Nov 12, 2018

U.S updates physical activity guidance for first time since 2008

A runner crosses the finish line at the Brooks Beasts Desert Throwdown. Photo: Ethan Miller via Getty Images

The Department of Health and Human Services has released a new set of guidelines outlining the physical activity recommended for Americans to stay healthy.

Why it matters: Only 26% of men, 19% of women and 20% of adolescents meet the 2008 guidelines, a deficiency that has resulted in nearly $117 billion in annual health care costs, per HHS. The new guidelines claim any amount of physical activity can have immediate health benefits, including "including reduced anxiety and blood pressure, improved quality of sleep, and improved insulin sensitivity."

Go deeper

Ina Fried, author of Login
2 hours ago - Technology

Lego, Sesame Workshop back early-learning startup

Photo by Noam Galai/Getty Images

A number of leading children's brands, including Lego and Sesame Workshop, are among the investors pouring $50 million into BEGiN, the New York startup behind the early-learning program HOMER.

Why it matters: Thus far, HOMER has focused on reading apps, but with the new funding and partnerships, the company says it will expand to a full early-learning program combining digital, physical and in-person experiences, tapping some of its investors for both content and distribution.

Go deeper (<1 min. read)Arrow
Ben Geman, author of Generate
2 hours ago - Energy & Environment

Climate's surprise appearance in the debate

Illustration: Annelise Capossela/Axios

The debate was a mess as moderator Chris Wallace struggled with President Trump's interruptions. But let's analyze the climate parts anyway without normalizing the whole thing.

Why it matters: The contest provided a collision over the topic between Trump and Joe Biden, and underscored the two candidates' immense differences.

Go deeper (2 min. read)Arrow
Axios
Updated 2 hours ago - Politics & Policy

Coronavirus dashboard

Illustration: Sarah Grillo/Axios

  1. Global: Total confirmed cases as of 9 a.m. ET: 33,700,008 — Total deaths: 1,008,874 — Total recoveries: 23,426,047 — Map.
  2. U.S.: Total confirmed cases as of 9 a.m. ET: 7,191,406 — Total deaths: 206,005 — Total recoveries: 2,813,305 — Total tests: 103,155,189 — Map.
  3. Health: The coronavirus' alarming impact on the body.
  4. Business: Shell plans up to 9,000 job cuts by 2022.
  5. Politics: 7 former FDA commissioners say Trump is undermining agency's credibility.
  6. Work: United States of burnout — Asian American unemployment spikes amid pandemic
Go deeper (<1 min. read)Arrow