Physical activity is an important topic in Contemporary Health that relates well to chronic diseases. The ability to respond to regular physical demands with enough reserve energy to cope with sudden challenge, sums up physical fitness (Hales & Lauzon, 2009). Active living protects against many chronic diseases, such as heart disease, cancer, osteoporosis, and diabetes.
For example, cardiovascular disease (CVD) continues on as the first and foremost cause of premature death in Canada. Regularly active people are two times as likely to avoid CVD (Hales & Lauzon, 2009) – which means that something as simple as daily brisk walking for an hour, can greatly reduce the risk of CVD! Activity keeps the blood flowing, making blood clots less likely, thereby reducing chances of strokes or heart attacks (Harvard University, 2002). Other benefits include stronger heart muscles, effective blood pumping, lower hypertension, decreased heart rate, and increased high-density lipoproteins (HDL).
Studies have also shown that physical activity reduces the risk of colon cancer by 50% (Lee, Paffenberger, & Hseih, 1991). This is an astounding finding! Furthermore, physically fit men reduce risks of prostate and colon cancer, while fit women reduce risks of breast cancer. For postmenopausal women, more exercise lowers blood levels of estrogen (Women’s Health Weekly, 2002). Exercise has also been proven to lower risk of endometrial cancers.
In addition, as people age, their bones become denser. Peak bone mass is around 30 years of age. Weak bones are more common for those who don’t exercise (Hales & Lauzon, 2009). When bones lose mineral density, they become more prone to injury. Women especially, have less dense bones to begin with, and bone loss increases after menopause.
Another chronic disease whose risk increases as people age, is diabetes. About one in 18 Canadians has been diagnosed with diabetes (Hales & Lauzon, 2009). Physical activity improves insulin sensitivity and reduces weight, thereby lowering the risk of diabetes.
As you can see, there are numerous benefits to regular physical activity – many of which can help in preventing chronic diseases. Most people exercise to look good for others, but health can be another great incentive to go for a run on the treadmill, or enjoy a sunny day outside cycling. As with many things (such as learning languages), starting young will provide much more benefit than starting later. Exercise today, keep your body fit, and you’ll be rewarded a long, healthy life!
References
Exercise lowers levels of blood estrogen. (2002, August 8). Women’s Health Weekly, 10.
Hales, D., & Lauzon, L. (2009). An Invitation to Health. Toronto: Nelson Education Ltd.
Harvard University. (2002). Heart beat – Activity keeps the blood flowing. Harvard Heart Letter, 12(11).
Lee, I.-M., Paffenberger, R.S. Jr., & Hseih, C.-C. (1991). Physical activity and risk of developing colorectal cancer
among college alumni. Journal of the National Cancer Institute, 83, 1324-29.
