A Miracle Cure?
Step right up!
It's the miracle cure we've all been waiting for.
It can reduce your risk of heart disease and stroke by up to 50% and lower your risk of early death by up to 30%.
It's free, easy to take, has an immediate effect and you don't need a GP to get some.
Its name?
Exercise.
Exercise is the miracle cure we've always had, but we've neglected to take our recommended dose for too long.
Our health is now suffering as a consequence.
Whatever your age, there's strong scientific evidence that being physically active can help you lead a healthier and even happier life.
People who do regular activity have a lower risk of many chronic diseases, such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, stroke and some cancers.
Research shows that physical activity can also boost self-esteem, mood, sleep quality and energy, as well as reducing your risk of stress, depression, dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
"If exercise were a pill, it would be one of the most cost-effective drugs ever invented." says Dr Nick Cavill, a health promotion consultant.
A modern problem
People are less active nowadays, partly because technology has made our lives easier. We drive cars or take public transport. Machines wash our clothes. We entertain ourselves in front of a TV or computer screen.
Fewer people are doing manual work, and most of us have jobs that involve little physical effort. Work, house chores, shopping and other necessary activities are far less demanding than for previous generations.
We move around less and burn off less energy than people used to.
Research suggests that many adults spend more than seven hours a day sitting down, at work, on transport or in their leisure time.
People aged over 65 spend 10 hours or more each day sitting or lying down, making them the most sedentary age group.
Sedentary lifestyles
Inactivity is described by the Department of Health as a 'silent killer'. Evidence is emerging that sedentary behaviour, such as sitting or lying down for long periods, is bad for your health.
Spending hours sitting down watching TV or playing computer games is thought to increase your risk of many chronic diseases, such as heart disease, stroke and diabetes, as well as weight gain and obesity.
Not only should you try to raise your activity levels, but you should also reduce the amount of time you and your family spend sitting down.
Common examples of sedentary behaviour include watching TV, using a computer, using the car for short journeys and sitting down to read, talk or listen to music.
Courtesy of www.nhs.uk
