Exercise is Medicine

What would you do if you were given a prescription that could give you more energy, improve your mood, fight depression, lower your blood pressure, reduce your risk of heart attack and make your muscles and bones stronger?  Most of us would take that medicine every day!!!  Ironically, this “medicine” (though often prescribed by doctors) is not taken by most people.  So, what is this treatment? It’s EXERCISE!  Don’t think just because you are old, sick, tired, out of shape, etc. that you can’t or shouldn’t do it. In fact, it is even more important for you to do it!  Unfortunately, the exercise prescription often takes a back seat to everything else.  “I don’t have time.”  “I’m too tired.”  “Exercise is boring.”  “I’ve tried before but always end up quitting.”  “It hurts.”   Whatever the excuse….remember that it’s not too late!  YOU CAN DO IT!  If exercise were a drug, it would be the most prescribed drug out there.  Here’s a brief list of some of the health conditions and illnesses that can be prevented or improved by partaking in regular exercise:

• Heart Disease and Stroke. Daily physical activity can help prevent heart disease and stroke by strengthening your heart muscle, lowering your blood pressure, raising your high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels (good cholesterol) and lowering low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels (bad cholesterol), improving blood flow, and increasing your heart's working capacity.
• High Blood Pressure. Regular physical activity can reduce blood pressure in those with high blood pressure levels. Physical activity also reduces body fatness, which is associated with high blood pressure.
• Noninsulin-Dependent Diabetes. By reducing body fatness, physical activity can help to prevent and control this type of diabetes. 
• Obesity. Physical activity helps to reduce body fat by building or preserving muscle mass and improving the body's ability to use calories. When physical activity is combined with proper nutrition, it can help control weight and prevent obesity, a major risk factor for many diseases.
• Back Pain. By increasing muscle strength and endurance and improving flexibility and posture, regular exercise helps to prevent back pain.
• Osteoporosis. Regular weight-bearing exercise promotes bone formation and may prevent many forms of bone loss associated with aging.
• Psychological Effects. Regular physical activity can improve your mood and the way you feel about yourself. Researchers also have found that exercise is likely to reduce depression and anxiety and help you to better manage stress.

If you have an existing medical condition, or are just starting an exercise program, be sure to consult your physician prior to beginning to make sure the exercise program that you choose is designed with your health and wellness in mind!  If they give you the okay, don’t hesitate to contact me with any questions!