Exercise for Better Health

Exercise - the quote says it all :

Lack of physical activity due to high amounts of TV, computer, video game or other screen usage
has been associated with a high body mass index.
Healthy lifestyle changes, such as being physically active and reducing screen time,
can help you aim for a healthy weight.
- National Heart, Lung & Blood Institute

Combine leisure activities - TV & fitness stability ball

Exercise is Important

There is growing support by medical research that exercise is more important to our health at all stages of life for improved longevity and well-being. Studies show that all of us benefit from physical activity and exercise. Here are a few reasons why exercise is important :

Reduces the risk of early death (a good point to start with)
Prevents cancer especially breast and colon cancer. "Women who increase their physical activity after menopause may also have a lower risk of breast cancer than women who do not"
Reports show that routine physical activity can prevent primary and secondary cancers
Reduces incidence of heart disease such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure, stroke, heart attack
Reduces chances of Diabetes and its associated ailments. More so when coupled with being overweight
Reduces risk of dementia for those 65 years and older

Health is a state of physical, mental, and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity ...
Clinicians should not discourage vigorous intensity exercise unless there is a specific clinical reason.

~ "Exercise Intensity, Dose, & Cardiovascular Disease"

Fun exercise ... take a daily walk, or run with the kids or grand-kids

What's Not to Like About exercise?

This is a question most of us ignore until it is too late and there is already a health problem which quite often can change our lives forever. A few ideas :

Simply going for a half hour walk in the park, on the beach or your favourite place
Cycle on a stationary bike, walk or run on the tread mill at the local gym
Walk and run, or take a hike in the great outdoors
Take up a sport like rowing, cycling, tennis
Learn to dance - a lifetime activity
Working in the garden for an hour ie mow the lawn
Take swimming lessons
Play soccer with the grand-kids. The options are endless as your ability. Start where you are able and keep going at your own pace.

Other Healthy Lifestyle Changes

There are many lifestyle changes you can make besides increasing your activity level. Here are a few ideas in a recent article, Time for a Change, about the healthy changes we have made over the past 8 years.

If you watch a lot of evening TV make a point to get up during a TV ad; phone a friend to go to the gym; ride a bike to work or school as these are good healthy ideas you can benefit from in the long-term. You are never too old, too overweight, too slow or too sore to get up and get moving. Any exercise you can do will help your overall health and well-being while benefitting mental and emotional health. No more excuses just get up and move.

Added Sugar and Your Health

There is much negative news today about the health effects of added sugars especially in processed foods and soda drinks. If you are concerned about your weight or are pre-diabetic please check out the sugar links below and What About Sugar?

As I often say, be the best you can be for whatever stage you are at in your Life and enjoy every moment.