Special Section

How Much Can Exercise Do For You?

enough with generality — let’s hear some particulars

By Anoop Balachandran, UW-Stout Fitness Director, www.exercisebiology.com

•Regular exercise has been shown to reduce risk of deaths from all causes, especially cardiovascular disease (diseases involving the heart and blood vessels, including heart attacks).

•Exercise is associated with reductions in the incidence of cancers, in particular breast and colon cancer.

•Recent studies are showing that exercise can not only delay cognitive decline/dementia, but can actually improve cognitive function in the elderly.

•Increasing research supports the importance of physical activity for the prevention of type 2 diabetes. For people who already have type 2 diabetes, exercise is beneficial for glucose control.

•Research shows that bone-strengthening exercise can slow the loss of bone density that comes with age. Even better, exercise has shown to reduce the risk of falling and hip fractures, and improve functioning in older individuals.
 
•Regular physical activity helps with arthritis and other conditions affecting the joints. The more you use them, the better they feel!  Exercise helps to manage pain—therefore can help you to complete everyday tasks with ease.

•While aging is accompanied by muscle loss and strength, exercise--especially weight bearing exercise--can help you increase or maintain your muscle mass and strength.

•Exercise has been shown to boost self esteem, improve sleep, and lower depression and anxiety.