Why Exercise?

Taken from the American Institute for Cancer Research Newsletter, Summer 1998

Submitted by Jean Hardy

Protects against some cancers.

Regular physical activity reduces the risk of developing colon cancer and may also help prevent breast and lung cancers.

Helps lessen love-handles.

Exercise does fight flab but this is not just a cosmetic issue. Weight gain during adult years may lead to obesity, which increases the risk of developing endometrial, kidney, breast, colon and gallbladder cancers as well as diabetes, hypertension and heart disease.

Reduces the risk of heart disease.

Aerobic exercise (gets us breathing harder such as with running, brisk walking, swimming, or biking) strengthens the heart and blood vessels, increases HDL ("good") cholesterol and lowers triglyceride levels.

Helps lift mood.

Chemicals released in the brain during exercise may cause feelings of anxiety, depression and mental stress to melt away during workouts.

Lowers blood pressure.

Physical activity can reduce blood pressure that's already high and prevent high blood pressure in the first place.

Bolsters the immune system.

Regular, moderate activity benefits the immune system, which may mean fewer colds, viruses, and infections for you.

Reduces risk of developing diabetes.

It improves your body's ability to use the insulin it make, lessening the chance you'll develop type II (adult-onset) diabetes.

Helps maintain bones and joints.

Weight-bearing exercise can help prevent osteoporosis, while a sedentary lifestyle promotes bone loss.

Boosts self-esteem.

Meeting a challenge, improving health, looking better, feeling stronger, meeting new people can increase self-esteem in many ways.

It's fun!

If exercise seems like a grind, you just haven't found the right activity.

R News & Notes--November 12, 1998