Many of the leading causes of death for people between the ages of 25 and 65 are preventable. Lifestyle habits either speed-up or reverse disease and ageing. Adults can reclaim good health by changing their poor health habits. The average person's life span in 1980 was about 73 years with an expectation that 11 years would be lived in a state of dependence or disability. The average 65-year-old can now expect to live until the age of 82 years.
An inactive lifestyle can promote the onset of heart disease, hypertension, obesity, diabetes, osteoporosis, and diminished mental health. One of the goals of the HEALTHY PEOPLE 2000: NATIONAL HEALTH PROMOTION AND DISEASE PREVENTION OBJECTIVES is to increase the span of healthy life.
The Heart Foundation recommends and promotes enjoyable active living for all Australians. This can include incorporating physical activity into usual activities of daily living as well as participation in exercise or sport for recreation or fitness. All people should aim to participate in moderate intensity physical activity for 30 minutes or more on most or all days of the week. While this level of moderate physical activity is recommended for health benefit, more vigorous activity (for those who are able and want to do it) may confer additional benefit in terms of cardiovascular health. Physical activity should be a part of a general healthy lifestyle that also includes healthy eating and being smoke free.
The best documented health gain of moderate regular physical activity is in the prevention of heart disease, and reduced risk of cardiovascular and all-cause mortality among those who are physically active, compared with those who are sedentary.
Evidence from animal studies suggests that regular physical activity increases coronary circulation, thus facilitating oxygen extraction by the active muscle cells. Physical activity also reduces the risk of non-insulin dependent diabetes (NIDDM), and favourably influences body weight, blood pressure and lipid profiles. Moderate improvements in fitness bring substantial health benefits, and by improving physical fitness, people of all ages can reduce the risk of premature death.
Studies show that increases in physical activity provide lasting health benefits, even after as little as two years. Further, increasing activity to a moderate level confers a benefit at any age, suggesting that it is never too late to start some physical activity.
A no exercise lifestyle is a major health risk. Exercise and fitness are crucial to successful ageing. Fitness brings about positive changes to reduce the human and financial losses associated with chronic diseases. Its impact is both healing and preventive, regenerating the body and rekindling the spirit. It adds years to life and life to years.
Article #7420
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