|
Exercise
Exercise Programs
Daily Exercise
Health Benefits of Exercise
Health Benefits of Exercise
Exercise is not only good for the body, but good for the mind
as well. Those who exercise regularly have a reduced chance of
becoming chronically ill, disabled, depressed and dependent on
others at they age. Exercise can reduce the risk of developing
a number of serious diseases and health conditions. Below is a
brief explanation of how exercise positively influences a
number of diseases.
Coronary artery disease and high blood pressure
Sedentary people have almost double the risk of developing
coronary artery disease. Exercise can help people to eliminate
the need for blood pressure medications, as well as reduce bad
cholesterol (LDL), increase good cholesterol (HDL) and reduce
fat (triglycerides).
Diabetes
There exists a very strong link between those who do not
exercise (and are often overweight) and
Type II Diabetes (non
insulin dependent diabetes). For those already diagnosed with
Type II Diabetes, regular exercise can result in decreased
insulin dosages.
Weight control
The health risks associated with overweight and
obesity are
many and very well documented. From increased risk of some
cancers, to stroke, diabetes and high blood pressure,
overweight causes a myriad of health complications. Exercise
is an essential component of weight control.
Cancer
Many recent studies have revealed that increased physical
activity reduces the risk of developing a number of different
cancers.
Osteoporosis
Exercise and diet can not only contribute to the development
of strong bones, but can even slow and potentially reverse
bone loss in older adults. Strength training is ideally suited
to building more muscle and bone mass.
Arthritis
Regular exercise can reduce the risk of developing arthritis,
as well as aid in the
management of arthritis and other joint problems.
Psychological Health
There is an increasing body of evidence that points to the
ability of exercise to profoundly impact the development of,
and severity of, a number of psychological conditions,
including depression and anxiety disorders. The precise
interaction between exercise and better psychological health
is difficult to measure, but most researchers point out the
obvious link between an improvement in quality of life to a
decrease in psychological problems. By
no means can exercise negate the necessity of treating
psychological disorders in the regular manner; however, many
experts believe that it should be incorporated into any
treatment program.
The U.S. Department of Health
and Human Services, National Institutes of Health provide
excellent articles and resources about
exercise and
fitness. The Mayo Clinic's Healthy Living Center is
another excellent resource for
exercise
information and other healthy living issues. |
