthening activities two or more days per week. adults meet WHO physical activity guidelines without reThat can seem daunting quiring them to sacrifice their to adults pressed for time, Driving is undoubtedly preferred way to unwind. but workouts can be broken up throughout the day. A convenient, particularly for people who feel they’re These strategies can help pre-breakfast strength traincontinuously pressed for time. ing session at home may only time-pressed adults incorBut leaving the car behind require 20 minutes, and that porate more physical activity night adults can go for a jog and walking or cycling to run into their daily routines and local errands is a simple and lay a foundation for a long and or a brisk walk around their enjoyable way to incorporate neighborhood. healthy life.
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Soyfoods can be an important component of a healthy diet. Soy is a nutrient-dense, plant-based protein that is high in fiber, potassium and iron. Because soy is low in saturated fat, it is considered a smarter protein source than animal-based products. For those looking for healthier alternatives to meat or dairy, soy can be a good thing. However, soy has been studied in the past in relation to cancer causation, notably breast cancer due to soy isoflavones that can act as estrogen in the body. Increased estrogen has been linked to certain types of breast cancer. But
the American Cancer Society says a large body of evidence supports the safety of soy as part of a healthy diet. In fact, studies have found consuming soyfoods is associated with a decreased risk or no change in risk for cancer. Past studies featured mice and rats, which break down isoflavones differently than humans. Also, the doses that elevated breast cancer risk in the rodents were much higher than in studies conducted in people. Human studies have found the estrogen effects of soy seem to have no effect at all and may even reduce breast cancer risk.