VOA标准英语2010年-US University Program Is Designed to K

Studies show that people are living longer and the population in much of the world is growing older. Other research shows physical activity reduces the risk of heart disease, type two diabetes¹ and some cancers. It also delays the onset² of Alzheimer's. VOA's Carol Pearson reports on efforts by one university to help older adults reap the benefits of exercise.

Celsi Cowan is no stranger to the gym. "It's pretty much a regular routine."

The University of Missouri has developed an exercise program for both young and older adults so they can get in shape. Exersize helps prevent obesity³ and diseases associated with sedentary lifestyles and excess weight.

Fitness specialist Steve Ball says it's called the MyActivity Pyramid.  "Being physically⁴ active on a regular basis is a difficult thing, but the MyActivity Pryamid offers adults a variety of ways that they can reach these recommendations for health and improving the quality of life," he said.

Ball says adults should start off with exercises at the base of the pyramid, like walking or climbing stairs. Then they  add aerobic⁵ exercises that get the heart and lungs to work harder and promote circulation.

Ball says adults need at lease 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity each week. "You don't have to do all of your exercise in one setting.  You could break a 30 minute per day recommendation into three 10 minute bouts⁶ of exercise," he said.

Exercise helps older adults maintain mobility⁷ and independence and helps prevent falls. Falls are a leading cause of death for older adults and also a major reason they enter a nursing home.

A university program also uses weight training for older adults.

University specialists lead the work out sessions in community centers throughout (the state of) Missouri. 

Susan Mills-Gray specializes in preventing chronic⁸ diseases. "This program is designed to improve strength, balance and flexibility⁹ so that every day living tasks become easier," she said.

Ellen Brown says the exercises help relieve her pain and stiffness from  arthritis¹⁰. "I don't look very flexible now, but I am a lot more flexible than I was," she said.

Bill Crow sees weight training as a type of insurance.  "It's kind of a protection for us older people not to fall, and we've got to keep our balance well and all those things," he said.

Weight and exercise programs can have a financial benefit in addition to better health.  "The main goal is to help people stay living independently longer which reduce healthcare costs," said Mills-Gray.

Studies show that people are living longer and the population in much of the world is growing older.

 

1 diabetes   

n.糖尿病

参考例句：

• In case of diabetes, physicians advise against the use of sugar.对于糖尿病患者，医生告诫他们不要吃糖。
• Diabetes is caused by a fault in the insulin production of the body.糖尿病是由体內胰岛素分泌失调引起的。

2 onset   

n.进攻，袭击，开始，突然开始

参考例句：

• The drug must be taken from the onset of the infection.这种药必须在感染的最初期就开始服用。
• Our troops withstood the onset of the enemy.我们的部队抵挡住了敌人的进攻。

3 obesity   

n.肥胖，肥大

参考例句：

• One effect of overeating may be obesity.吃得过多能导致肥胖。
• Sugar and fat can more easily lead to obesity than some other foods.糖和脂肪比其他食物更容易导致肥胖。

4 physically   

adj.物质上，体格上，身体上，按自然规律

参考例句：

• He was out of sorts physically,as well as disordered mentally.他浑身不舒服，心绪也很乱。
• Every time I think about it I feel physically sick.一想起那件事我就感到极恶心。

5 aerobic   

adj.需氧的，增氧健身法的，有氧的

参考例句：

• Aerobic exercise helps to build up stamina.有氧健身操有助于增强耐力。
• Aerobic dance is conductive to the health.有氧舞蹈有助于健康。

6 bouts   

n.拳击（或摔跤）比赛( bout的名词复数 )；一段（工作）；（尤指坏事的）一通；（疾病的）发作

参考例句：

• For much of his life he suffered from recurrent bouts of depression. 他的大半辈子反复发作抑郁症。 来自《简明英汉词典》
• It was one of fistiana's most famous championship bouts. 这是拳击界最有名的冠军赛之一。 来自《现代英汉综合大词典》

7 mobility   

n.可动性，变动性，情感不定

参考例句：

• The difference in regional house prices acts as an obstacle to mobility of labour.不同地区房价的差异阻碍了劳动力的流动。
• Mobility is very important in guerrilla warfare.机动性在游击战中至关重要。

8 chronic   

adj.(疾病)长期未愈的，慢性的；极坏的

参考例句：

• Famine differs from chronic malnutrition.饥荒不同于慢性营养不良。
• Chronic poisoning may lead to death from inanition.慢性中毒也可能由虚弱导致死亡。

9 flexibility   

n.柔韧性，弹性，（光的）折射性，灵活性

参考例句：

• Her great strength lies in her flexibility.她的优势在于她灵活变通。
• The flexibility of a man's muscles will lessen as he becomes old.人老了肌肉的柔韧性将降低。

10 arthritis   

n.关节炎

参考例句：

• Rheumatoid arthritis has also been linked with the virus.风湿性关节炎也与这种病毒有关。
• He spent three months in the hospital with acute rheumatic arthritis.他患急性风湿性关节炎，在医院住了三个月。