Exercise As Medicine
Many ancient philosophers and physicians have recognized the benefits of exercise as medicine. For example, the ancient Indian physician Sushruta recommended moderate physical activity on a daily basis. The Chinese physician Hua Tuo believed that chronic illnesses could be partially attributed to a lack of physical activity and therefore advocated regular exercise as a remedy. Similarly, physical therapist Kristen Schuyten, a clinical specialist at the University of Michigan Health MedSport, has seen the benefits of exercise for patients ranging from the beginning exerciser to competitive athletes and performing artists.
Exercise is a medicine
The exercise and sports medicine professions are working together to make exercise a better medicine for the body and mind. This nonprofit initiative is being promoted by the American College of Sports Medicine and the American Medical Association. The 18th Surgeon General, Regina Benjamin, is also supporting the initiative. The goal is to prevent chronic diseases and promote health through exercise. Ultimately, this can reduce the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and other diseases.
In 2007, the American College of Sports Medicine launched the Exercise is Medicine initiative. It aims to make physical activity assessment and prescription a standard part of disease prevention and treatment. The initiative is backed by compelling evidence that shows the health benefits of exercise. Physicians must be more proactive in promoting physical activity and exercise for their patients.
Exercise improves health
Exercising regularly is a great way to improve your health. Exercise can help you deal with many different problems, from diabetes to high blood pressure. It can even help reduce unhealthy triglycerides. It also improves your energy level. When you exercise regularly, your heart and muscles work more efficiently.
Generally, exercise improves health, but it's important to do it in moderation to avoid injury. A minimum of 30 minutes of moderate activity five times per week is enough to get the benefits of exercise. You can break your sessions into two 15-minute sessions or three 10-minute sessions. Just remember to take breaks during your exercise.
Exercise helps prevent chronic diseases and reduce high cholesterol levels and blood pressure. It also lowers your risk of osteoarthritis and osteoporosis. Moreover, being physically fit can reduce your risk of cancer. According to the Seattle Cancer Research Center, 35% of cancer deaths are directly related to overweight or obesity. Furthermore, exercise improves your mood and well-being.
Exercise improves brain health
Exercise has been shown to improve brain health in several ways. For starters, exercise increases levels of neurotransmitters, the chemicals in the brain that regulate our thoughts and emotions. This increased chemistry promotes higher brain function and better memory. Exercising also reduces inflammation, increases growth factors in the brain, and enhances mood and sleep. Studies show that these effects of exercise are immediate and long-lasting.
Exercise also improves brain health by slowing the aging process. It also decreases stress, which can lead to chronic disease. Studies have shown that aerobic exercise reduces the risk of Alzheimer's disease and dementia.
Exercise increases blood flow
Exercise as medicine increases blood flow in the muscles and arteries through increased oxygenation and increased blood flow. This increase is due to a process known as vasodilation in the contracting muscle. The vasodilation occurs as a result of the use of biochemicals in the body, called ATP. This usage produces metabolic byproducts, which in turn cause small, thin-walled blood vessels (called capillaries) to dilate and expand. This dilated blood vessel expands to provide more oxygen-rich blood to working muscles.
High-intensity aerobic exercise may reduce your risk of coronary artery disease. It is also effective in treating cardiovascular disease. Studies have shown that it reduces the risk of coronary events, especially in older people. Aerobic exercise, which causes you to feel mildly out of breath, improves circulation and improves overall heart health. This type of exercise includes jogging, aerobic classes, swimming, rowing, dancing, and team sports. Even brisk walking can improve blood flow.
Exercise mobilizes white blood cells
A recent study examined the role of exercise in mobilizing white blood cells. The researchers measured circulating SP cells, hematocrit, and cytokines in 37 healthy subjects. They also measured levels of IL-6, VEGF, and vascular endothelium growth factor.
The results of the study demonstrated that acute bouts of exercise alter the immune system, particularly the leukocytes. The intensity and duration of exercise played a major role in regulating the leukocytes' trafficking. The aim of this study was to explore the acute and short-term effects of various exercise intensities.
Researchers also found that the immune system responds to exercise in plastic ways. The intensity and duration of the exercise also affected the cellular immune phenotypes. Moreover, higher intensity exercises increased the sympathetic nervous system activity and increased physiological stress measures. However, most people do not engage in high-intensity exercise and instead prefer a more moderate exercise regime.
