Time To Get Moving Looking for a good motivator? I'll give you two. If you've resolved to get more exercise this year, here are two points that might help you keep on track. Point One: A study from Northwestern University that followed the exercise habits of more than 4,400 men and women for up to 15 years found that those who remained fit were far less likely to develop type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure; two conditions that often lead to a variety of health problems and chronic diseases. The results of this study are not surprising, of course. But I was impressed by a comment from the lead researcher of the study, Dr. Mercedes Carnethon, who singled out this important point for BBC News: "The development of risk factors for heart disease and stroke isn't just the natural result of aging." Exactly so. None of the infirmities that so many regard as "just part of getting older" should be thought of as inevitable. With balanced nutrition and regular exercise, poor health is not an inevitable part of aging. Point Two: In an American Heart Association (AHA) review of more than 40 studies on the effects of exercise on heart health, researchers concluded that heart disease can be prevented and blood pressure can be lowered with regular exercise. Again, this is no surprise. But the report on the study offered an insight into the fact that most doctors are trained to simply treat heart problems, not prevent them. So their first reaction will likely be to reach for the prescription pad and to talk to you about exercise second (if at all). One of the AHA members who participated in the study slyly noted that, when talking to physicians, drug sales representatives don't talk about exercise instead of drugs, even though the review shows that exercise often works just as well as drugs to address heart issues. So it's up to each of us to keep in mind how heavily influenced some doctors can be by information they receive from the big pharmas when deciding what, if any, treatment to take. When it comes to exercise, we're on our own. But I know from experience that it's always helpful when you have motivators that can persuade you to stay the course. And for me, knowing that it's another way to avoid the prescription pad is great motivation. To Your Good Health, Jenny Thompson
Health Sciences Institute
Sources:
"Exercise Prescriptions" Family Health Matters, 12/26/03
"Keeping Fit has Long-Term Benefit" BBC News, 12/17/03, news.bbc.co.uk
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