Exercise

It's never to late to start taking better care of yourself and that goes for exercise as well. A healthy lifestyle that includes regular exercise can infuse you with energy and help fend off certain diseases. And you don't have to run a marathon or work yourself to extremes to reap the rewards. Moderate-intensity exercise for 30 minutes five times a week can greatly improve your quality of life.

In addition to improving cardiovascular health, maintaining a healthy body weight and increasing muscle tone, regular physical activity can reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, colon cancer, and type 2 diabetes. It can also lower cholesterol, triglyceride levels and high blood pressure; and it can help build strong bones and joints, reduce the effects of stress and improve your overall sense of well being.

Building strong bones
Weight-bearing exercises are particularly important for stimulating bone growth and reducing the risk of developing osteoporosis. Activities that fall into the category of weight-bearing exercises include walking, jogging/running, dancing, stair climbing, and the use of resistance weight machines or free weights.

Strengthening your heart
Aerobic exercise is recommended for overall cardiovascular health. Aerobic activity works large muscle groups for a sustained period of time, which elevates heart rate and breathing. Examples include fitness walking, jogging/running, stair climbing, bicycling, swimming, cross-country skiing and aerobic exercise classes.

Maintaining body weight
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), an estimated 61 percent of adults are either overweight (a body weight index over 25) or obese (a body mass index over 30).  A sedentary lifestyle can contribute to obesity. Regular exercise, on the other hand, can help maintain a healthy body weight by reducing total body fat and increasing lean muscle mass.

Getting started
Always consult with your health care provider before beginning a new exercise program, especially if you have been inactive for an extended period of time. Then find activities you enjoy and start slowly, gradually increasing the intensity and duration of your workouts.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, call Bassett Healthcare at 1-800-BASSETT (1-800-227-7388).