WELLNESS--A massive study covering almost 40 countries and over 15,000 people was conducted to see just how much exercise makes a difference in people with heart disease. The results are in and once again, moving the body more wins out over being sedentary.
This particular study was done on people whom had already experienced a heart attack at some point in their lives. In addition the participants had one other risk factor such as diabetes, high cholesterol, smoking cigarettes, or they were at least age 60.
Scientists found that people who doubled their weekly activity levels reduced their odds of early death by 10 percent. Ideally people who upped their activity to 30 minutes a day of moderate exercise experienced the strongest results as far as longevity.
There’s no need to wait until we have health problems to start becoming more active. Besides with certain illnesses like chronic fatigue and some others, studies continue to pour out telling us the benefits of exercise. In spite of these stories there is still a large swath of the population that doesn’t do it.
Starting an exercise regimen and getting our diets under control can be challenging. Very often we need the employ the help of a trainer, family member or friend. If you are one of these people that just can’t do it alone, it may be time to reach out to someone else that you can pair up with and start a lifestyle plan together.
Meetup.com is a great site with many groups that are usually free and one can usually find whatever it is one is looking for. Exercise for seniors is a great example. There are also community centers across the country that help to organize group events and awareness classes around fitness. Hospitals are also a great resource if one is looking to get involved with more physical activity.
Whatever it takes to up the amount of time you move your body each day, it’s important that you make an effort. Keep a fitness journal and write down how much time you move each day and try to beat that time the next day. Ideally, we want to build to 25 to 30 minutes a day of moderate exercise. You will know you are there when you are at least lightly sweating but not huffing and puffing to the point of exhaustion.
(Christian Cristiano is an acupuncturist in LA, TV host of Wellness for Realists and writes on wellness regularly for CityWatch. Christian can be reached at 310.909.6956 twitter: @CristianoWFR)
-cw
