Doing all household chores on your own: Does it count as exercise?

Mention 'regular exercise' to homemakers of Kerala over 40, and many would be quick to say, 'I do all the household chores on my own. Why do I need exercise?' Similarly, many people count morning walks also as a good dose of daily exercise. However, doctors have a very different view. Dr M G Venkitesh, family medicine specialist at NS Hospital, Kollam, explains. 

Are chores an alternative for exercise?
Household chores can take long hours each day and can be physically demanding, too. However, when it comes to exercise, household chores do not count. A morning walk alone is not enough to stay fit. Aim for 150 to 300 minutes of walking a week and devote at least two days to muscle-strengthening exercises. If a person can hit the gym, they should do so, and yoga is also a good option. 

Salt, sugar consumption after 40
Salt becomes a particular concern after 40, when the risk of high blood pressure increases, making it important to gradually reduce salt intake. However, those with low blood pressure, a relatively rare condition, may not need to restrict their salt intake.

Sugar, meanwhile, is best avoided altogether. The body gets enough glucose from regular food, leaving little need for added sugar. Sugar-sweetened beverages, fruit drinks and squashes should therefore be avoided as far as possible. Products marketed as ‘sugar free’ are not necessarily healthier, and packaged and preserved foods should be kept to a minimum.

The ideal dinner time
Good sleep is equally important, the doctor says, adding that finishing dinner at least three hours before bedtime and avoiding mobile phones and laptops at night are important, as they can interfere with sleep. The doctor also advises people to avoid unnecessary medication, undergo regular cancer screening and keep their vaccinations up to date.