The Link Between Exercise and Disease Prevention
Exercise is the key factor for a healthier and better function of life. Besides enabling individuals to maintain a healthy weight, it decreases the probability for a variety of medical conditions and diseases such as obesity, heart disease, diabetes, stroke, osteoporosis, and back pain.
1. Obesity
- Being overweight and obese is very unhealthy and can lead to more serious conditions. Individuals can prevent and treat obesity by combining exercise with healthy eating habits.
- Physical activity assists with the reduction of body fat and building muscle mass. Muscles increase the body’s function to burn off calories.
2. Heart Disease
- Consistent exercise activities help improve heart function by strengthening the heart muscles, lowering low-density lipoproteins (LDLs) or bad cholesterol, increasing high-density lipoproteins (HDLs) or good cholesterol, and reducing blood pressure.
- Any type of exercise is better than none, but the more a person exercises the healthier the heart. High amounts of physical activity make the greatest impact on the improvement of cholesterol.
3. Type 2 Diabetes
- Since exercise contributes to a healthy weight, physical activity can assist with the prevention and maintenance of type 2 diabetes.
- Weight loss improves cholesterol and blood sugar, lowers blood pressure, and increases sensitivity to insulin.
4. Stroke
- Physical activity reduces the incidence and lethal effects of a stroke.
- Moderate exercise reduces the risk of stroke by 20 percent.
5. Osteoporosis
- Exercise that involves weight-bearing activities including walking, running, dancing, lifting weights, and climbing stairs increases bone strength and assists in the prevention of bone loss and osteoporosis later in life.
6. Back Pain
- A regular exercise program can prevent and manage back pain because it strengthens the muscles and increases flexibility. Exercise can also improve posture, which is essential for back pain management.
Exercise should be a normal part of everyone’s daily routine to live a healthier life and prevent illness. It is important for individuals to select exercise activities that they enjoy and are willing to do on a regular basis to live a long and fulfilling life.