We all know that exercise is good for us.
Exercise can help control weight, improve mood, boost energy, promote better
sleep and combat health conditions and diseases. Exercise is one of the
simplest, cheapest and underutilized tools in the health industry. We know that
it can prevent a whole host of conditions, from obesity to cardiovascular
disease.
A review published in the British Medical
Journal last year, boasts that “exercise is ‘as good as medicines’ in treating
disease”. This bold statement reinforced what most doctors and healthcare
professionals have been declaring for ages. People have known for years that a
balanced diet and a consistent exercise routine is the key to health. Now we
have the data to show that not only is exercise a key to disease prevention,
but it is also the key to disease treatment.
The study finds that there is no statistically
detectable difference between exercise and drugs for patients with health
conditions such as heart disease, and prediabetes. They even found that
exercise was preferable to drugs in patients recovering from stroke.
The World Health Organization has claimed that
physical inactivity is the fourth leading risk factor for global mortality
worldwide. Moderate intensity physical activity, like walking, cycling or
sports, can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, depression,
colon and breast cancer and bone fractures. It is recommended that adults
participate in 150 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity per week.
It turns out that only 15% of adults in Canada actually attain this minimum.
This isn’t just about disease prevention
anymore, it’s also about decreasing mortality of those already afflicted with
these conditions. Exercise is now being considered as a viable treatment
consideration. Recognition of the fact that “exercise is medicine” could
disrupt the prescription cycle and potentially lead to a more sustainable
future.
References
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