Friday, May 27, 2011

Exercise as Preventive Medicine

Preventive medicine refers to measures taken to prevent diseases, (or injuries) rather than curing them or treating their symptoms (source: Wikipedia).

We forget sometimes about what goes on "behind the scenes" as a direct result of the exercise we typically do on a weekly basis. We may think if we are not losing weight that all this exercise stuff is just a waste of time and why bother. It may be time to take a look at exercise from a different perspective such as a preventative measure or simply your daily dose of preventive medicine.
  • Look at exercise as a way to PREVENT WEIGHT GAIN.
  • Exercise keeps your metabolism "revving" as you age.
  • It not only keeps your muscles strong but strengthens your bones, ligaments and tendons as well.
  • Think of exercise as heart health.
  • If your stressed or depressed think of exercise as way to "release the tension."
  • Every time you exercise think of it as protection: keeping your immune system strong.
  • Each time you exercise your extending your life expectancy.
  • Regular exercise will keep the incidence of arthritis, CVD, diabetes and breast cancer down.
  • Movement will help with back pain.
  • Keeping yourself fit and healthy as you age will help in the big picture of rising health care cost.
  • Exercise helps with everything from balance to cognition (as you age).
  • Think of exercise as a memory booster.
We have our own reasons for why we continue to exercise: vanity, feel healthy, lose weight, prevent injuries, stay functional as we age, or maybe for the social aspect. Whatever your reasons might be, remember, that there are many benefits that equate directly to the duration and intensity of what your doing each time you exercise. Make regular exercise the only pill you take.

No comments: