Exercise hailed as the “wonder drug” of 2017 that all doctors should prescribe
Exercise is vital for maintaining health and for staving off illness, especially at this time of the year when chest infections and viruses are rife.
With many people finding it hard to put aside time for exercise, the health consequences are becoming more apparent in the guise of obesity and diseases such as diabetes and heart disease.
The recent scenes at emergency departments across the country should act as a reminder of the importance of taking preventative steps when it comes to illness.
A recent article in the Irish Independent, discussing the recommendations of the Physical Activity Group at the Royal College of Surgeons remind us of the impressive long-term benefits of exercise:
– A 30pc risk reduction in deaths from any cause;
– Reduced chance of heart disease, stroke and cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, breast and colon cancer;
– 29pc-30pc less risk of depression;
– 30pc lower risk of falls in elderly;
– 36pc-68pc reduced risk of hip fracture.
They remind us that light, intermittent activity is far superior to long periods of inactivity. Sitting at a desk all day has been shown to have a major negative impact on cardiovascular health & blood flow. For this reason, merely standing up from your chair or going for a walk during breaks can help negate the negative consequences of prolonged sitting.
