October 29, 2007

10 REASONS TO EXERCISE:

• LONGER LIFE EXPECTANCY. People who are fit tend to live longer, while people who are obese have an overall mortality rate almost twice that of non-obese people. Even mild-to-moderate overweight people substantially increase their risk for premature death.
  

• HEALTHY WEIGHT, HEALTHY HEART. Excess weight increases cardiac risk factors, while a healthy weight helps reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, hypertension and stroke. If all Americans had a healthy body composition, the incidence of coronary heart disease would drop by more than 24 percent.

• REDUCED RISK OF CERTAIN CANCERS. Obesity is associated with an increased risk for breast, colon and kidney cancer

• LOWER INCIDENCE OF DIABETES. Individuals with a healthy weight are less likely to develop type 2 diabetes. The incidence of type 2 diabetes among Americans has steadily grown as the incidence of obesity has increased.

• HEALTHY BONES AND MUSCLES. Excess weight stresses joints, muscles and bones. But exercise helps all three be in better condition.

• BETTER POSTURE. Evenly distributed weight along the spine and body helps maintain proper posture, which is important for overall back health and how you look.

• GREATER MOBILITY. A healthy body weight makes leisure activities with friends and family more enjoyable and more comfortable, as well as making all your tasks easier.

• IMPROVED SELF-ESTEEM. Maintaining a healthy body weight increases self-esteem and helps maintain a positive self-image, especially in a bathing suit.

• HIGHER ENERGY LEVELS. Excess weight can make everyday activities more tiresome and laborious.

• BETTER QUALITY SLEEP. Maintaining a healthy weight can help prevent obstructive sleep apnea, a blockage in the throat or upper airway that temporarily halts breathing and disrupts sleep patterns. A good night's sleep always makes for a good day's anything.

(ACE, The American Council on Exercise)

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